I began my career in 1987 in Adelaide Australia at Bennetts Magill Pottery under Robert Bennett.
My job was to make clay for the potters and run a tile mill.
I was mesmerized watching the potters throw 27 pound planters, and asked my boss if I could give the wheel a shot.
He allowed me to throw one hour a day at the end of my shift.
I spent the next seven years between New England U.S. and Australia working as a production potter.
For those first seven years, l did not know how to fire a kiln or mix a glaze.
I was a wheel specialist and would throw eight hours a day and up to 400 pieces a week.
This is a good way to advance your ability, but you still must develop your eye.
The secret to strong form is to allow the eye to teach the hand.
This is the practice of studying the profile.
Of the many teachers I have had, Lauri Tuominen taught me how to look at form.
He showed me how to build strength, balance, and beauty into my forms.
The clay became my instructor once I was on my own.
The material communicates, if you learn it’s language.
Pushing the boundaries of the material and innovating new techniques has contributed greatly to the aesthetic of my work.
The feedback loop between the potter and the clay is the silent dialogue that evolves both.
As you shape the clay, the clay shapes you.
I am ever mindful of this connection as it humbles and ennobles.
Cheers,

Jamil