Origins of the name LanaTori
Growing up my mother called me by a nickname that many of the special people in my life have also grown accustomed to calling me "Lana". My given name Lynette meaning Bird translates into Tori in another language. That language itself doesn't have a specific significance to me only in that I enjoyed the way both names sounded together. I get a kick out of the fact that each time I sign my name on my work I am essentially Putting a Bird on It.
Lynette Rodriguez
Lynette Rodriguez earned a degree in Criminal Justice and after working in a related field this unconventional path led her to the arts. She went on to graduate from Tyler School of Arts with a Bachelors of Fine Arts a focus in the Ceramic Arts. Her status as an art student however began at The University of the Arts where she discovered that though she was finally pursuing an art degree perhaps Animation was not the route to go. With a transfer to Tyler came her discovery of clay as a medium. Lynette expanded her experience through an internship with professional artist Chad D. This internship allowed her to develop and expand her ceramic knowledge through design in 3D software. She was also trained in the operation of a milling machine for mold making. Through sculptural hand built forms her work focuses on detailed patterning and abstract forms inspired by nature.
Artist Statement
My work draws inspiration from nature because of the rhythm and movement I notice in life while examining the world around me. In looking at a tree I can picture how the clay would move and feel if I made it through this medium. To me there is nothing more beautiful than what is found in nature I can only try to capture a bit of that beauty in my work. Creating art is a spiritual and quiet experience for me. Detailed work allows me to slip into a quiet place of intense focus where it is just the clay and I. There is calmness for me when immersing my hands in clay, and the repetitive motions that come with sculpting are a meditative action. While I may draw a sketch of an idea it is not until I start the process of making that I finally know what a piece has the potential to be. In that silent place where the clay becomes the focus I find the true vision of my work.