Sticks & Stones Studio by Jan Kolenda

i am a clay artist who works with highly decorated functional and sculptural ceramics. most recently my work has expanded to include large scale relief ceramic tile murals and sculptures. i have worked with clay for over 20 years and the process has never failed to excite and inspire me. i am drawn to the plasticity of the medium and its responsiveness to touch. no matter how many times i take wet clay, manipulate it and finally fire it, turning the material and my impressions to stone, i am constantly amazed with the transformation. the continuing theme and direction for my work has always been the subject of nature. as a child i was captivated by the beauty of the natural world. plants and animals were the focus of my daily discoveries and play. climbing trees, building stick forts, hiding amongst the brush, searching for insects, birds, and animals was the source of my endless fascination. my work is the direct result of this continued interest. my art starts out in that quiet place