About the Artist
Jen Schroeder, Sculptor
I grew up near Chicago, Illinois, a voracious reader with a vivid imagination. My favorite stories involved fairies, princesses, monsters, sleuths, explorers, heroes and animals of all sorts, real and mythological. When I was young I imagined that I would become a veterinarian, a detective and a ballerina, but I never grew out of my love of stories.
In part, it was my affinity for stories and relationships that would drive me toward the helping professions in college and I received my B.S. in Psychology in 1992, then my Masters in Social Work and my Masters in Human Development and Family Studies a few years later (1995) from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Life and work intervened and I would re-discover my interest in ceramics again many years later in the incredible ceramics program at Waubonsie Community College, where I remained for the next six years as a student.
I joined Water Street Studios in November 2025 as a Resident Artist, with my colleague and fellow sculptural artist Sarah Reeves, with whom I share an art studio.
My artwork today thrives on stories and narrative primarily from the female perspective. I continue to be fascinated by mystery and mythology, and how these evolve and transform in the present, bringing modern relevance to ancient legends and historic themes. My sculptural work is also frequently inspired by human experience and relationships, my own and that of others. The ability to integrate mixed media into my clay sculptures feels essential to fully expressing enhancing my three dimensional visions of these reimagined stories.
My tiki work began in 2020 with my interest in integrating sculptural and narrative aspects into functional pieces. Tiki has a rich history of bringing together narrative, mythology, and color, making it perfectly situated for me to add my sculptural interpretations and create something really unique and fun that is appreciated within that community of collectors. My tiki shop can be found on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/shop/RedGorgonArt.
Inside my Studio at Water Street
Come visit my studio at Water Street Studios in Batavia, IL.
Throwing on the wheel with my grandson during a community event at WCC.