I have been an Artist for as long as I can remember and throughout my life, my need to make art has been woven together with my faith in Jesus. Growing up as a Christian and an Artist was like being suspended between two strange worlds. I didn't know my place in either world. However, I knew that I wanted to simply grow up and tell people about how much Jesus loved them- with the language of Art. I felt most myself in the woods behind my home and and I fled there everyday. I was surrounded by God's creation and in it I saw the language of Art. I taught myself this language making sculptures out of mud and sticks and I prayed to Jesus. This process of praying and sculpting has never left me. I grew up and achieved an art degree, however, I view myself as "self-taught". This way of approaching making art has given me the freedom to learn from my own experiments and mistakes. My chosen medium is still clay, just as it was in those woods as a child. Twenty -five years ago I met my husband, Garrick. God's blessing of placing him in my life has meant everything in helping me to find the courage I have needed to develop my art- He has always been the bridge I needed to the world around me. We have raised two children together who I consider to be my greatest works of art. In the stillness that was left as my children grew older and went off to college, my convictions grew louder as God was calling me to go deeper with my work. I was once again led to the woods for answers. I embarked on long distance hikes on the Appalachian trail and across Oregon, equaling over 1800 miles in the last 3 summers, with my adult children joining me on different legs of the journey. I found some answers to the direction my art should go while on the trail and while in the process of shedding tears and having nothing to dry them but a dirty rag- and in the joy that comes beyond our circumstances. In this I saw the gospel in a clear way. I pray that the pieces I am creating show this gospel in a clear way! The tears Christ shed and the joy He brings are for those who have suffered deeply, those who have sinned terribly, and those who are tired of carrying their heavy burden. I pray my sculptures will show people Christ will wipe the tears away with a spotless rag, fill them with joy beyond circumstance and take away their heavy weight. I have just begun discovering all the many sculptures God has for me to make about His word. It is so exciting! Looking to the future, I hope to touch on every chapter in the bible with my artwork for more deeper revelations.
Garrick Anderson Manager
I grew up in Washington State where I met Janie while we were working together at a coffee stand. Years later, we moved to Jerome AZ with our two young children, Asia and Ezra. For the longest time, not many people had a chance to see her sculptures. That all changed when she began setting up at the Jerome Art Park on Main Street. Her persistence through all kinds of weather conditions began to cultivate a following of repeat collectors. Eventually we opened two locations in Jerome, with one space for a shop and one for a studio. It took longer than it should have for me to realize how many people adored her clay sculptures and now I get to see that excitement everyday we are at the shop!
It also took longer than it should have for me to realize how far I had drifted from the Lord over time. Looking back, I began to observe the spiritual thirst and growth of our kids. This caused me to reflect on my own depleted condition. I had done those things the world had promised would bring fulfillment; earned degrees, traveled, indulged, exercised, contemplated, etc... Yet something was always missing because I had pushed God to the sidelines.
The Jerome Bible Art Museum has brought this more into focus as I observe the strong reactions to this space. The centuries old scripture being portrayed by her artwork is still very much relevant today. It is our third location in Jerome and is something we are both excited to open up to the public each day. I pray that as you view these online or in person that you will feel the glory of God convicting on your heart.
Ezra Anderson (Janie and Garrick's son) Musician/ Songwriter/ Worship Leader
Click image to listen and purchase Ezra's music. Thank you for supporting your local artist!
"...It was there, for me, that I learned the essence of true art. I found it in the contrast of other people's criticism and compliments, in tips slid underfoot, and in the smiles my mother and I shared. Evidence that we're fulfilling our purpose, and doing what we each love in life: expressing ourselves and in doing so, causing other people to think and feel. Art..."