James Salaiz (b. 1972) is a ceramic sculptor who works from his studio on Shelter Island, New York. After graduating with honors from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa with a Bachelor of Special Studies in ceramics and photography, James worked for several prominent ceramic artists before moving to New York City where he created prototypes in the studio of iconic potter, Jonathan Adler.
In 2011, James’s sculptures were introduced to the avant-garde Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo who invited him to exhibit at Comme des Garcons’ Trading Museums in Paris and Tokyo and at her London design outpost, Dover Street Market. Esteemed New York gallerist Cristina Grajales met James at the opening of the London exhibition and began representing him that year. In 2022, renowned gallerist and designer Jeff Lincoln was introduced to James’s organic, abstract ceramics and Jeff now represents the sculptor’s work at his eponymous gallery in Southampton, New York.
