Hello! I’m Jacky Denaway
About me…
I’m a ceramic artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I teach part time at Western Michigan University where I received my MFA in Ceramics, MA in Art Education, BFA in Graphic Design and BFA in Art Education. Before I fell in love with ceramics, I was an art teacher in the public schools. My move from teaching resulted in my going back to school for my ceramic MFA. The struggle was real but well worth it! I’m so grateful for the generous, kind, and hard working artists who make up my ceramics community.
I’m a ceramic artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I teach part time at Western Michigan University where I received my MFA in Ceramics, MA in Art Education, BFA in Graphic Design and BFA in Art Education. Before I fell in love with ceramics, I was a visual arts teacher in the public schools.
These days I spend my time going between making in my home studio and attempting to organize the chaos of three kids. When the stars align and I have precious bits of spare time I spend them with my amazing husband, gardening or going on walks.
About my work…
I’m a ceramic artist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I teach part time at Western Michigan University where I received my MFA in Ceramics, MA in Art Education, BFA in Graphic Design and BFA in Art Education. Before I fell in love with ceramics, I was an art teacher in the public schools. My move from teaching resulted in my going back to school for my ceramic MFA. The struggle was real but well worth it! I’m so grateful for the generous, kind, and hard working artists who make up my ceramics community.
I view functional pottery as a vehicle for storytelling. The story that I am most interested in exploring is that of women, and specifically mothers. The story of the domestic and the feminine are intimately intertwined with domestic ceramic objects. Our cultural constructs surrounding traditional maternal roles idealize the love and service expected of mothers, service that is inherently entwined with the kitchen and functional pottery.
Much of my inspiration comes from historical domestic objects, textiles, wallpaper, handicrafts, and gardens as well as my own lived experiences. Ultimately the story I am telling is my own but is in no way unique. We are all tied to the maternal story in some way.