A person sitting in a dimly lit room, holding a mug, with a kiln and shelves in the background. A wooden table in front is adorned with various ceramic vases containing dried plants, reflecting an artistic workshop setting.

James Alby

James Alby

My work draws from the shadows of my personal history, Chamorro heritage, and the environments that shape me- from the island of Guam, where I was born, to the city of Portland, where I currently live and create. I began my pottery journey in July 2023. My wheel-thrown creations are as much about the form as they are about the technical work in the creation of the piece.

Abstract crescent-shaped sculpture with brown and white textures, resembling a ceramic or clay material, shown on a neutral background.

Clay Bodies

A group ceramics show with Portland-based artists James Alby, Savannah Baker, Miranda Karson, and Calvin Wong at One Grand Gallery.

On view April 11 - May 9, 2025

CHIMERA

This short documentary, directed by Daniel Ray Cantu, highlights Portland based professional skateboarder, James Alby in the aftermath of their mother’s passing and their journey into ceramic art.

Coming soon

A framed photo of a man surrounded by pottery, with Portland Panorama Film Festival 2025 logo and text on a blue background.

Currently

Ceramic vase with textured blue-green glaze and irregular shape

[as if you could ever contain me]

Handcrafted ceramic vase with a brown and teal glaze finish on a white background.

In November of 2024, I was granted an artist residency with Heirloom Ceramic Studio. This has given me the freedom to explore the craft and experiment with materials and ideas.

[as if you can ever contain me] is a new concept of work in an effort to challenge ‘the container’. Wheel-thrown pottery often leads to the creation of containers, naturally. Containers to hold liquid, food, tools, remains… It’s easy to overlook the beauty of a wheel-thrown object that you use everyday or is somewhere blending into your environment. Through warping, exaggerating, and pushing the limits of the clay I intend to challenge the purpose and visuals of the container.

Listen to the 50+ hour companion playlist

Abstract ceramic vase with green and blue hues on a white background.

Past Exhibitions

  • March 14th, 2025

    A fusion of art mediums that showcase the elements behind the traditional dinner party.

    Industry One Foundation, 415 SW 10th Ave, Portland, OR

  • March 7th, 2025

    One night of art, music, and skating. Featuring visual artists and musicians from the Portland skate scene.

    Jaja PDX, 819 SE Taylor St, Portland, OR

  • February 21st, 2025

    A group art show at Telephone Vintage.

    3239 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR

  • January 31st, 2025

    One Moto Cafe, Portland, OR

    An art show of skateboarders and their mediums.

  • January 26th, 2025

    lowell, Portland, OR

    One of a kind, handmade mugs by 15 contemporary artists.

  • October 3rd, 2024

    Portland, OR

    A group show with the theme of “automobiles”.

  • September 20th, 2024

    One Grand Gallery, Portland, OR

    Group show presented by Tactics and Converse CONS featuring Mike Gigliotti, Charlie Salas-Humara, Scotty Copalman, Jesse Kamerzell, and James Alby.

  • September 7th, 2024

    Clay Street Studios, Portland, OR

    Group art show including 20+ artists and live music.

  • July 27th, 2024

    Union/Pine, Portland, OR

    “Identity Crisis” offers a profound exploration into the ontological complexities of selfhood and personal narrative. Presented by Ethereal Reflections.

Art gallery exhibit featuring a colorful patterned cube sculpture, a dark brown abstract vase, and a ceramic vase with dried flowers, surrounded by people dressed in casual clothing. One person is holding a skateboard.

Beginnings

Rustic vases with dried flowers on a shelf in dim lighting.

My Dark is Beautiful

My Dark is Beautiful is a ceramic collection centered around my darkness inside and out. The vessels in this collection often represent family, culture, trauma, alienation, and acceptance. I am still in the process of completing this body of work.

This would not be possible without the generous grant I received from RACC, my ceramics studio Fancy Banana, and the endless support from my friends and family.

Silhouettes of abstract human-like figures with warm backlighting and blurred surroundings.
Person placing a clay pot into a kiln for firing
A woman wearing sunglasses represents a lunar phase, with intricate decorative elements surrounding her, while a crescent moon rests on her forehead.