BIRMINGHAM OPEN STUDIOS 2025 - Artist Spotlight: James T Smith
Step into James T Smith’s world, and everything slows down. The noise fades. The edges soften.
His pieces ask you to slow down. You notice the fingerprints, the rough edges, the way each curve feels considered but never forced.
His ceramics are the kind of objects that make you pause mid-scroll and think, “Wait… why do I suddenly want to rearrange my entire kitchen around this bowl?” They’re stunningly minimal, yes, but never cold. These pieces have soul! Think Japanese design principles meets earthy British tactility. Raw clay. Soft edges. The surfaces aren’t glossy or perfect, they feel lived-in, like they’ve been handled, held, and shaped over time, so inviting.
James didn’t start here. He trained in Fine Art at Birmingham City University, working in painting and installation. But during the pandemic, when the world was falling apart and we were all trying to hold ourselves together, he found clay. Or maybe clay found him. It became a way to reconnect, to take a breath and be.
Now, he works in small batches. No mass production. Just gorgeous, intentional pieces that invite you to slow down and feel. His surfaces are tactile, imperfect, and deeply human. His aesthetic is all about balance: sharp lines softened by texture, minimal forms made warm by imperfection. He doesn’t glaze much, preferring the raw honesty of clay as it is.
And now, for one weekend only, James is bringing all of this to Seventh Circle Gallery for Birmingham Open Studios 2025. He’ll be walking visitors through his process, showing the tools, materials, and rituals behind each piece. It’s about the process, the care, and the love behind handmade work. Expect thoughtful conversation, tactile inspiration, and the kind of energy that makes you want to take up pottery immediately and if you’re lucky, leave with something that feels like it’s always belonged in your home!
Weekend 2 Only
Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 September 2025
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Seventh Circle Gallery, Digbeth.
• See more of James work - HERE
We’ll be shining a spotlight on more artists leading up to BOS, each bringing their own flavour of brilliance. Keep an eye on the blog and our socials for sneak peeks, demo schedules, and behind-the-scenes magic.
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