Studio 233

Clay artist Jim Webb began studying ceramics with Toshiko Takaezu while an undergraduate at Princeton University. After graduating with a degree in art history he traveled extensively, primarily in the Middle East and Afghanistan, where he developed a keen interest in Islamic art and architecture. Upon returning to the U.S. he studied economics at Columbia University where he received a master's degree. It was while studying at Columbia that Jim rediscovered his love of ceramics. At Toshiko's urging he moved to Lambertville, New Jersey, and became a member of the now-defunct Clay Co-op. In 1978 he opened his own studio, which is today Studio 233.

Jim's interest in lighting was born of a desire to combine clay's sculptural and functional potential. Each piece gives him the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind statement with the use of glazes and metallic oxides. His hand-built slab lamps are embossed with a variety of carved reliefs that render each one a unique piece of art. Each lamp base is made one at a time using the slab construction technique. After many hours of pounding, rolling, cutting, constructing, paddling and hand-molding the stoneware clay, each piece is incised with decorative reliefs that yield a unique work of art. After days of slow drying, the piece is "bisque" fired, carefully glazed, then fired again in the kiln to over 2000 degrees F. Only then is it ready to be wired for a three-way bulb (max. 100w) and fitted with the perfect shade. The clay work is done by ceramic artist Jim Webb in his studio where he signs, numbers and dates each piece.

The lampshades are made to order (with the exception of the mica shades) by Barbara Webb at the studio using a variety of handmade papers from around the world, as well as Egyptian papyrus. The mica shades are made for us by a group of California artisans.