James Ort

An Afternoon With

Sunday 8th November 2026 | 12pm - 4pm | £60pp

Discussing the life and practice of Wire and Ceramic Wildlife Sculptor, James Ort, and his celebrated work in ceramics.

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What to expect

On 8th November we will be welcoming Wire and Ceramic Sculptor, James Ort, for an afternoon of conversation and demonstrations.

James is a wildlife artist and his work has been exhibited in local and national exhibitions. Creating in ceramic is his main love but he also makes art using wire, mixed media, painting, and drawing.

During this one-off event, James will talk about his career and practice as well as giving two demonstrations showing how to create a clay animal from start to finish.

About James

GUEST SPEAKER BIO

James discovered sculpture when he became manager of the Phoenix Studio – an art school in Oxfordshire. Having a lifelong fascination with wildlife and a former career in conservation, James uses his understanding of anatomy and form to push ceramics to its limits. He teaches sculpture and is passionate about using his art to benefit others – be it wildlife or mankind.

James was very much inspired and influenced by his nature loving Grandfather, Brian Price Thomas who illustrated a number of the Ladybird Children Books.

USEFUL INFO

The Details

During this one-off event, James Ort will reflect on his early creative influences and the experiences that created his path into ceramics. He will speak about the natural world, materials, and artistic encounters that have shaped and continue to inform his work today. A life long observer of wildlife, and with a former career in conservation, James will also talk about the importance of using his art to benefit nature. How projects and ventures, like the art exhibition he ran at the Knepp Rewilding Project in 2024, can help people reconnect with the natural world.

James will also share insights into his development as an artist and tutor, and how he built a creative career that, through experimentation, play and persistence, is now taking him around the world. He will also share his thoughts about the realities of establishing a ceramics practice — from honing your creative skills, going on to teach your techniques to others, and the hurdles faced when being a full-time artist in this modern world.

Over the course of the two demonstrations, James will create a clay animal from start to finish. First he will create a newspaper armature, which will act as the scaffolding for his piece to be built on. Then, taking slices of clay off the block, James will apply cut pieces in ways that reflect the anatomy of the form. Very quickly the animal will take shape in a way that is best described as following an anatomical sewing pattern.

The event will conclude with a Q&A session, offering guests the opportunity to ask James about his techniques, inspirations, and professional journey.

Guests will be provided with a delicious light lunch. Please give details of any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

James’s work will be available to purchase at this event.