{"title":"Jim Sweeney","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiography\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eJim Sweeney is a self-taught ceramic sculptor based in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. His handbuilt sculptures and vessels are defined by flowing forms, intricate carved surfaces, and a balance between precision and organic movement. Drawing inspiration from the ocean, surf and skate culture, and street art, his work brings together the fluidity of nature with the bold qualities of contemporary art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eWith a background in engineering and digital design, Sweeney approaches clay with structure and spontaneity. Through carving and sgraffito, he brings precision and intentional detail to his work, while raku and saggar firing introduce an element of unpredictability through the interaction of heat, atmosphere, and material. Influenced by his experiences with PTSD, his practice is rooted in slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and finding moments of clarity through the creative process.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eSweeney's work has been featured in galleries, exhibitions, and art fairs across the United States, including The Other Art Fair. His sculptures and vessels are also held in private collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eArtist Statement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eMy work comes from a need to feel grounded and connected in a world that can feel heavy at times. When I'm surfing or spending time in nature, I find a sense of calm and clarity, which I aim to translate into my ceramics. If someone sees one of my pieces and experiences a moment of ease or connection to something larger, then the work has done what it's meant to do.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0in 12.0pt 0in;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003e\"The ocean is a constant source of inspiration, shaping my forms through flowing curves, coastal silhouettes, and textures that seem worn by time and tide. Influences from surf and skate culture and street art bring a bolder, more graphic quality to my work, creating a contrast between the fluidity of nature and the raw energy of contemporary art.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003e\"My background in engineering, 3D modeling, music, and game art informs my ceramic practice, bringing precision and structure to the creative process. I handbuild each piece, using carving and sgraffito to create intricate details and textured surfaces. Raku and saggar firing introduce unpredictability, allowing heat, smoke, and the materials to leave their mark. I enjoy that balance between control and uncertainty. Working with clay has taught me to slow down, let go of expectations, and appreciate the beauty in the imperfection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"breathe-in-for-luck-original-sculpture","title":"Breathe In for Luck - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011549560930,"sku":"JS001","price":305.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/breatheinforluck_main.jpg?v=1794502402"},{"product_id":"into-the-hurricane-original-sculpture","title":"Into the Hurricane - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eHandbuilt using the coil and slab methods. Fired in a gas kiln using the saggar firing method.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011652321378,"sku":"JS002","price":385.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/intothehurricane_main.jpg?v=1794506686"},{"product_id":"its-a-deep-sea-in-which-i-am-floating-original-sculpture","title":"It's a Deep Sea, In Which I'm Floating - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eHandbuilt using the coil and slab methods. Fired in a gas kiln using the saggar firing method.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011656745058,"sku":"JS003","price":335.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/it_sadeepsea_inwhichi_mfloating_main.jpg?v=1794506910"},{"product_id":"porto-moniz-2-original-sculpture","title":"Porto Moniz 2 - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eNot guaranteed to be water-tight due to the intense firing process. Test before use with fresh flowers or use decoratively.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eTest piece for water-tightness. Wash gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011705962594,"sku":"JS004","price":200.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/portomonizveesel02_main.jpg?v=1794508392"},{"product_id":"porto-moniz-3-original-sculpture","title":"Porto Moniz 3 - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\"\u003eNot guaranteed to be water-tight due to the intense firing process. Test before use with fresh flowers or use decoratively.\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eTest piece for water-tightness. Wash gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011721003106,"sku":"JS005","price":320.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/portomonizvessel03_main.jpg?v=1794509163"},{"product_id":"pura-vida-original-sculpture","title":"Pura Vida - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011725557858,"sku":"JS006","price":305.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/puravida_main.jpg?v=1794509478"},{"product_id":"ready-to-break-original-sculpture","title":"Ready to Break - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. Hand built using the coil and slab methods. Fired in a gas kiln using the saggar firing method.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011728801890,"sku":"JS007","price":220.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/readytobreak_main.jpg?v=1794509752"},{"product_id":"the-set-original-sculpture","title":"The Set - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. Hand built using the coil and slab methods. Fired in a gas kiln using the saggar firing method.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011733487714,"sku":"JS008","price":340.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/theset_main.jpg?v=1794510032"},{"product_id":"theres-calm-beyond-the-breakers-original-sculpture","title":"There's Calm Beyond the Breakers - Original Sculpture *","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eHand built saggar sculpture with expressive surface design and carve outs. Organic materials, metallics, and atmospheric effects leave behind subtle markings, tonal shifts, and surface variations that can’t be replicated. Hand built using the coil and slab methods. Fired in a gas kiln using the saggar firing method.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare instructions: \u003cspan lang=\"EN\" style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;\"\u003eAvoid washing. Dust gently by hand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jim Sweeney","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51011737288802,"sku":"JS009","price":720.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/files\/there_scalmbeyondthebreakers_main.jpg?v=1794510376"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0013\/8998\/5890\/collections\/breatheinforluck_main.jpg?v=1794507929","url":"https:\/\/sorellegallery.com\/collections\/jim-sweeney.oembed","provider":"Sorelle Gallery Fine Art","version":"1.0","type":"link"}