Artist

Janis Mars Wunderlich

Janis Mars Wunderlich was born in Akron, (1992) Ohio, and an in MFA 1970, from received the Ohio a BFA from Brigham Young University (1992) and an MFA from the Ohio State University (1994). She has given numerous lectures and workshops through￾out North America. Articles by her have appeared in periodicals, including Ceramics Monthly , which also featured her art in the December 1999 issue. She is featured in the book The Best of New Ceramic Art and the upcoming title 500 Figures in Clay . She has exhibited worldwide and her work is found in permanent and private collection.

Family Supports

The mother figure is holding several children. Children are even on her legs, almost like leg braces. They slow her down, but she also enjoys the support and stability they give her.

In the Garden

In the Garden is inspired by my love of the earth, of gardening, and of the excitement of seeing the “fruits of your labors!” I’ve made this “garden￾gnome” with stacks of fruit and veggie -men and garlic-guys. The gnome’s “carrot-top” head is inspired by our family trait – most of us are red-heads.

Parenting Is No Cup of Tea

Parenting Is No Cup of Tea is a teapot that captures the complexities of balancing the roles of artist and mother. Teapots and mothers are about function – accommodating, protective, predictable, soothing. My children cling to me constantly. I understand that children grow up and stop clinging, but parents continue to “wear their children” on the inside … in thoughts, hopes, and memories. This teapot has a bunch of kids hanging on the inside, too.

Six Swans

Six Swans is inspired by a Grimm’s fairy tale about the power of family.

Family Fight

We call this piece “Family Home Evening.” “Explosions” seem to occur when we’re trying to have a nice family bonding moment. Those we love the most can take us to the edge.

Bird Brothers

Bird Brothers  is based on a Grimm’s fairy tale, “Twelve Brothers,” about loyalty among siblings. It parallels my experience growing up in a family of ten kids.

Dreaming of Children

As a newlywed, I dreamed about and imagined my future children.