Pushing Boundaries in 12 Bold Directions.
Over the last 14 years, I've delved into a wide range of ceramic techniques, styles, and expressions. While my creative approach has always been intuitive, organizing my body of work posed an interesting challenge. After careful consideration, I've now refined my work into these 12 series. However, I am consistently pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone, embracing evolution through continuous experimentation.
Cava Series
Each piece was thrown on the wheel and altered by hand over several days. Raku, the ancient Japanese firing technique, allows for stunning results not attainable by any other process. To create this series, I left the bodies of the pieces unglazed, resulting in a black, uncoated, raw finish. Each piece is a subtle reminder that irregularities and imperfections are inherently beautiful.
Beneath the Surface Series
I draw inspiration from the rich and enigmatic marine world and the mysteries that lie within the ocean. Through intricate sculpting, expressive textures and an array of colors, I hope to capture the magical life beneath the surface.
Saguaro Series
Living in Arizona for the past 25 years, I am a desert-dweller through and through. Every day, I am fortunate to live alongside some incredible sources of inspiration: stunning red rock formations, sprawling canyons, and iconic succulents — with the towering saguaro cactus as the crown jewel among them. The Sonoran Desert is the only place in the world where saguaro cactus grows naturally, and this series pays tribute to them.
Stillness Series
Conceptualized after a journey to Iceland, this series captures the country’s awe-inspiring mix of towering glaciers, hardened lava basalt columns, and volcanic sand beaches. These pieces are a reminder that the raw power of Mother Nature demands deep respect.
Maya Series
When I was 16, I visited Tulum, an ancient Mayan port city located in the Riviera Maya. Even at that young age, I instantly formed a spiritual connection with it. This series was influenced by the Mayan art and jewelry I encountered on that trip.
Chi Series
An ode to my ceramic practice, I give the clay my energy and the resulting art piece gives it back to me — in essence, a feedback loop of energy.
The clean, rhythmic, ribbon-like lines make a bold statement while lending movement to inanimate objects. Working with clay both grounds me and ignites my creative spirit — allowing me to unplug and be present in the tangible, tactile world. I often lose myself in the exploration of various forms and ever-evolving techniques.
Raku Series
I am particularly drawn to Raku because this ancient Japanese firing technique creates distinctive aesthetic textures and colors dripping with smoke and rawness. The unpredictable nature of the finished product assures that no two pieces will ever be exactly alike.
Wave Series
The Wave collection pays homage to the dynamic nature of the majestic ocean. Each piece is meticulously manipulated and handcrafted to capture the essence of fluidity and transformation. The curves are thoughtfully shaped to catch the ever-changing interplay of light and shadow, creating a visual experience that evolves throughout the day.
Mujer Series
For me, there’s nothing more beautiful than the female form. It represents humanity, grace, and unconditional love. She is both soft and powerful; practical and spiritual. This series is a celebration of her.
Negative Space Series
Negative space is a kind of visual breathing room. Though it’s typically the term used to describe the space surrounding a subject, in this case it is the subject itself. Light, airy, and organic, this ceramic series is modern and timeless. Less is more.
Found Series
I did not envision the pieces in this series — but rather let nature dictate the vessel designs. Each one was inspired by bits of wood collected on one of many desert hikes. Their dry, raw, craggy expressiveness sets the tone for the receptacles atop which they are perched.
Taal Series
This ceramic series is an exploration of volcanic textures and finishes. The muse for this series is the iconic Taal Volcano, nestled within the picturesque landscapes of my country of birth, the Philippines. This incredible geological wonder is located within a serene lake. Despite being one of the smallest volcanos in the world, Taal is the second most active volcano in the Philippines.
“To me, the forms convey balance, playfulness and beauty. Janette’s work is a daily reminder of the good things on planet Earth.”