Janice MacLean

About the Artist

Driven by her innate curiosity for life and art, Janice MacLean embarked on a path to becoming an artist and a dedicated student of creativity. Her journey began with a focused study of art, where she delved into the realms of design and sculpture at Old Dominion University, ultimately earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Design. Additionally, Janice pursued her passion for artistic expression by acquiring an Associates Applied Science degree in Graphic Design from Tidewater Community College, further expanding her knowledge and skills in the realm of visual communication. Janice employs the technique of constructing her clay sculptures using slabs and coils, meticulously shaping them into meaningful forms. To complement her artistic expression, she deliberately imparts a rustic texture to her creations. Her sculptures serve as poignant social commentary, shedding light on the historical depiction of women and the societal expectations placed upon them in the context of postmodern society. Symbolically, the oxidation and rust that develop over time on her sculptures metaphorically represent the gradual erosion and deprivation women experienced when they were confined to prescribed roles, unable to actively pursue their desired aspirations. As Janice's artistic journey progresses alongside the evolving role of women in society, she skillfully incorporates texture and utilizes the captivating effect of a Patina finish. This distinctive finish emerges through oxidation and various chemical reactions, resulting in a mesmerizing greenish or bluish-green coating that gracefully envelops her copper sculptures. The Patina, widely appreciated for its aesthetic qualities, acts as an enhancer, further enriching the allure of Janice's artistic creations. Janice is exhibiting her work in a juried July show “Open Exhibit” at The Art League Gallery 105 N Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314. The Open exhibits are not limited by theme, medium, process, or content.  Exhibit dates: July 6, 2023 – August 6, 2023 Janice is currently exhibiting her work in a juried show Janice is currently exhibiting her work in a juried show "Dimensions 2023 Sculpture Exhibit" at The Art League 105 N Union Street Alexandria, VA 22314. This Art show showcases three-dimensional work from a variety of media including ceramic, stone, wood, glass, metal, mixed media and beyond. This year's exhibit features 18 works by League member artists.  Janice's sculpture has been awarded “Honorable Mention” and her work will be on view until July 9, 2023. ​Janice is currently exhibiting her work at the Kulture Gallery located at 1230 Smallwood Dr. in Waldorf, MD 20603. This exhibition showcases the works of numerous established artists, creating a diverse and impressive collection of art. ​Janice is exhibiting her work in a group show with other DMV-based Black artists throughout the restaurant at Bistro 64.  Artbae LLC and the Artbae Foundation are partnering with Bistro 64 for “A Night at the Museum: Artists Opening Reception” on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 7-9pm at 6494 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747.  ​Janice is exhibiting her work in a group show at “The Real Milk & Honey and Pancake Factory” in Camp Springs, Maryland. Artbae LLC and the Artbae Foundation are partnering with The Real Milk & Honey Market and Pancake Factory to provide artwork by DMV-based Black artists throughout the restaurant. The exhibit will run from August 2022 through January 2023  Janice work currently is still on display. The Real Milk & Honey presents “A Night at the Museum: Artists Opening Reception” on Tuesday, August 23rd from 7-9pm at 4531 Telfair Blvd #201 Suitland, MD 20746. She has participated in other group and solo shows that include: Exhibiting Artist Member at The Art League in Alexandria, Virginia, and exhibited her work in the Juried group show “March 2022 Open Exhibit,” at the Torpedo Factory Art Center. The exhibit ran from March 9 through April 3, 2022. “Eclectic Art” group show at the Queens Court Gallery, Portsmouth, Virginia "Juried” awarded 3rd place, “Bon Voyage Silent Auction Annual Gala Art Auction”, at d'Art Center Norfolk, Virginia which benefited the fund raiser for d’Art center, “Fragments and Fables” two person show at the Jaffe Arts Center, Norfolk, VA, “Restoration: 3rd Annual Juried Exhibition” group show at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Portsmouth, VA, solo exhibition at the Riverview Gallery, Portsmouth, Virginia. Janice was awarded permanent studio space with the d'Art Center, Norfolk, Virginia.

Artist's Statement

Artist Statement Through a series of clay sculptures, I investigate the female torso by abstracting it into fragmented pieces. By fragmenting the torso, each figure becomes commentary on how our society views and expects a woman to behave in postmodern society. My work deals with the stereotyping of women and the western ethic that depreciates or devalues women's moral experience. Omissions in the torso are metaphors for the fragmented existence many women in postmodern society endure. This allusion allows the viewer to complete the missing fragments, thus, completing the woman. The viewer is in a position of power where they complete the “woman” through their interpretation of what the “woman” should be.