*Note:
Last week, during our conversation with visiting artist Randy Groden, the name came up of another world renowned local artist. We refer to master ceramicist James Watkins. We thought we would dig this deep conversation out and present it anew, since our audience has grown since we first published it.
Sometimes, a person comes to your attention in a way that seems pre-planned. Each step in the process is a synchronicity, like you were ultimately bound to meet them. And, upon meeting them, the result is a harmonious alchemy1, a mixing of disparate elements, themes, generations and art forms which imparts subtle lessons and leaves a distinct impression.
Mr. James C. Watkins is that type of soul. His quiet manner seems to hint at a knowledge of deep things; the secrets of fire and clay, mixed together, come what may.
Black cauldrons, standing on tripod feet, bubbling on flames you’ve been charged to keep. Memories in the bones, Earth deep.
We visited Mr. Watkins’ exquisite studio on November 23rd, 2024. He showed us around while we spoke of first of one thing, then another, in ways that entwined and coiled back upon themselves.
We gleaned hints of his workflow, and his mindset. We captured him amongst his tools, and felt like we knew exactly where he was coming from. Some details were elusive, but certain points were etched in gold, and danced over the surface of our discourse.
Mr. Watkins has travelled the globe on the strength of his artistic vision, yet he seems to keep a firm grasp on what counts: the heart, the soul and the very dust that makes us. The grit that gets into you and makes you reach for what lies beyond.
His roots lie in Alabama, on the family farm. His people were makers and free spirits, and Free Men who believed in God, their land, and the skill of their own hands.
Their finger prints seem etched into his mind, and dusted across his heart, looking like the lines and swirls pressed into the fields that surround our fair flat city. Lubbock, Texas, USA, jewel of the High Plains.
Mr. Watkins has heralded this place at each step in his broad travels, leaving traces on the globe like Arabic calligraphy. Repping the Hub City from Colombia to Vietnam, and plunging his fingers into the dirt at each stop.
In our conversation for today’s show, we talk about some of the technical aspects of ceramics, but we also touch on some of the more esoteric parts of throwing clay.
We explore the concept of traveling through our dreams to retrieve the blueprints of our work. Completing the piece, and them contemplating it, refining it, and starting again on the never ending process of creation.
We hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. We’d also like to send special thanks to Liz Adams, who introduced us to Mr. Watkins. Check out Liz’ work at The Atom.
