Award-winning artist Janae Corrado serves as a professor of Art at the Trinity River Campus of Tarrant County College in Fort Worth, Texas. When she is not inspiring her students with her passion for the works of Mucha, Vermeer, Klimt, and van Eyck, Janae can be found in her studio creating dreamlike and surreal paintings. Born on the west coast of Florida, she was profoundly inspired by the simultaneous beauty and cruelty of the great outdoors during her childhood—a passion that continues to influence her work today.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The narratives within my artwork reflect the delicate balance between life and death, blending personal experiences and mythos. I am currently exploring two distinct bodies of work.
My Vanitas series, echoing the themes found in art history, serves as a symbolic representation of life's transience, the futility of pleasure, and the inevitability of death. Rather than using traditional symbols of wealth, I concentrate on ephemeral elements such as flora and insects. This series also delves into the concept of rebirth, suggesting that our spirit and energy persist through the lives we touch, even after we have passed. This body of work continues to evolve, especially in the post-COVID-19 era, as I have since become a parent to two young children.
The Insect Tessellation series aims to bring attention to the often-overlooked members of the animal kingdom. As top predators, humans frequently disregard the importance of insects and arachnids, viewing them merely as pests. However, these organisms play a crucial role in our ecosystem. By presenting them on a much larger scale, this series invites viewers to appreciate the delicate and intricate anatomy of these tiny beings. The triangular panels of this series can be tessellated in infinite geometric arrangements, offering a dynamic and engaging visual experience.
Teaching Philosophy
My goal is to impart to students that there is no singular approach to creating art; rather, they may encounter obstacles that require overcoming. Coping with ambiguity, articulating opinions, and, at times, defending judgments are all essential skills for artists and designers. Through art and design practice, I challenge my students to think critically, ask questions, and embrace both courage and responsibility.
I expect students to foster an open dialogue between their work and that of their peers. They should be aware of the direction and goals of their work, whether technical, conceptual, or both. This discourse helps students assess how effectively their ideas are communicated and how well they understand their own objectives. The ability to express and articulate oneself is fundamental to art and design practice. By encouraging students to look beyond mere techniques and focus on the content and purpose behind their work, I aim to instill a quest for learning and a drive to expand their perspectives beyond the classroom.
The challenge of pushing students to exceed their limits continually inspires me as an artist. Engaging in discussions about the significance of art and frequently articulating its importance may be daunting, but it is precisely this challenge that motivates my teaching.
Specialties Include: Drawing, Painting, Design Theory, Color Theory, Illustration, Visual Problem Solving, Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Dreamweaver, Animate)
Design Philosophy
In addition to my personal artwork, I undertake graphic design projects for a diverse clientele, including work on logos, advertisements, and magazine layouts. This work not only sharpens the skills I apply in my own art but also serves as a crucial exercise in verbal and visual communication, as well as collaboration with clients to meet their objectives. My freelance design experience has led to numerous professional relationships outside the classroom.
Although distinct from my fine art exhibitions, these skills significantly influence my digital arts courses. I utilize the same software and foster a collaborative environment akin to what students would encounter in a professional setting.
