John Pollex

John Pollex studied at Sir John Cass in Whitechapel from 1966-68; he went on to become Technician at Harrow College of Art during 1968-70. After Harrow he became assistant to Bryan Newman and Colin Pearson until 1971. He moved to Plymouth in the autumn of 1971 establishing a studio and gallery in the historic Barbican area. In 2000 he moved his studio to his house from where currently works.

 John Pollex has carved out a unique niche in the world of studio pottery. During the 70s and early 80s he established himself as a respected maker of traditional Slipware. This period included the making of large commemorative ‘Toft Dishes’ and large Sgraffito decorated harvest jugs.

 In 1984 Pollex decided to change direction. He used his knowledge and understanding of the application of slips (liquid clay) to develop a completely different style of working. He dispensed with slip trailers in favour of paintbrushes and sponges and more recently plastic spatulas, intensely coloured earthenware slips are applied in a free and painterly abstract manner. The work now also includes variations of making which include sgraffito decoration, hand building and slab-built pots.

 Pollex’s work often includes references to his interest in Zen Buddhism, in particular the immediacy of brush strokes in Zen calligraphy. Pollex has received the Zen. precepts in Soto and Rinzai traditions.