C O S M I C   C O A S T A L
Contemporary Unglazed

JAN RENTENAAR
Oregon, USA
​2023

4.5 x 10 x 3 inches
Black Mountain Stoneware Clay
Hand Built, Wood and Soda Fired at 2400 F

"The Oregon coast has been a major influence on my work. With this container I feature the concept of the cresting wave crashing against the cliffside where the coastal pines cling to life. Firing the pot upside down altered the pots relationship to gravity, exploring the idea of varying gravities on other planets and how that would interplay with nature. In this wood firing style silica gathered into a blue glass-like material to represent the spray of the ocean giving the illusion of defying gravity."

- Jan Rentenaar

Photography credit: Ty and Chey Photography

A B O U T   J A N   R E N T E N A A R

I am a native Oregonian and graduated with a BA in Fine Arts from Evergreen State College. In 2023 I received the “Purchase Award” from Tacoma Clay Art at OPA Ceramic Showcase. In 2020 my pot was featured on the cover of the Journal of the American Bonsai Society with an accompanying article.

I have been an artist my entire life and while my main body of work has been sculptural in nature, I began my journey in bonsai over 20 years ago. During this time I have been able to learn from many different people and disciplines that have helped shape my current work.

I have worked closely with Ryan Neil of “Bonsai Mirai,” which has given me valuable insight into the physicality and potential of bonsai containers. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to wood fire with Hiroshi Ogawa for 15 years in Elton, Oregon firing both the noborigama and the anagama kilns. Working with Hiroshi heavily influences the way I engage in the wood firing process and fire my pieces.

In 2023 I received my teaching certificate in Kyoto, Japan from the Ikebana school, “Saga Goryu.” Bonsai and ikebana share the aesthetic of a container that has “no ego.” Being a student of both disciplines gives me insight into the value of the supporting role containers play in bonsai. ​
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Follow Jan Rentenaar on these platforms:
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Website: www.janrentenaar.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/janrentenaar/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jan.rentenaar

T H A N K   Y O U   T O   O U R   S P O N S O R S

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