John Jelfs
John Jelfs's GalleryDate of Birth: 16.07.46
Brief Description of Work: Mainly one-off stoneware work in traditional shino, celadon and ash glazes.
Training and Experience:
Trained at Cheltenham College of Art and Design, after previous career as a marine engineering officer.
Worked for Russell Collins for six months then set up pottery in 1973.
I feel I am mainly self taught.
Selected Exhibitions:
CPA 25th Anniversary at V & A
CPA 35th Anniversary at V & A
Gallery Besson Summer Shows (last three years)
Recent Solo Exhibitions:
On Line, Southampton
Alpha House, Sherborne (annually)
Pyramid, York
Ark Gallery, Chester
Porticus, Wales
Recent Group Exhibitions:
Paddon & Paddon, Eastborne,
Besson Gallery, London
Rufford Gallery, Nottingham
Contemporary Ceramics, London (Headquarters) Teapot Exhibition in Jan-April 2003
Other Activities:
Committee member of CPA. Organising pottery fairs eg; Oxford Christmas Event. I work full-time as a potter, which often means long hours, but when I get a chance I go sailing (off-shore).
Artists Statement:
The Cotswold Pottery is situated in a busy tourist area. It is a challenge therefore to present visitors with top quality ceramics. I am most interested in simply glazed strongly formed work. My inspiration is the work of the east and I owe a lot to Leach, Hamada and the peasant pottery of Korea.