BIOGRAPHY
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Jim Romberg has been working with Raku ceramics for over forty years. An M.F.A. graduate in ceramics from Claremont Graduate University and early student of Paul Soldner, Jim is well known to collectors and academics for his outstanding and progressive work in sculptural ceramics.
Experimenting with many ceramic processes at the beginning of his career in art, Romberg chose Raku because of its significant history, begun in 15th century Japan, its well developed and documented aesthetics, and its contemporary use as a means for artistic expression. He has, in fact, added many dimensions to this continuing art form. Recently an expansion of scale has resulted in monumental pieces that present an even more dramatic arena for the spirit of Raku.
Presenting work that is an interplay of sculpture and painting, Romberg uses the particular characteristics of Raku in a unique way. Rather than leaving the effects to the whims of natural reduction, his process is a deliberate interruption, often described as "painting with smoke and fire" to add a dimension of color, depth and surface that is truly engaging on many levels. The practice and discipline of forming clay, applying surface treatments that reflect and unusual and complex virtuosity of brushwork, and individually firing and "smoke treating" each object results in pieces that capture the beauty of nature’s interaction with the intention of the artist.
Events of landscape and sky remain a constant inspiration for the artist, along with the human history of creation starting with the pre-historic cave paintings in France which Romberg has personally visited and studied. His study and appreciation of the origins of Raku ceramics centered around the development of the Tea Ceremony and tea vessels brings a particular contemporary interpretation of Eastern aesthetics and philosophy into his work. The result is a particularly vital expression of an ancient art form "brought up-to-date" inviting contemplation that speaks to us today of the excitement of the creative imagination .
Jim’s retirement after 18 years as Professor Emeritus of Art, Southern Oregon University which led to his Artistic Directorship of the Eagleheart Center for Arts and Inquiry.
Equaly influential in the world of ceramics Romberg’s philosophy on criticism and search for significance in art influences many of today’s art leaders, particularly those attending events he coordinated as Director of Ceramics at Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities.
His work is featured in numerous permanent collections, some of whom are Janss Sun Valley, Northern Arizona Museum of Art, Geneva Municipal Art Collection, The Banff Art Center, and the Marer Collection of Contemporary Ceramics at Scripps College. Romberg’s work has appeared in numerous publications and has been described as an important influence in the development of Raku ceramics. The independent publication “Ceramics Today: James Romberg” was published by the International Academy of Ceramics, Switzerland. Galerie Mediart in Paris presented Romberg’s solo exhibition “Invocation” featuring his sculptural Raku works and abstract ink paintings.
When Jim's hands aren't in clay, you'll find him with his hands wrapped around a fly rod or on the tiller of his 40' Kettenburg. He shares his life with his wife, Lynette Jennings.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Jim Romberg
Studio Artist
P.O. Box 1219, Port Townsend, Washington, 98368
Cell 970-250-3775
Email: jimromberg@jimromberg.com
Education
1972 Master of Fine Arts, Claremont Graduate School
1968 – 1970 Studio Assistant, Pottery Northwest, Seattle, WA
1965 Bachelor of Arts, Ancient Medieval History, Pomona College
1965 – 1967 Study in Philosophy and Religion, Union Theological Seminary
1962 Cours pour l’Etranger, University of the Sorbonne, Paris, France
Academic Positions
2006 - 2021 Director, Eagleheart Center for Art and Inquiry
1979 - 2021 Member International Academy of Ceramics
1986 – 2006 Professor Emeritus of Art, Southern Oregon University, Ashland, OR
1974 – 1986 Artist in Residence, Instructor Ceramics, Sun Valley Center for the Arts and Humanities, Sun Valley, ID
1981 Visiting Professor in Ceramics, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
1973 – 1974 Director of Ceramics, Anderson Ranch Art Center, Snowmass, CO
1972 – 1973 Instructor Ceramics, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX
Member International Academy of Ceramics
Special Projects
2021 Curator, "Inspirations Realized", Sun Valley Center 50th Anniversary Alumni Exhibition, Gail Severn Gallery, Ketchum, ID
2021 Co-Curator, "Clay Silver Ink", Sun Valley Center 50th Anniversary Invitational, Sun Valley Museum of Art, Ketchum, ID
2012 US Representative, Panel, Workshop and Lecture: "Raku: From Where to Where", International Raku Symposium,
“Raku Sans Frontiers: Terre et Terre”, Giroussens, France
2012 Curator: International Raku Symposium “Raku: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression" Touring Exhibition of
10 International Raku Masters
2012 Creator and Director of National Conference on Criticism and Clay: “Past Models, Future Shapes”, Sun Valley, ID
2010 Director, CRITICAL SANTA FE, 3-day NCECA Symposium on Criticism in the Arts, Santa Fe, NM
2006 Panel Moderator: “Towards a New Criticism”, NCECA, San Antonio, TX
2005 Director/Author: International Raku Symposium and traveling exhibition,
"RAKU: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression”, Eagleheart Center for Art and Inquiry
1985 Curator, "Criticism & Clay: Past Models, Future Shapes", Conference, Sun Valley Center for Arts and Humanities, Sun Valley, ID
1979 Director, NEA Sponsored Workshop, Traveling Exhibition and Catalogue “The Studio Potter: A Question of Quality”
Featured Artists John Glick, Tom Coleman, and Jenny Lind, Sun Valley ID
1979 Catalogue Author, "The Studio Potter or Can You Step in the Same River Twice?"
Selected Exhibitions
EUROPE
2013 MediArt, Solo Exhibition, Paris, France
2012 L'Ateliers de L'art, Group Exhibition, Giroussens, France
1989 "Les Printemps des Potiers" Invitational Group Exhibition, Bandol, France
1987 Gallerie Marianne Brand, Solo Exhibition, Carouges, Switzerland
1984 Raku International Invitational, Musee d'Art Moderne, Brussels, Belgium
1982 Raku International, Invitational, Galerie le Labyrinthe, Uzes, France
1978 Ecole des Artes, Solo Exhibition, Juan Les Pin, France
Selected Exhibitions
UNITED STATES
2021 Sun Valley Center 50th Anniversary Invitational, "Clay Silver Ink", Sun Valley Museum of Art, Ketchum, ID
2021 Sun Valley Center 50th Anniversary Invitational, "Inspirations Realized", Gail Severn
Gallery, Ketchum, ID
2020 Northwind Arts Artists Showcase Invitational, Port Townsend, WA
2018 Northwind Arts, Invitational, Arts Gallery, Port Townsend, WA
2017 Pottery Northwest 50th Anniversary Invitational, Group Exhibition, Seattle, WA
2016 Arizona State University Annual Fundraiser Invitational, Ceramic Research Center, Phoenix AZ
2016 Yuma Art Invitational, Group Exhibition and National Symposium, Yuma Art Center, Yuma, AZ
2014-2015 International Raku Symposium “Raku: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression”, Eagleheart Center for Art and Inquiry, Group Exhibition Touring: Phoenix University of AZ Ceramic Research Center, Hubbard McGrath Gallery, Breckenridge, CO, NCECA Annual Exhibition Portland, OR, Gail Severn Gallery Ketchum, ID , American Museum of Ceramic Art, Pomona, CA
2014 Yavapai Verde Art Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Yavapai College, Cottonwood, AZ
2013 Goldenstein Gallery, 2 Person Exhibition, Sedona, AZ
2010 Zane Bennett Gallery, Group Invitational, Santa Fe, NM
2006 Sedona Center for the Arts Group Exhibition, Curator, Sedona, AZ
2005 Apple Valley Art Center Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Apple Valley, CA
2004 SCRIPPS Group Exhibition, SCRIPPS Annual "Standing Room Only", Claremont, CA.
2004 Wiarda Beppu Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Portland, OR
2002 "California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art" Group Exhibition, Curated by John Natsoulas,
John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, Davis, CA
1998 "Northwest Ceramics Today", Juried Traveling Invitational, Boise Museum of Art, Boise, ID
1994 NCECA Raku Invitational, Kansas City, MO
1990 College of the Siskyous, Solo Exhibition, Weed, CA
1989 Hanson Howard Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Ashland, Oregon
1989 "Raku: Tradition/Transformation", Invitational, Kansas City, KA
1988 Hanson Howard Gallery, Group Exhibition, Ashland, OR
1987 "Art at Pomona College", Invitational, Claremont, CA
1986 "Tradition Transformed", Invitational Group Exhibition, Odyssey Gallery, San Antonio, TX
1984 "Raku: Smoke and Fire North America", NCECA Invitational, Newport, RI
1983 College of the Redwoods, Solo Exhibition, Eureka, CA
1983 Banff Center for the Arts Invitational Exhibition, Banff, AL, Canada
1982 Lawrence Gallery, Group Exhibition, Portland, OR
1980 Carson Sapiro Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Denver, CO
1979 Idaho Biennial Invitational, Boise Museum of Art, Boise, ID
1979 San Diego Potters Guild Invitational Group Exhibition, San Diego, CA
1979 Front Room Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Dallas, TX
1978 Northwest Invitational Group Exhibition, "Northwest Ceramics", Curated by John Takahara, Boise Museum, Boise, ID
1978 Youngstown State University, Solo Exhibition, Youngstown, OH
1978 Raku IV Invitational, Peters Valley, IL
1977 Raku Ho’laule’a, Solo Exhibition, and Juror for Group Exhibition, Honolulu, Hawaii
1977 Following Sea Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Honolulu, Hawaii
1976 Aspen Arts, Solo Exhibition, Aspen, CO
1976 Owens Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Oklahoma City, OK
1976 Clay and Fiber Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Taos, NM
1976 Ochi Gallery Solo Exhibition, Boise, ID
1975 Western Oklahoma State College Solo Exhibition, Altus, OK
1975 "Four from Sun Valley" Invitational, Boise Museum of Art, Boise, ID
1974 Odessa Art Museum Group Exhibition Merit Award, Odesa, TX
1972 Front Room Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Dallas, TX
Selected Lectures and Workshops
EUROPE
2012 L'Ateliers de L'art, Workshop, Giroussens, France
2011 Lecture, International Academy of Ceramics, "Criticism in Contemporary Ceramics"
1989 "Les Printemps des Potiers" Workshop, Bandol, France
1979 "Ceramique Aujourd Hui" Workshop, Switzerland
1978 The School of Plastic Arts, Workshop, City of Monaco, Monaco
1978 Ecole des Artes, Workshop, Juan Les Pins, Antibes, France
1974 Ecole des Beaux Arts, Workshop, Aix-en-Provence, France
Selected Lectures and Workshops
UNITED STATES
2017 Pottery Northwest 50 Anniversary, Workshop, Seattle, WA
2011 Penland School of Craft, Workshop, Penland, NC
2010 Sedona Center for the Arts Workshop Series, Sedona, AZ
2006 American Museum of Ceramic Art, Workshop, Pomona, CA
2005 Banff Center for the Arts Workshop, Banff, AL, Canada
2005 International Raku Symposium “Raku: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression”,
Eagleheart Center for Art and Inquiry Workshops: Phoenix, Portland, Ketchum, Sedona 2005-2006
2004 "California Conference for the Advancement of Ceramic Art" Lecture, John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, Davis, CA
2004 Boulder Mountain Clay Works, Ketchum, ID
2003 Western Colorado Center for the Arts, Grand Junction, CO
2002 Laloba Clay Center, Workshop, Steamboat Springs, CO
2001 Workshop and Lecture, Yuma, AZ
2001 University of Washington, Workshop, Seattle, WA
1986 "Towards a New Curriculum" NCECA Conference, San Antonio, TX
1985 University of Washington Workshop, Seattle, WA
1984 Banff Centre, Workshop, Banff, Canada
1984 State University Workshop, Bozeman, MT
1984 Boise State University Workshop, Boise, ID
1983 College of the Redwoods, Workshop, Eureka, CA
1982 San Antonio Art Institute Lecture "Ceramics Today", San Antonio, TX
1981 "Contemporary Raku" Lecture, Banff Center for the Arts, Banff, Alberta, Canada
1981 Western Oklahoma State College Workshop, Altus, OK
1980 Oregon School of Arts and Crafts, Lecture "Raku", and Workshop, Portland, OR
1979 University of Idaho Workshop, Moscow, ID
1976 Anderson Ranch Art Center, Workshop, Snowmass, CO
Selected Collections
City of Toulouse, France
City of Geneva, Switzerland
Sevres Museum, Paris, France
Greenville Museum of Art, Greenville, SC
Marer Collection, Scripps College, Claremont, CA
Boise Museum of Art, ID
Pottery Northwest, Seattle, WA
Northern Arizona University Museum, Flagstaff, AZ
Schneider Museum of Art, Ashland, OR
Scripps College, Claremont, CA
Bill Bomar, Rancho de Taos, Taos, NM
The Hockaday School, Dallas, TX
St. Stephens School, Austin, TX
Selected Galleries
Gail Severn Gallery, Ketchum, ID
Sublette Modern, Tucson, AZ
Gallery A, Salt Lake City, UT
Goldenstein Gallery, Sedona, AZ
Grapevine Gallery, Oklahoma City, OK
Northwind Arts Gallery, Port Townsend, WA
Selected Books and Publications
2012 Raku Sans Frontieres, les Actes du Colloque et des 2 Journees Internationales de Ceramique
2005 Raku: Origins, Impact and Contemporary Expression, by Jim Romberg and Lynette Jennings, Catalogue ISBN 59975-133X
2001 500 Raku, Currated by James Romberg, Published by Lark Ceramics, ISBN 978-1-6-0059-294-2
1991 Raku Ceramics, by Steven Branfam, Featured Artist, Published by Lark Books, ISBN 978-1-60059-295-9
1986 Raku Ceramics with Jim Romberg, DVD Video, Crystal Productions
1985 Potters and Prints Catalogue, Sun Valley Center 1985, by Kristin Poole, Featured Artist
1983 Ceramics Today: James M. Romberg, Published by the International Academy of Ceramics,
Editions Olizane, Geneva, Switzerland ISSN 0254-4636
1981 A New Direction in American Clay, by Susan Wechsler, Watson Guptill Publication
1979 Ceramics in the Pacific Northwest: A History, by Lamar Harrington
1979 "Ceramics at Sun Valley Center", Ceramics Monthly, September