John started potting in the late 1970’s and is self taught developing his pottery skills by attendingmany workshops with talented tutors such as Merv Feeney, Ian Currie, Ian McKay, Gwyn Hassen Piggot, and many more. The two Ians and Gwyn were strong influences in the direction of his pottery not only helping with the technical issues of glazing and kiln building but also an immense understanding of the aesthetics of functional pottery.
His pottery interests are with the making of wood fired tablewares that are produced entirely from local materials.

John and his wife Lois live on a small acreage near Warwick in South Eastern Queensland in a house they self built. It utilises many recycled building materials.

Competitions

1990, 1992, 1994 Selected to exhibit for National Ceramics Award Gold Coast

1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Highly commended Caloundra Arts Festival

1992 Selected to exhibit Fletcher Challenge Ceramic Award NZ

1994 Caloundra Arts Festival Pottery Award

1994 Cairns Potters Award

2017 Commended Southern Downs Artists Exhibition

Selected Exhibitions

Individual

1993 "Out of Clay and Fire" QPA Gallery Brisbane

1994 Red Hill Gallery Brisbane

2016 "Focus John James" Makers Gallery Brisbane

Group

1990 "Regional Clay-workers" QPA Brisbane

!991 "Four Woodfirers" QPA Brisbane

1991 "Teadance" Craft Council of Queensland  Brisbane

1991 "Teapots" QPA Brisbane

1991 "Salt and Fuming" Red Hill Gallery Brisbane

2017 "Beautiful Table" Makers Gallery Brisbane

2017 "Gifted " Makers Gallery Brisbane 

2017 "Inflamed:Impassioned Woodfirers" Makers Gallery Brisbane

Publications

James, John (1992) Kurrajong Pottery - Woodfired Domestic Wares    Pottery In Australia Vol 32

James, John (2017) More to Learn                                                                               The Log Book  Issue 71    

James, John (2017) Warwick Brickworks                                                                               The Log Book Issue 71