Jan Kolenda

I am a clay artist who works with highly decorated functional and sculptural ceramics and large-scale relief ceramic tile murals.

The continuing theme and direction for my work has always been the subject of nature. As a child, the beauty of the natural world captivated me. Plants and animals were the focus of my daily discoveries and play.

My art starts out in that quiet place of childhood memories where play and exploration are intermingled. There is a feeling of wonder an excitement as nature’s secrets are revealed. As I work, I slip back to those early years where discovery was play and now creativity and memory give way to play. It would please me to know that those viewing my work would join me in this childhood joy.