Through form, function and a curated aesthetic, ceramicist James Kemp has designed a career path that fosters his creative spirit. Since 2002, Kemp has used his hands and keen eye to create a diverse line of sculpture and ceramics, from large installations to smaller functional and decorative items for the home. With his pieces sought after by those in the know, Kemp’s collections can be found at local boutiques like Board of Trade, the Gam Gallery and the Window Art Shop. He also offers pottery classes to the public out of his East Van studio, which is definitely on my list of must-try creative adventures.
What has been your favourite part of your artistic journey so far?
Inventing new processes. When you invent a new way of working, it’s much easier to make something different from what has come before.
Do you have a Vancouver muse or a favourite place in the city that inspires you?
The steps on the south side of Robson Square that are very reminiscent of an MC Escher; they inspired part of my Morphology sculpture series. The process of making those sculptures, in turn, paved the way to designing my hand-carved and slip-casted Geo cups.
What is your most quirky attribute?
If I am in a situation (like a professional adult work place) for too long I’ll start speaking in a cartoon voice, or in an accent...
When it comes to style/design, what is the one thing you covet the most?
Simplicity in form, balanced with chaos.
Do you have any predictions for the future of your industry?
There was a conference a couple years back about ceramics that could conduct electricity by firing on circuitry. It’s not something that is widely used currently, but I can see it being pretty applicable in 3-D printed ceramic design and ceramics in general. So one day your coffee cup can be your alarm and if you hit the snooze button it will tell your coffee machine to make an extra strong cup.
What is your favourite creative website?
If you could describe your artistic style in one word, what would it be?
Intuitive.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Wandering the back alleys of Vancouver. I get inspired by other people’s garbage; a culture’s garbage says a lot about its people. Sometimes I find things I know I can use in the studio as a tool or as a part of a sculpture.
Is there one area of your craft you find especially challenging?
Glazing, because once you glaze something there is no going back – you can’t just paint over it.
Do you have a favourite creative space?
No, but I have a favourite creative time, between 11pm and 4am. Sometimes I will intentionally deprive myself of sleep so that I will be less inhibited with my thoughts and make stuff that surprises me.
