Topic: Janis Smith
Topic Type: Artist
Janis's forte is handbuilt pots of striking originality
Janis pays scant attention to functionality and dwells solely on what an imaginative mind and hand can produce. Fantasy and strong colours are the two main elements. She enjoys experimenting with glazes and paint.
She prefers handbuilt pots to wheel-thrown, as they feel like old friends by the time they are finished. She says not everything comes together at the right time, and there's a lot of trial and error, but we learn from each mistake. Sometimes the mistakes turn out the most interesting.
Janis likes working on a big scale, making large jugs, or her speciality, fish. Each one is different and unique. A recent series of teapots are anything but conventional or functional, just fun. Her pots can be found in the homes of discerning buyers in the Netherlands, Ireland, Canada, Britain and the USA as well as NZ.
Her most recent work moves away from three-dimensional objects to focus on tiles. Many of these have pools of coloured glass melted on to the surface, resulting in areas of vibrantly bright colours. All the tiles can be safely hung inside or out.
All the pots pictured are for sale. Orders will also be taken.
Janis is a member of the Levin Pottery Club where new members are always most welcome.
