Janet Shier

Find me on Instagram @reindeerphile

About Me

I am a multi-passionate—I have many loves and view them all as one and the same. I paint, make books with hand-painted and hand-stitched covers, and I eco-dye textiles. The seasons where I live define the type of creating I can do. In summer and fall, I eco-dye. In winter, I paint and make handmade books. I do slow-stitching throughout the year. I try to walk in nature every single day (It is an addiction.). Walking and making art give me perspective on everything I do and both provide me with opportunities to reflect. When I walk, I gather the leaves I will use that day for eco-dyeing textiles. This keeps me connected to nature and it reminds me of my childhood, when I loved playing in the leaves.

At the University of Michigan Residential College, where I taught for 40 years, faculty are encouraged to grow. In addition to teaching and heading the Intensive German Program at UM, I taught contemporary German theater and directed over 50 multi-media plays. For 20 years, I led annual study tours to Germany where my students made and saw art and theater. Since retiring from the university, I have made art full time. The practice of innovating on stage, starting with nothing, and ending up with something, prepared me for work creating abstract art and eco-dyeing.
Currently, I do not sell my paintings, but soon eco-dyed garments, hand-made books, and cards featuring my photography and art will be available. I also offer workshops in visual journaling for up to 8 participants in the warmer seasons. Thank you for the time you spend visiting my site!