bio and statement
Jenni Ward
Jenni Ward is a sculptor, art instructor and owner of Earth Art Studio in Aptos CA. In 2005, she opened Earth Art Studio; a sculpture studio offering clay and mixed media sculpture classes and workshops for children, teens and adults. Throughout her teaching career she has worked extensively with many youth and senior art programs. She is also the creative engine behind the humanitarian group; HOPE Art which brings art to the youth of Haiti. In addition to teaching, she has been creating, showing and selling her own sculptures since graduating from University of Hartford-Hartford Art School with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1998. She exhibits her sculptures locally, nationally and participates in the Santa Cruz County Open Studios.
Artist’s Statement
My work focuses on how organic forms interact and engage with the space they encompass. I create abstract arrangements with references to the biological world of seeds, pollens, bones, shells and entomology that explore the tensions of opposing forces. The results evoke contrary feelings of unshackled captivity, organized randomness and the density of negative space; these pieces strive to achieve a sense of beauty in their asymmetrical balance. At times I work in multiples; the forms are often configured in simple geometric compositions to counter their organic nature. Using clay as my primary medium, I develop these pieces with commonalities of shape, color, texture and movement that often result in a series of work.
resume
Click here to view resume
earth art studio
earth art studio is a creative studio space where imagination thrives. students are given the opportunity to work alongside ceramic sculptor jenni ward in her home studio. earth art studio provides instruction and guidance in ceramic arts with a focus on sculpture to individuals of any age. small class sizes in our quiet redwood setting sets the stage for developing skills, challenging creativity and inspiring ideas. we also offer the opportunity to participate in art shows throughout the year.
earthartstudioaptos.com
being cr8iv blog
Jenni Ward's Being Cr8iv blog is a chronicle of the extensive span of clay and sculpture projects she's created over her 14 years of teaching art. She is happy to share these projects with creative kids and classrooms.
beingcr8iv.blogspot.com
project HOPE art
Project HOPE Art's mission is to inspire, heal and improve the quality of life for children in need through the creative process of art. Project HOPE Art uses art as a vehicle to inspire, educate and create intentional whimsy. We work with children in hospitals, orphanages, schools and communities in disaster stricken areas. We use art to help establish self esteem, self expression, self respect and stress relief for our students. We create art for art's sake, we educate through our art and science, nutrition and literacy programs and we twirl in tutus and face paint because its good for the soul.
projecthopeart.org
press
"Santa Cruz Artist's Spotlight", Santa Cruz Sentinel, Christa Martin, December 2012
"Artist Interview", Ceramics Now Magazine, Alexandra Muresan, March 2012
'Colorful Expressions", Register-Pajaronian, Erik Chalhoub, December 2011
"Experience Clay Event at the Museum of Art & History", Santa Cruz Sentinel, Kimberly White, July 2011
"Local Women bring Art to Haiti", Santa Cruz Sentinel, Shanna McCord, Jan 2011
"Aptos Artist Joins Haiti Quake Relief", Mid-County Post, Nov 2010
"Open Studios: for kids of all ages", Growing Up in Santa Cruz, Suki Wesseling, Oct 2010
"American Art Collector", Alcove Books, Tom Palmer, 2010
"DIY: Create Ceramics for the Garden", Santa Cruz Sentinel, Tina Baine, May 2010
"What's New at Wildwood", Wine Country Homescapes, Sara Monte, Summer 2006
