Jim Cohen
Biography
Jim Cohen once worked as a dress manufacturer for an old family company in New York. At the age of 40, he retired and began sculpting in clay. Cohen’s switch from fabric to clay was not as random as one might think. He handled the new medium just like fabric, first patterning a slab with different textures and then draping it as a form. Jim’s skills as a sculptor awarded him the opportunity to exhibit his work in various craft galleries throughout New York City, primarily through The New School.
Cohen moved to Santa Fe 26 years ago. Fostered by the strong artistic atmosphere and inspired by the natural beauty of the area, Cohen continued to develop his skills in stoneware. He went on to participate in various shows with Cookworks of Santa Fe, Inc. and Shidoni in Tesuque.
As Cohen was sculpting in clay, he was also cultivating an English garden at his home. The garden was recognized in a book called Secret Gardens of Santa Fe, and was a popular destination for the garden tours that came through the city. Cohen’s newest garden has been the most important muse for this fall collection, which focuses on organic forms.
Additionally, Cohen’s extensive travels have been a source of continual inspiration for his work. This particular collection was inspired by visits to the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji, Bora Bora, Belize, Africa, and Ecuador.
Cohen’s stoneware, created under high fire at Santa Fe Clay, explores a wide variety of colors and textures to achieve a stunning display of abstract and representative pieces that are both functional and decorative.
