Janet Althoff

Janet's Website

Janet is a self-taught artist living in Carbondale, Illinois. She might be considered an "Outsider Artist," a term coined by art critics to describe those who do art for arts' sake, not to be marketable. It's also called "primitive," which means not learned it in school. Or, it's called "folk art," which means they really think of it as crafts, but they know they can sell it for a wad. Her mosaic pieces are made mostly with old shards, china, embellishments, jewelry, etc., collected from antique shops, local Good-Will, estate sales, flea markets and from the basement and attics of friends. Many times she has gone home from her "real job," and found bags of old broken china, jewelry, etc., left by friends or acquaintances who know how valuable this junk..a/k/a...treasures...is to her! She tends to do what pleases her eye, and sometimes, "not thought out." Her mosaic is done in the "picassiette" tradition. Roughly translated, "stolen plate." Each piece is one of a kind...and may be used anew in your garden or home. You never now what kind of "art" will be coming from her little garden shed next, however, you can be sure that it will be a fun and colorful treasure that will brighten a room or garden, and hopefully put a smile on your face! Words to live by: Enjoy Life..this isn't a rehearsal. Live, Love, Laugh