Janet Rodriguez - artist. potter
As an art major exploring various mediums, I was immediately drawn to clay and its tactile nature. The ability to transform clay into various shapes and forms by hand, sometimes using the potter's wheel, intrigued me.
The thing I still find most delightful is the trompe l’oiel aspect of clay—appearing to be something other than clay entirely. Using found objects such as shells, fabrics, tree bark, wooden carved stamps and more; I transform the surface of the clay into something rich in textural and visual imagery. These surfaces are emphasized by being washed or rubbed with glazes, underglazes or pigment stains.
I also enjoy making and using functional pottery, incorporating texture whenever possible. Most of all it is my desire to create pieces that invite others to explore them both with eyes and hands. I’m inspired by sharing in the delight of making these art forms and creating a bond between us.
Vitae
Janet Rodriguez completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in fine arts in the field of Ceramics from the University of Dallas, Irving, Texas in May, 1972. In 1979 she received a Master of Religious Education from the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas. She taught pottery at Ursuline Academy in Dallas from August of 1972 to May of 1979 and at Nolan High School in Fort Worth from August of 1979 to May of 1983, taking commissions and creating her own works in her spare time. In August of 1983 she went into pottery business full time, opening Hart Street Pottery in East Fort Worth. This is a studio for the production and sale of functional and decorative wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery. In 1995 a teaching studio was added where Janet teaches classes on a regular basis.
Her works are made from white stoneware clay fired in a gas kiln to 2350 F. This type of clay and firing produces a highly durable ware with rich colors. These rich and brilliant, yet often soft and subtle, colors have become a hallmark of her work. Manipulated edges and cut rims are also identifying traits of her creations. The line of work Janet makes includes such functional items as baskets, mugs, bowls, pitchers, cookware, serving pieces, canisters and some religious altar ware. Her unique hand built pots combine layers of rich texture, varied glaze applications, and unusual shapes.
A native Texan, Janet resides in Fort Worth, Texas with her husband, Joe, and daughters, Jessica and Jane. In addition to selling from her studio, Janet has sold her work at fine art fairs such as Cottonwood Art Festival, Richardson, Texas, Ruidoso Art Festival, Ruidoso, New Mexico, Royal Oak Clay and Glass Show, Royal Oak, Michigan, Rockport Art Festival, Rockport, Texas, and Artfest, Dallas Texas.
In November of 2012, Janet was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (Fort Worth Chapter) on National Philanthropy Day, as Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the year, for her work with Tarrant Area Food Bank Empty Bowls Event.
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Summary:
A production potter who makes functional and decorative pieces, using white stoneware clay fired in a gas kiln to 2350’ F, producing a highly durable ware with rich yet often subtle glaze colors. Many of the hand built pieces are constructed of highly textured slabs of clay stained with glazes and underglazes. Some of the wheel thrown pieces are altered and embellished with extruded elements.
Experience:
1996- present Teacher, Hart Street Pottery Annex
1983- present Studio Potter, proprietor,
Hart Street Pottery, Ft. Worth, TX
1983-1984 Adjunct Instructor, Ceramics,
Tarrant County Junior College, Northeast, Hurst, TX
1979 -1983 High School instructor, Nolan High School, Ft. Worth, TX
1972-1979 High School instructor and Art Department Chairperson, Ursuline Academy, Dallas, TX
Education:
1983 Began coursework for a Certificate in Ceramic Business, Tarrant County Junior College, NE, Hurst, TX (program discontinued)
1979 Master of Religious Education, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX
1975 Completed Teacher Certification requirements:High School Art, University of Dallas, Irving, TX
1972 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ceramics, University of Dallas, Irving, TX
Workshops:
2003 March, NCECA,” “, San Diego, CA
2001 January, Functional Stoneware/Single-firing, Steven Hill, Craft Guild of Dallas
1998 March, NCECA (National Council on Education in the Ceramic Arts), “History and Heroes,”, Ft, Worth, TX
1992 April, David Leach at Pine Mills Pottery, Mineola, TX
1990 November, Karen Karnes at Cedar Valley Jr. College, Cedar Valley, TX
1990 September, David Leach at Pine Mills Pottery, Mineola, TX
1990 May, “Raku Workshop” with Randy Brodnax at Brigham Ranch Pottery, Ft. Worth, TX
1989 January, “Tom Turner Workshop”, Dallas Craft Guild, Dallas, TX
1989 October, cosponsored “John Leach Workshop”, University of Dallas, Irving, TX
1986 March, NCECA, “Production Pottery,” San Antonio, TX
1985 April, NCECA, “Ceramic Art and Architecture”, St. Louis, MO
1984 January, “Ten Years Later, with John Glick”, Mesquite, TX
1983 October, “The Business of Making Good Pots” with David Leach of Lowesdown Pottery, England, at Pine Mills Pottery, Mineola, TX
Shows/Exhibitions:
1st Annual University of Dallas Regional Art Show, February 2007, Irving, TX
TCAA, Members Show, July 2003, Irving, TX
Ceramics Alumni Show, March 1998, University of Dallas, Irving. TX
Functional Ceramics, 1991, Wayne Ctr. for the Arts, Wooster, OH
Cottonwood Art Festival, Richardson, TX
Ruidoso Art Festival, Ruidoso, NM
Mayfest, Ft. Worth, TX, Artfest, Dallas/Addison, TX
Huffines Art Trails, Richardson, TX
Rockport Art Festival, Rockport, TX
Royal Oak Clay & Glass Show, Royal Oak, MI
Southwest Liturgical Conference, regional
