jota - Ceramic Sculptor Specializing in Emotional and Figurative Forms

jota is a London-based ceramic sculptor whose practice centers on the physical representation of complex emotional states through hand-built statues. The artist creates lightweight, hollow forms that challenge the physical limitations of clay, aiming to reduce the influence of gravity on the final work. jota’s artistic exploration focuses on the profound dualities of life and death, often referenced through the concepts of eros and thanatos. Much of the current body of work is dedicated to visualizing the internal experiences associated with trauma, failure, and navigating the world as a queer individual. By adopting the aesthetic language of fragmented classical Greek and Roman statues, jota blurs the lines between figurative representation and abstract form. A distinctive aspect of the artist's technique is the application of silicone over ceramic surfaces, which replaces the traditional cold and hard finish with a texture that is warm, soft, and malleable, inviting tactile engagement. This approach pushes the investigation of flesh versus stone, adding a layer of architectural resonance to modular and reconfigurable pieces. jota’s work is a testament to the intersection of material experimentation and personal narrative, offering a raw and intimate perspective on contemporary sculpture.