Description

Number thirty-three.
Birch bark, glazes, wood burning, found-wood, and metal.

“Wisconsin birch bark takes center stage on this Spirit Shield with a background of chalky crackle glaze and stained wood. A slice of Lake Michigan driftwood is embellished with rust-stained wood from an early 1900’s trunk found abandoned in a grassy field. A piece of barn board from my grandparent’s farm and a found rusted metal circle complete the piece. This is meant to have ‘quiet presence’ with birch bark being an element of nature’s art.” -Jan Jahnke

Jan Jahnke, former instructor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design. Influenced by her studies in Ojibwe spiritual culture, Jahnke invokes impressions of the earth and that which has passed before us. Color schemes are created using water based paint, stain, and carving on wood and have a surprising amount of texture. Each piece within the Spirit Shield series holds found material to solidify our relation to that which has existed before, and the artist hopes to convey a sense of protection. Pieces are left unframed to allow a more tangible connection to the work.

Pieces measure approximately 30 inches in diameter