Artist Statement

My intent as a potter is to make pots that embrace the functional aspect of our lives, while yet transcending them. To create pottery that gives meaning and joy in its daily interaction with people is special. It is important to make pottery that is both a unique creation of my own, and is durable and functional as well. This is the real challenge to me: to bring the elements of form and design together with craft and function.

In recent years I’ve worked on the alteration of the thrown form and slab shape to create asymmetry and movement in the final piece. I often use the free flowing line produced from slip trailing along with overlapping glazes and textures to help bring the surface treatments into harmony with my pottery forms.

Artist Bio

Jim Sankowski lives in Ballston Lake, New York where he has maintained his studio Ballston Lake Pottery since 1975. He attended Central College, Iowa (BA-Art ‘72) and Bowling Green State University, Ohio (MFA-Ceramic Art ‘74).

 Throughout his years of educational development and work as a studio potter, Jim has exhibited work in numerous regional, state, and national shows, and art fairs and has conducted pottery workshops. His pottery has appeared in such publications as Studio Potter, Ceramic Monthly, and The Art of Contemporary American Pottery.

The following is a selection of invitational and juried shows and fairs in which Jim has participated during the most recent years:

Invitational Shows & Workshops:

 2015 - " A Delicate Balance" Invitational Show of 4 Artists. The Laffer Gallery, Schuylerville, NY.

 2014 - " Earth, Wind & Fire" Fine Craft Invitational, Cooperstown Art Association, Cooperstown, NY

 2014 - National Invitational Exhibition, 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Potters Guild of Wallingford, PA

 2014 - National Teapot Show, Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmore NC

 2013 - The Clay Connection, 10th Biennial Mid-Atlantic Clay Conference workshop presenters:  Jim Sankowski, Nick Joerling & Joy Tanner. 4-H Conference Center in the Blue Ridge Mts. Front Royal, VA

2011 National Teapot Show VIII Cedar Creek Gallery, Creedmoor, N.C.

2010, ‘08, ‘06 “Made in New York” Crafts Cooperstown Art Association,Cooperstown, New York

2008 Lapham Gallery Show LARAC Glens Falls, New York

2003 Fine Craft: Ancient Practice, New Vision Munson-Williams -Proctor Arts Invitational Institute, Utica, New York

2000 Functional Ceramics 2000 The Wayne Center for the Arts, Wooster, Ohio

2000 17th Northeast Fine Crafts Exhibit, Schenectady, New York

1997 Objects of Desire, Miller Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio

1994 Table Top Concepts, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana

Craft and Art Fairs:

 2014 - Paradise City Arts Festival, Northampton, MA

 2013 - 42nd LARAC Art Festival, at City Park, Glens Falls, NY

 2012 - Northeast Fine Craft Festival, at Proctors, Schenectady, NY

 2012 - The Memorial Art Gallery, Clothesline Festival. Rochester, NY

Arts at the Gardens 2013, '12, ‘11, ‘10, ‘09, Canandaigua, NY 2009 Judges’ Award

100 American Craftsmen 2012,‘09 & ’08 Kenan Center, Lockport, NY

Crafts at Rhinebeck 2011, ’10, ’09, Rhinebeck, NY

Saint Louis Art Fair 2007 & 2003, St. Louis, Missouri

ACC Craft Fairs 2006,‘05, ‘04,’03,’02, Atlanta, Baltimore, & St. Paul

Boston Mills Artfest 2002,’94, & ‘96, Cleveland-Akron, Ohio

Ann Arbor Art Fairs 2001, ‘99, ‘97,’96, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Smithsonian Craft Show ‘99, Washington, D.C.

Morristown Craft Market 2009, ‘03, ‘01, & ‘90-96 Morristown, NJ