Jan Arthur Harrell

Bio

Jan Harrell has explored the enamel medium for over forty years. She received her BFA in Jewelry and Enamel from Texas Tech University. After raising her family, she resumed studies at the University of Houston, earning her MFA in Sculpture in 2007. For the last twenty-five years, she has taught enamelling as an instructor at the Glassell School of Art, the school for the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas. Recipient of numerous awards, Harrell exhibits jewellery scale and small object work nationally and internationally, her pieces also appear in several books on enamelling and metalsmithing. View her work on her web site www.janharrell.com.umed her studies at the University of Houston where she

Statement

The three objects chosen for this exhibition are parts of a larger series entitled THE MUSE—a collection of small enamelled objects expressive of a larger than life persona of inspirational femininity. This bawdy and joyful goddess embraces life to its fullest and grabs a bit more when she gets the chance. To produce an appropriately unconventional yet decidedly feminine design and palate, my work amalgamates found objects with fabrications. The expanded scale and rusted patinas are a foil against the delicacy and lushness of the enamel surfaces. Though done in a humorous way, these pieces also explore gender issues and the power of strong women.