JUSTIN ROTHSHANK

BIOGRAPHY

Justin Rothshank is a studio potter working in Goshen, Indiana. He has been a presenter, panelist, visiting artist, and artist-in-residence at numerous universities, schools, conferences, and art centers throughout the United States and abroad.

Justin is the author of Low Fire Soda, a book published in 2020 by Ceramic Arts Network. He is the co-founder of Union Project, a nonprofit organization located in Pittsburgh, PA, where he served as Associate Director and Principal Artist until 2009. He is also a co-founder of the Michiana Pottery Tour, Northern Indiana Clay Alliance, and the Indiana Clay Conference.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I'm interested in social justice and the natural environment. I create functional pottery with layered visual and narrative surfaces, reflecting the complexity of these issues. I gather inspiration from the natural environment where I live, and the world around me.

I also make pottery depicting political leaders from our collective history, and floral imagery including the poppy flower, that represent remembrance and honor for those who have served, my opposition to war, and my interest in working towards positive social change thru relationship building.

In making this work, I've reflected on the beauty, inspiration and energy that the environment provides to me...the wildlife, changing seasons, flora and fauna, fuel and resource. Yet I recognize that we've changed the natural environment significantly since our arrival on this land. I  make this work as a reminder of the responsibility I carry in preserving the natural environment, educating those around me, and understanding the history that impacts the present and the future.

www.rothshank.com
Instagram: @jrothshank