BIO Charity Rust-Jordan was born in Northern Kentucky, where she continues to reside with her four children and husband. In 2018 she graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a Bachelors of Fine Art in Spatial Arts. While at NKU, Charity received several scholarships, was a presenter for the NKU Six @ Six series regarding Art Therapy and provided numerous art workshops for area shelters providing assistance to those in need. In summer 2020 she earned certificates in mindfulness and meditation, as well as a certificate in stress-management. In 2021 she earned a certification to teach mindfulness and conduct guided meditation, which she incorporates into her art classes. Currently Charity provides ceramic classes at Baker Hunt Art and Cultural center, the occasional art workshop at the Cincinnati Art Museum, and continues working in clay from her home studio.
STATEMENT Form and function play important roles in my work. I strive to create ceramic pieces that are intended to be functional, yet aesthetically pleasing and interesting enough to stand alone as a non-objective sculpture. I rely heavily on spontaneous mark-making and textures to add character and interest to my work.
As an advocate for art therapy, I not only encourage others to enjoy the process as much as the finished product, but I also practice that with my own work. I allow myself to feel the work, changing the direction if it feels appropriate and allow myself to explore the possibilities of each piece. This is one reason you will find that I seldom replicate a form.
I believe a creative mind, is a mindful one.
THE PROCESS
CONSTRUCTION Most of my pieces are created using the slabs, or thin, flattened sheets of clay which have been run through a Shimpo slab roller. First I sketch and draw out a form and then create a template. After cutting the shapes from the slabs, I put them together using the score and slip method. First you must "score" each piece of clay that you intend on connecting. This means scratching the surface so that once slip (a mixture of clay and water) is applied, the two pieces of clay will join more effectively. Click on the video below to watch the process! Occasionally I do use a Brent potters wheel, which typically involves altering the piece, which also requires the score and slip method.
GLAZING I frequently use black underglaze to obtain a "patina" look and use various glazes such as; Amaco, Coyote, Mayco and Opulence.
FIRING My oval Olympic kiln is perfect for long vessels. I currently fire bisque firings to cone 04 and my glaze firings to cone 5.