Blog

This blog is a space for sharing thoughts from the studio and reflections from the road. I write about my ceramic process, evolving bodies of work, travel experiences, and the ideas that shape how I think about making. Consider it an ongoing journal that connects place, practice, and perspective.

Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

5 Creativity-Boosting Reads to Kick Off 2026

As 2026 approaches, I always find myself building a fresh stack of books. I look for titles that spark something, shift my thinking, or nudge me back into a more intentional creative life. This year, I’ve handpicked five to help me start the new year with clarity and curiosity. Each one opens a different doorway into making, noticing, and exploring, which feels like the right energy to carry into January.

Here’s a closer look at all five. Let’s get reading. 📚

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Travel Inspo: Copenhagen Designed for Joy

Copenhagen eases into your senses quietly and intentionally. During my recent visit, I found myself moving at an easier pace, noticing more, and wondering how an entire city manages to feel so balanced, thoughtful, and happy.

Recently named the Happiest City in the World for 2025, Copenhagen lives up to the title in ways that feel thoughtful and grounded. After wandering through its neighborhoods, canals, bakeries, museums, and public spaces, these are the moments that stayed with me.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Summer In the Studio: Shaping Sculptural Stories

Despite the 110+ degree summer heat here in Phoenix, my studio has been buzzing with energy, ideas, and clay-covered hands. What began as a simple experiment with four wheel-thrown, donut-shaped forms quickly turned into a deeper exploration of shape, meaning, and story.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Travel Inspo: 72 Hours in Mexico City

More than 15 years had passed since my first visit to Mexico City, and this year, I felt the pull to return. I had two great reasons: celebrating my birthday and attending Zona Maco, Latin America’s biggest contemporary art fair. I traveled with two close friends—one a regular visitor to CDMX, the other experiencing it for the first time—so we had a lot of ground to cover in just three and a half days.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Travel Inspo: Greece

Athens. Just saying the name pulls you back through time—temples on the hill, philosophers in the Agora, gods in marble. It’s one of those cities that lives vividly in the imagination, and being there in person? Even better.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Four Clay Bodies I Love to Use and Why

When it comes to ceramics, choosing the right clay can make a huge difference in how your piece turns out. I've spent years experimenting with different clay bodies, and I've found a few that I consistently come back to. They each have their own unique qualities, strengths, and little quirks, and I'm happy to share what makes these four so special to me.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

2024 in Review: A Year of Growth, Creative Challenges, and New Connections

As 2024 draws to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on the artistic path this year has been. From new inspirations and challenges to exciting collaborations, it’s been a year of growth, experimentation, and connection. I’m thrilled to share some of the highlights from my ceramic practice, as well as a few projects that have pushed me to explore new techniques and ideas.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Unleash the Dragon: New Work

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share what’s been happening in my studio lately. I’ve been working on a brand-new series inspired by the vibrant energy of the Year of the Dragon. 🐉

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Inaugural Desert Design Week

Join Me at Desert Design Week!

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be participating in Desert Design Week, an event that celebrates design, art, and architecture. This is a fantastic chance to connect with other artists and art lovers.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

My First Artist Launch

Elemental Harmony: Water + Fire

This first collection, composed of two distinct parts, seamlessly blends the tranquility of water and the intensity of fire. A striking black and white palette amplifies the exploration of contrasts. Together, these opposing elements converge to create a harmonious whole, reflecting the dynamic interplay of nature’s forces.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Elevating Interior Design with Original Art

As a ceramic artist, graphic designer and an art collector, I've come to understand the profound impact that original art can have on interior spaces. It's not merely about filling a blank wall or accessorizing a room; it's about infusing life, personality, and narrative into the very fabric of a home.

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Janette Harwell Janette Harwell

Travel Inspo: Morocco

Morocco was a sensory rush from start to finish. We explored five cities in ten days, each bursting with energy, history, and intoxicating color.

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