James Sankowski
James Sankowski | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | James Sankowski October 28, 1949 |
| Died | February 5, 2017 (aged 67) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Central College Bowling Green State University |
| Known for | Ceramic Art |
| Website | http://ballstonlakepottery.com/ |
James "Jim" Sankowski (October 28, 1949 – February 5, 2017) was an American ceramic artist. He was a studio potter known for creating high-fired porcelain pottery that has been described as functional, decorative, and contemporary.[1][2]
Sankowski attended Central College in Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Art in 1972, and received an MFA in Ceramic Art in 1974 from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. In 1975 he moved back to upstate New York to open a gallery in Ballston Lake, New York. Sankowski worked and displayed his pottery out of his gallery until he died on February 5, 2017, at the age of 67.[3]
Career[edit]
After college, Sankowski opened Ballston Lake Pottery and worked out of his studio as an artist, but sold his works nationally. He thought it was important that his work was both durable and functional, and in Ceramics Monthly, Sankowski said: "When someone tells me they would be afraid to use my pots, they are denying themselves the pleasures of putting the pot into service. To do this is to neglect the tactile qualities of the pot. The balance of a handle, a goodpouring spout and the fit of a lid are as important as the visual response."[4]
Sankowski was one of the founding members of the Albany Saratoga Pottery Trail,[5] which encouraged people to buy local, and highlighted local potters and their connection to the area.[6]
In addition to displaying his work in Ballston Lake, he was a nationally exhibiting craftsperson. Sankowski's work has been highlighted in industry publications like Ceramics Monthly,[7] Studio Potter, and The Art of Contemporary American Pottery. He's exhibited at craft and arts fairs like the Cedar Creek Gallery's National Teapot Show IX in 2014,[8] the Memorial Art Gallery Clothesline Festival in 2012, and the 1999 Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, D.C. Sankowski also held workshops and seminars around the country.[9]
References[edit]
- ^ Karen Bjornland (2015-05-08). "Potter's plans for new studio fire imagination". The Daily Gazette. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Benfield Gallery (2011-08-26). "James Sankowski". Benfield Gallery. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ "Obituary of James Sankowski". glenvillefuneralhome.com. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
- ^ Ceramics Monthly (1987-09-01). "Cuisine Art" (PDF). Ceramics Monthly. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Joe Donahue (2009-05-07). "The Albany Saratoga Pottery Trail Spring Studio Tour". WAMC Northeast Public Radio. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Jacqueline Domin (2008-04-23). "A passion for pottery". Spotlight News. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Ceramics Monthly (2000-10-01). "Functional Ceramics 2000" (PDF). Ceramics Monthly. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Cedar Creek Gallery (2014-06-06). "National Teapot Show 2014". Cedar Creek Gallery. Retrieved 2021-04-11.
- ^ Joyce Jackson (1995-02-01). "Jim Sankowski workshop" (PDF). Ceramics Monthly. Retrieved 2021-04-11.