James Schwarz

Pottery, Sculpture, Kiln Repair, Photography

James Schwarz is a professional ceramics artist, instructor, kiln repair specialist, and photographer.
Introduced to clay in 2014, he quickly fell in love with the medium and transitioned away from his aspirations of technology and engineering to pursue art full time. Schwarz has worked as a studio manager and as an instructor at several facilities around the Phoenix valley, including: Mesa Community College, the Edna Vihel Arts Center, the Shemer Art Center, and Arizona State University.
James’ work on the wheel explores contrast, whimsy, and altered forms; while his sculptural work tends to focus on physical and mental health, trauma, and recovery. His photography focuses on natural and urban exploration; seeking out seldom appreciated viewpoints. Schwarz has a passion for accessibility and believes that the most growth happens when people come together and collaborate while being open to new possibilities and information.

Mental Health, Recovery, Trauma

…Sculpture

My sculptural work tends to focus around injury, mental health, and trauma recovery.
I’ve spent most of my life with depression, anxiety, ADHD and borderline personality/bi-polar disorder; all speckled with bouts of suicide ideation.

In high school, I got extremely sick and ended up having to graduate late and then later dropped out of university due to the same symptoms flaring up. It took around 4 years and several misdiagnoses, but I was eventually correctly diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.

Through all of this, I have found that illness in any form is something we need to accept about ourselves and that it doesn’t decrease our worth as people. It gives us a unique perspective and allows us to have a deeper understanding of those around us, and connect with greater empathy.

Whimsy, Expression, Freedom

…Pottery

Potting for over 10 years, I have found that creating functional art is something that brings me great amounts of satisfaction. Being able to use unique and lovingly crafted pieces brings little bouts of joy to my day, and I like to think that my work can do that for others.

I have a fondness for working with black and white mixed clay/agateware, for its stark contrast and unique qualities of each surface. Working with altered forms allows me to escape the symmetrical bonds of working on the wheel and I have found that I’m able to greater express my whimsical and goofy tendencies.

Engineering, Problem- Solving, Ceramics

…Kiln Repair

I spent my childhood through my high school education wanting to be an engineer. I loved creating! Building with Lego, K-nex, Tinkertoy; fascinated with technology and electronics. I was always building away at some project in my room with some kind of imagined purpose.

Once I got to high school, I threw myself at the outstanding theatre tech opportunities where I learned about higher voltage wiring, work ethic, and power tools. I also joined the competition robotics team where I learned about applied physics, mathematics, electrical systems, and wiring schematics.

When I discovered ceramics years later, it was easy to adapt what I had already learned to kiln and equipment repair. I have founded and now operate under an insured LLC, and travel around the state of Arizona repairing kilns, wheels, and any other kind of equipment. I do work for colleges, city programs, school districts, and, of course, home studios. When I can, I scoop up disused kilns for cheap, fix them up, and find them new homes.

Moments, Perspective, Reality

…Photography

I’ve technically been working with cameras longer than I have clay. In high school, I would occasionally be tasked with taking photos during performances at the school’s performing arts center.

At university, I got a Canon t2i on clearance from a local Walmart. Initially, it was to work on video projects for my Digital Culture Degree. Eventually, for the newfound joy of adventure and street photography.

Exploring landscapes: natural and urban; finding unexpected moments and hidden beauty in the places often traveled but seldomly slowly observed.
My climbing escapades, and hikes. My travels interstate and international. Constantly searching for the next subtle bit of inspiration and always pushing to make the next capture even better.