Open Studio... Stephanie James-Manttan

JamFactory’s Head of Ceramics Studio, Stephanie James-Manttan in her home studio.

Head of JamFactory’s Ceramics Studio Stephanie James-Manttan wears many hats, and she approaches each of her roles wholeheartedly. With an ‘all-or-nothing’ attitude, Steph has the ability to roll up her sleeves and get a job done, meticulously, all the while with a smile on her face and a wicked sense of humour. But it is perhaps in her backyard studio, with the company of her best fur companions Rusty and Captain, that Steph is most at ease.

Photos courtesy of Stephanie James-Manttan.

Who are you and what do you do?

I am a maker, designer, ceramic artist, mum, wife, friend, business women, gardener, cook, cleaner and dog owner who likes to make pottery in her backyard shed. I’m also Head of the Ceramics Studio at JamFactory.

Can you tell us a little about your background?

I was a late starter to ceramics; I was in my late 30’s when I graduated from Adelaide College of the Arts in 2006 with a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Applied Design with a ceramics major. I was fortunate enough to do the 2 year Associate program at JamFactory (2007 & 8). During this time I developed the foundation to my professional arts practice along with production work that I sold in Adelaide and other leading retail/galleries across Australia. Throughout my career, I’ve exhibited on a regular basis in group and solo exhibitions.

Prior to being a ceramic artist, I was a Business Analyst and IT consultant in Sydney. In 2002 my little family moved to Adelaide. It was then that I decided to study art, which was something I’ve always wanted to do… it was my own little sea change.

On leaving JamFactory at the end of 2011, I co-founded a cooperative ceramics studio and opened my own shop where I sold mine and other SA makers work. I also developed a wheel throwing short course program where I would teach wheel throwing from my own studio.

“I was a late starter to ceramics; I was in my late 30’s when I graduated from Adelaide College of the Arts in 2006 with a Bachelor of Visual Arts and Applied Design with a ceramics major.”

Stephanie has been spending the time during isolation to focus on making for herself, such as these larger lasagne and casserole dishes.

Works in progress line the shelves of Steph’s home Studio.

Studio dogs and cheerleaders, Captain and Rusty.

Tell us about your studio.

I’ve been working out of my home studio in Beulah Park for the last two and a half years and it’s the best, nothing beats it. I never really wanted to be in this situation because I thought I would struggle with the psychological isolation of being on my own and not to mention the motivation but I really surprised myself, I’ve never been so productive.

My studio isn’t anything really fancy, but it’s slowly evolving over time and I’m completely self-sufficient. It’s a place that’s mine. I’m far enough away from the house that I don’t get any interruptions, but close enough to spontaneously slip into the studio when an idea arises. I feel very fortunate because it’s made my career feel like a hobby and not many people can say that.

Working from my home studio means that I can spend more time with my two boof-head Labradors Rusty and Captain. It does get a little nerve racking at times especially when they both come into the studio in playful mood, their tails are lethal! Wheel throwing days can be wrought with danger particularly with a ware-board full of wet work perched precariously at tail height next to my pottery wheel, you just hold your breath and hope for the best.

Since relocating my business to home, I’ve had the luxury of not having to pay studio rent, which means I’ve been able to ease up on the production side of my practice. Previously in the past it would be bursting at the seams with production and commission orders, students work and exhibition pieces. Now you’ll see intimate batches of cups and teapots, experimental pieces in various stages of completion and other small manageable jobs that can I push through my kiln.

“Since relocating my business to home… I’ve been able to ease up on the production side of my practice. Now you’ll see intimate batches of cups and teapots, experimental pieces in various stages of completion and other small manageable jobs that can I push through my kiln. ”

How are you staying inspired right now?

Like most, i’ve found it hard to stay inspired while trying to adjust to living in the times of COVID-19 and my focus has been mainly keeping myself, my family and those in the Studio safe.

On a lighter note, the Studio is currently working on a cup project in which staff, tenants and Associates are individually making a series of drinking vessels which will be collectively fired in the gas kiln at JamFactory. For my vessels I’ve wheeled out the porcelain and my marking tools and have been making ornately indented beakers and cups. To take advantage of the reduction firing, I’m contemplating glazing them with a green celadon glaze that will subtly dance over the textural surface of my forms.

Apart from that, I’ve been spending quality time and distracting myself from my emotions by honing my making skills with challenging subject matters such as teapots. I also took the time to spoil myself and make my own dinner set, and casserole and lasagne dishes, amongst other things which have been on my ‘To-do List’ for the last 10 years.

How do you like to spend your time outside of your studio?

I love surrounding myself with friends and family, gardening. I love experimenting with cooking (but leave the cleaning aftermath to my husband) and playing with my Labrador-ables Rusty and Captain.

What’s next for you?

From here on I’ll be ramping it up and giving it my all at JamFactory (because I’m an all or nothing kinda guy) with finalising and compiling all the research and development we’ve been doing during COVID-19. We’ve responded to the situation by shifting our focus to designing a new range of lighting and functional tableware pieces for jam, JamFactory’s new brand of furniture and homewares, so watch this space!