Janathel Shaw’s works underscore concerns in Black America, notably, single parenting, spirituality, racism and racial pride. She uses texture, drawing, symbolism and high relief to effectively express and narrate through her work. Her work highlights the strength of the Black community. Ms. Shaw has a strong exhibit history and has been cited in numerous publications: East City Paper, Gay Blade, Studio Potter, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, the Washington Times, The City Paper (Baltimore), The Washington Afro-American Newspaper, Ceramics Monthly and Ceramic Review. She currently has work on view in Red, Touchstone Gallery, exhibited in August at Baltimore Clayworks and in Alchemicals Exhibit at the Joan Hisaoka Arts Gallery, Washington, DCShe received her Masters of Fine Art degree in 1996 and her Bachelors of Science in 1989 from the George Washington University. An associate in Art degree was earned from Prince George’s Community College in 1987. She has won several sculpture and painting awards.
My pieces that were created during and post covid reflect an inward introspection. 2020 was very intense. In the beginning, my response was chaotic, fraught with fear, anger, loss and change. I realized that my community had shrunk, and I reached out for connection and healing. In doing so I was also able to appreciate acts of compassion, and witness resilience. Art was my lifeline and voice. The more time that I invested in creating made it possible for me to fight back and accept that I wasn’t the mythical strong woman. It allowed me to heal.
Most of my work centers on a narrative exploring societal and individual conflict, especially regarding race. In my sculptures and drawings, I seek to engage the viewer in a visual dialogue. Much of my portfolio highlights the African American experience and our humanity. In doing so my aim is to engage others to think critically. My portraits highlight what it means to be Black and “other” in a society that questions or disregards our existence. They are a softer complement to my ceramic sculptures. I choose my choice of genre based on the narrative. My drawings allow me to layer through the drawn mark. I can use my drafting skills to render an image and mark making to convey emotion through manipulation of tones and light. It is not enough to create an image, eliciting or imbuing emotion is the goal. Drawing is part of my creative process whether as a mark on paper or as sgraffito on clay.
Clay is messy, malleable and tactile which lends itself to the height of expressionism. I enjoy the process of modeling and watching the form emerge. It is here that I feel closer to the earth. I enjoy the physicality of wedging, carving, lifting and building. Drawing allows me to pour my thoughts or feelings through the drawn mark. It also allows me to dance on a singular surface and create what I see or desire. Ceramic sculpture demands that I move my entire body to bring the form into existence. Every decision is built upon the next. How I construct affects the interpretation of the story.