It’s time to introduce our second guest speaker for Function+Form this weekend: Jono Smart – and let me tell you that man is on a roll. Though this proverbial roll is actually a potters wheel which unbelievably he only discovered a few years ago after having spent time travelling and working as a landscape gardener.
His aptitude for the craft is second to none and his clean and contemporary style is a perfect fit for our crowd this Saturday where he’ll be holding his first talk about his work and journey from garden shed to potters barn.
He says: “The first time I sat at a pottery wheel I felt at home, It was natural and comfortable. I’ve been making every day since.
I tend towards straight lines and simple forms. I feel this gives me freedom to experiment with texture, tone, colour, groups and scale. I gravitate towards white and grey but find unexpected happiness in green and blue.”
Jono wants to make things that are used every day. Things that become part of daily routines and rituals. That become part of Sunday morning breakfasts, remind you of a friend, or get placed each night on a bedside table which is quite possibly the most down to earth and humble wish I’ve heard from a craftsman in a long time.
I can’t wait to handle, touch and feel Jono’s vessels as he likes to keep the outside untreated so it can age, have character, feel human and not too precise, pristine or mechanical but just natural.
MORE INFORMATION & PHOTOGRAPHY | Jono Smart