Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Cult Following: Photographer Jim Franco’s Ceramic Bowls

Search

Cult Following: Photographer Jim Franco’s Ceramic Bowls

January 15, 2015

In between shoots far and wide, New York lifestyle photographer Jim Franco became obsessed with making hand-thrown pottery. After three evening classes at Tribeca Potters, he turned to YouTube videos for further instruction and rented a studio at City Potters. His perfectly formed pastel bowls now sell out as soon as they’re available. And Jim finds himself with a dual creative career.

In fact, Jim has long been at ease wearing many hats. He and I were colleagues years back when he was the photography editor at Travel + Leisure magazine. Jim and his partner, Joe Maer, now run a busy photo prop house and have an online boutique under construction. To find time for pottery, he often works from 5:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., which perhaps explains his quietly magical results.

Photography by Gentl & Hyers for Dara Artisans.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 3

Above: All of Jim’s work is made of porcelain, and his speciality is the small, functional–and photogenic–bowl: “I like the challenge of making a bowl that looks and feels comfortable. Japanese ceramic artists seem to somehow imbue simple forms with power. It’s an approach I’ve always admired.” Shown here, a collection in a variety of glazes, including matte cream with blush accents and matte shamo glaze with dark brown brushwork.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 4

Above: “Working on the wheel demands undivided attention,” says Jim. “As soon as I touch the clay, I have to shut out all other thoughts and just concentrate on forming a shape. It would be interesting to do a study of ceramic artists to see if their blood pressure falls as they throw. I bet it does.”

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 5

Above: Jim sells his bowls by request and through several shops, including online global emporium Dara Artisans, which sold out its most recent collection overnight. Watch for the next batch at Dara Artisans in early February. Ochre in Soho has also just begun offering Jim’s work. Prices range from $55 to $150, depending on size.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 6

Above: A collection of bisque bowls.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 7

Above L: Jim’s hands covered with slip. Above R: Two pieces of porcelain clay waiting to be wedged.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 8

Above: Stacking bowls in emerald glaze, including one with a spout.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 9

Above: Matte glazes in shades of sky blue and emerald.

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 10

Above: Tools of the trade. Interested in learning yourself? Jim recommends the YouTube videos by master potter Hsin-Chuen Lin of Fremont, California: “He has excellent technique and a clear teaching manner.”

Cult Following Photographer Jim Francos Ceramic Bowls portrait 11

Above: To see more, including Jim’s own photographs of his work, go to Jim Franco Ceramics. And for alerts about new bowls and where to purchase them, follow Jim on Instagram at @jimgl.

We’re in the midst of a Handmade Ceramics renaissance. Take a look at:

(Visited 697 times, 1 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0