Janet Sullivan lives in Saint Joseph, Michigan with her husband of over 20 years, where they’ve raised two thoughtful daughters who have grown their family with their partners. All are dedicated to their local and global communities, which is a constant commitment. Art has also been a regular presence in the Sullivans’ life.

As a child, Janet frequently watched her mother at work in the studio, which encouraged a love for—and a need to pursue—artistic interests. As the youngest of 10 children, Janet's art continues to be inspired by a mother who found time amidst that happy family chaos to prioritize her 55-year oil painting career.

Janet began her artistic endeavors with hobby drawing and oil painting, along with some introductory art education at The University of Michigan while earning a BS in Biology in the ’90s. She now works exclusively with clay. Her pottery training has taken place at the Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph, Michigan over the past 20 years—on and off again, as life would allow. Many moons ago, Anthony Schaller made a lasting impression as one of her first clay instructors.

Over the past six years, life has allowed her more time to focus on clay, exploring her skills and abilities as part of the Krasl Potters Guild. “By creating functional pieces, I have come to realize the practice of intertwining art with everyday life.”

Creating calms me, and I appreciate how clay forces my focus on one specific task at hand. I work exclusively with clay and am obsessed by the ‘feel’ of clay as it forms in my hands at varying, whirling speeds. I am inspired by simple forms that have infinite possibilities and enjoy revealing characteristics of clay by carving and trimming wheel-thrown forms. My wish is to share the joy and my love of pottery with those who desire art in their homes. I hope to guide viewers to appreciate functional pieces in a new light where they see the art that exists in our every day. I aim to make it accessible to anyone who desires to own a piece and to inspire viewers to pursue their own medium. “Potters’ statements are made through their hands” ~Warren McKenzie.