Artist: Janathel Shaw

Title: Raku Feet "Moving Foward 2"

Medium: Sculpture, ceramic stoneware

Frame: Unframed, freestanding sculpture

Size:
Height: 4 inches
Width: 4 inches
Depth: 9 inches

Additional Description:

"I see my work as a vehicle in conveying a narrative or idea. The work in this exhibit, although intimate in scope, hopefully touches on national and/or universal themes. They include equality, self actualization, anti-bigotry, spiritual examination, and feminist distress.

My ceramic sculptures also reveal my true love for the medium. I love the malleable quality and “messiness” of clay, which lends itself to the height of expressionism. It’s an art form that is never given its’ rightful due as a “fine art medium”; too often relegated to craft”.

My pieces are bold, weighty, a little disconcerting and reflective of what is occurring in our society; especially from an African-American scope.  I’ve often been told to “not preach” through my art.  Hell, I see myself as a “Griot” of sorts.  It is my aim, on occasion, to emote and provide “food for thought”.  I envision education as one of the roles that visual art can fulfill.  Many of my heroes such as: Elizabeth Catlett, Robert Arneson, Frida Kahlo, and Augusta Savage embodied this exemplar.

I invite you to enjoy my work for its content and visual honesty.  If this seems a little saucy, do forgive me. I like a little hot sauce with my meals."
Janathel Shaw