JAMES HOUGHTON

James explores the form of the vessel through ceramics and the role that it has played throughout history. Using different styles and techniques, he takes the vessel out of its original context of use and places it in a new world that focuses on lack of function. By using wheel thrown elements in combination with mold making and hand building to stack forms that look as if they are defying gravity, the vessel is no longer able to be used in its traditional manner. Additionally, by adding dripping, crawling, and expanding glazes, James emphasizes a lack of function due to this process being something that is not typically seen in ceramic practices. 

James Houghton is a ceramic and sculpture artist based in Portland, Oregon who received his BFA in Sculpture and Ceramics from the Pacific Northwest College of the Arts in 2022. His work is inspired by his background in craft ceramics making, both on and off the wheel. More recently, he has shifted to creating sculptural ceramics that function as vessels. James works as a Ceramics Lab Technician at the Pacific Northwest College of the Arts. He is also starting a studio and gallery in Portland with another ceramicist that is set to launch in the spring. James has shown his work in a few different galleries and pop ups, most recently at the Blackfish Gallery in Portland, Oregon, the Annual Juried Student Art Show at PNCA, and the Playground Gallery in Portland, Oregon.