In 2010, James Ort gave up his career in conservation to
focus on his art. He moved from Brighton to the village of Towersey
to help run Phoenix Studio, a teaching studio run by his mother, Karin
Ort.
When not running the studio, or teaching, James is creating
his own art work. He loves experimenting with different mediums but
predominantly works in ceramic and wire. His latest creations often
combine the two mediums using a technique that he has developed
himself. His style of working in clay is loose and expressive and
these qualities bring life and energy to the pieces.
James has been heavily influenced by his grandfather, Brian
Price Thomas, who illustrated a number of the Ladybird Children's Books
(including the Gingerbread Man).