I make domestic ware with strong beginnings and endings and a lot of play in between.  My work is made from a reddish stoneware which fires to a black speckled tan colour. Formation of the pots is generally done on a two day cycle where the pots are made on the potter's wheel and slip decorated on the first day, and then trimmed carved and further decorated on the second day. Applying the slips in a variety of colours on the wheel has led me to a banded separation of the pot surface, which is later carved in geometric patterns largely influenced by basketry and block printing. Slips are layered with loose brush strokes and scratched through to give motion and depth. Pot bottoms are often given attention through carving and slip inlay. My playfulness is most apparent in whimsical forms such as teapots, spaghetti jars and watering cans, and also in my whistles. My whistles are small leaf inspired figurines which are formed mostly at craft shows and decorated at home. Recently the whistles have influenced my carving patterns and made them a little more playful as well.

Jonathan Harper
143 Brian Boulevard
Waterdown, Ontario L0R 2H5

T  /  905.690.0049
E /  jharper@lara.on.ca

Education