Jane Osti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jane Osti
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Jane Osti demonstrating handling a paddle for stamping pottery, 2006
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| Born | 1945 (age 80) Tahlequah, Oklahoma, United States
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| Nationality | Cherokee Nation |
| Education | B.A. in Art, Master of Science in Higher Education |
| Alma mater | Northeastern State University |
| Known for | Cherokee pottery |
| Style | Southeastern Woodland/Mound builders inspired pottery, Raku pottery |
| Elected | Cherokee Living Treasure, Oklahoma Arts Council |
Jane Osti, born in 1945 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, is a talented Cherokee artist. She makes beautiful traditional Cherokee pottery. Her pottery often has special decorations and designs. In 2005, the Cherokee Nation honored her as a "Living Treasure." She was one of the youngest artists to receive this award. Today, Jane Osti teaches and creates pottery in her studio in Tahlequah.
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Jane's Early Life
Jane Osti grew up in the Rocky Ford area of Tahlequah. Her father worked as a miner and later became a rancher. Jane's Cherokee mother passed away when Jane was only five years old. Jane did not have much chance to explore art when she was young. She took art classes in fourth and fifth grade. After that, she did not have other art opportunities. Jane attended Oaks Mission High School.
Her College Education
Jane Osti got married and started a family. She did not begin college until she was 33 years old. She first took classes at a community college in San Francisco. In 1985, Jane moved back to Tahlequah. She continued her studies at Northeastern State University.
Jane earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in art in 1989. She then immediately started her master's degree. She graduated with a Master of Science in education in 1992.
How Jane Started in Art
Jane Osti took classes with Professor Jerry Choate. These classes were very important for her art career. She became a 3-dimensional artist, working with sculptures and pottery. After her first pottery class, she took a Cherokee history course. For a paper, Jane decided to interview Anna Mitchell.
Anna Mitchell quickly became Jane's teacher, mentor, and friend. During this time, Jane changed her focus. She moved from 2-dimensional art, like drawing, to 3-dimensional art. She truly fell in love with making pottery.
Jane's Pottery Style and Designs
Jane Osti's pottery style is inspired by ancient Mississippian culture. It also draws from prehistoric southeastern woodland traditions. She uses special techniques to create her art. These include coil and slab construction, where clay is built up in coils or flat slabs. She also uses stone polishing to make her pottery smooth and shiny.
Jane also uses glazing and raku-firing. Glazing adds a glassy coating to the pottery. Raku-firing is a unique way of firing pottery that creates special effects. Her pottery often shows abstract animals and landscapes. She also includes symbols of stars, protection, and strength.
Jane is known for her complex stamped patterns. She uses wooden paddles with detailed designs carved into them. One paddle is covered in fiber, like the very first paddles used long ago. This paddle stamping technique is ancient. It helped spread heat evenly and gave a better grip. It also added amazing beauty to everyday objects. Jane often adds notched rims and complex traditional designs. She mixes these with patterns from nature. These combinations create her unique signature style.
Awards and Achievements
Jane Osti has won many awards for her art. She has received honors from several important exhibitions, including:
- Santa Fe Indian Market
- Five Civilized Tribes Museum
- Red Earth Indian Arts Festival
- Grand prize at the 10th annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale
In 2005, the Cherokee Nation named Jane Osti a "Living Treasure." She was one of the youngest Cherokee artists to receive this special honor. Her pottery piece, called Tall squash pot, was bought by the Smithsonian American Art Museum. It is now part of the Renwick Gallery's collection.
