Josie Jurczenia

Josie Jurczenia – guest artist

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Josie has a degree in textile arts from the California College of Arts and Crafts (1972). She worked in the garment industry for 30 years - starting a successful childen’s clothing company and retiring from it to begin her exploration of all things clay almost 20 years ago. Using her knowledge of fabric she began constructing functional pots using slabs, darting, seaming and pattern making. Her pieces are decorated with whimsical artwork using multiple surface decoration techniques including brush work, Mishima, textile stamps, paper stencils, water abrasion, wax resist, sprigs, metallic lusters - giving her work lively playful surfaces.

 

Though her work has a strong decorative edge it is meant to be used. A Medusa Head Vase can host wild branches of snaking flowers, Goddess Sippers filled with tequila have a way of enhancing a party. Cereal and milk served from a Bearwear Breakfast Set can bring a smile in the morning. Drinking expresso from a Romping Rabbit Cup can invigorate an entire day. Her pieces are about finding the joy in everyday objects. Josie has taught her hand building techniques at numerous workshops in the SF Bay Area.

 

Her work has been shown in galleries  including Kohler Arts, Trax Gallery, NCECA, Roscoe Ceramics Gallery, 4th & Clay Gallery. She is currently represented by Schaller Gallery. Her pieces can be seen in Lark publications(500 Vases and 500 Teapots) and in private collections across the country. 

 

Josie lives in Berkeley, CA. 

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josiejurczenia.com

Berkeley, California

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