My Work
To view my work in progress, please visit my instagram page: jannalikebanana
Sew Stylish: Crafting a Custom Wardrobe
The need to create runs deep in my veins, often cycling through various craft projects. Before having my son in October 2022, I spent every night and weekend in my pottery studio exploring new ideas or preparing for the next shop update. During my maternity leave, I found getting back into the studio challenging, despite it being a 20-second walk across my lawn.
The amount my body changed in a year was *wild.* Going from an eclectic wardrobe to bland maternity clothes, and finally a postpartum leggings-and-sweatshirt look added to the new-mom experience of not feeling like myself and like my body didn't belong to me.
A studio fibers class as part of my master's program sparked my interest in sewing my own clothes. Learning this new skill has been liberating, therapeutic, and empowering. Shortly after the tragedy and loss in the fall, I shared a reel about using a creative outlet to move through grief: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzNDKRNLOZA/
It's been a little over a year of sewing my own clothes during Oliver's nap time, and I'm proud to report that every day I'm wearing something I've made. #ThanksIMadeIt
When I was younger I would roll my eyes when my father took pictures of colorful buildings, whimsical park benches, or interesting patterns embedded in sidewalks. I now find myself noticing similar details in my surroundings and appreciate subtle elements that transform ordinary objects to beautiful ones. As an art teacher, I believe students can gain self-confidence and learn greater life lessons through art making. As an artist, I make ceramic work that is utilitarian and sculptural. My intention is to add beauty and an element of surprise to conventional wares used everyday.
I am curious about texture and pattern found in my surroundings and how they work with functional form. My work is inspired by patterns and occurrences that happen in nature as well as in fabric design. I find beauty in seemingly simplistic geometric patterns seen in African prints, Islamic ceramics, and fabric designer Marimekko. Creating art with such repetition lends itself to selfless meditation. The practice of making the object is just as important as the finished product.