This week’s featured artist: Jayne Shatz
ME: I am an artist, educator, and ceramic historian. I have a PhD in Ceramic History, an MA in Pottery and Sculpture and a BA in Art History. During a ceramic career spanning 40 years, I have taught in colleges, founded two potters’ cooperatives, founded The Albany Ceramic Institute and taught ceramics and sculpture in a public high school. I exhibited my sculpture and vessels, in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, California and Maryland. I moved to Maryland in 2005. Presently I teach at museums, colleges, art centers and privately in my home studio. For eight years I have been co-producing the Mid Atlantic Biennial Clay Conference. I love to write, and have published several articles on ceramic history and studio techniques. In 2008, my work was featured on the front cover of the book, “Electric Firing: Creative Techniques”. I have published several articles through Ceramics Monthly Magazine, the Potters Council and the New York State Council on the Arts. I now produce educational ceramic videos.
MY ART: I became interested in ceramics as an undergraduate. Upon graduating, three friends and I built the Kilnhaus Potters, an artist commune concentrating on high fire porcelain. After Kilnhaus, I opened my own studio and began researching lower fired oxidation glazes. There as very little information at that time in cone six glazes (the term used for mid range lectric kiln ceramics). This work was documented in an article in Ceramics Monthly entitled, “The Oxidation Reverberation, How the Gas Crisis of the 1970’s Influenced American Ceramics”, an article that has been published many times. I enjoy publishing on my website and blog, curating virtual exhibits, producing ceramic videos and maintaining a presence on YouTube. My website is www.jayneshatzpottery.com.
MFA & ME: I have exhibited at MFA many times, and most recently have enjoyed their increasing support for three dimensional work. I have been able to sell both sculpture and pottery in this wonderful gallery in downtown Annapolis. What interests me more and more is the MFA’s growth in exploring many venues outside their walls in which member artists can exhibit and sell their work.
Every week, we feature an MFA member for “Me & My Art Monday.” If you are interested, please submit a photo and three paragraphs: one each about YOU, YOUR ART, and MFA & YOU totaling approximately 350 words, to meandmyart@mdfedart.org.
