Laura Jenels
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Artist Statement
Bright colors, busy patterns and figural drawings draw the eye in and around the surface of my pottery forms; the vessel is the vehicle that carries my narrative. References and symbols significant to my experience as a bi-racial woman, construct identity and inspire my illustrations.
Some foods, just like people are not always welcomed; minds are not always open. What is the scale between shame, gluttony and physical sustenance? How does a woman’s relationship with food affect a sense of self and sense of belonging among different communities? The ceramics that comprise this body of work, are distinct representations of myself. Through finding and identifying icons and emotions I translate and curate the surfaces of my pots. The female figure is centered on most vessels, expressing a forlorn or distrustful face. This contrasts the other drawings on the surface, which are typically perceived as more joyful or humorous. Through the use of this juxtaposition, I create a bold and humorous iconography that exposes the viewer to my expression of selfhood. A pattern seen in many Mexican tile works and one that comes from the makers of my culture reoccurs throughout this body of work.
These vessels are loud and in your face. They are feminine and bold. Pushing against the shame that surfaces in adulthood, this work celebrates a return to a more optimistic and playful space.
![Four round pots in a row on a pink shelf. The center pots are decorated with Cheetos and bananas and the pots on the outside have women’s faces.](_images/01_laurajenels-660x440.jpg)
Girls Girls Girls // 48” x 12” // Terracotta, Underglaze, Cone 6.
![A view of three different works four individual shelves with mugs, a floral wall arrangement with mugs hidden in. In the forefront is a large vase on a milk crate.](_images/02_laurajenels-660x665.jpg)
Installation shot (Ask Linda)
![A large hand built vase with a blue bag of Bimbo donuts as the top. The illustrations on the vessel depict a woman surrounded by object such as a computer and window.](_images/03_laurajenels-660x989.jpg)
Bimbo Brain // 22” x 11” // Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, Cone 6.
![A image containing a colorful arrangement of flowers and a ceramic mug placed on a shelf in the center.](_images/04_laurajenels-660x436.jpg)
Pizza Parlor // 48” x 36” x 4” // Plywood, Artificial flowers, Foam, Porcelain.
![A view of four mugs, each on a different pink shelf. The Mugs are decorated with bright colors.](_images/05_laurajenels-660x382.jpg)
Cup Wall // 3” x 3” // Porcelain, Glaze, Underglaze (mug series).
![A set of four mugs arranged in a row. Each mug has different drawings on them with a different colored handle and inner glaze.](_images/06_laurajenels-660x440.jpg)
Mug Set // 3” x 3” // Porcelain, Glaze, Underglaze(mug series).
![A ceramic dinosaur in a seated position holding a banana and smiling. He is glazed in many different colors.](_images/07_laurajenels-660x440.jpg)
Tyranasur Bananasur // 18” x 20” x 11” // Stoneware, Underglaze, Glaze, Cone 6.
![A terracotta vase with a chicken head as the top. The vase is decorated with a white slip and two female figures painted on either side.](_images/08_laurajenels-660x989.jpg)
Chicken Soup // 30” x 14” // Terracotta, Underglaze, Glaze, Googley eyes, Cone 6.
![Three vases arranged in on one photo. The vase have shapes added to both sides; the vases are decorated with the faces of women and junk foods.](_images/09_laurajenels-660x440.jpg)
Winged Vases Series // 6” x 10” x 9” // Terracotta, Underglaze, Glaze Cone
![A view of two mugs one in an upright position and one on its side to show the bottom.](_images/10_laurajenels-660x440.jpg)
Mug Series // Porcelain, Underglaze, Glaze Cone 6.