During her childhood and throughout her lifetime, two major influences have shaped her artistic journey: art, with a primary focus on drawing, and a passion for reading. Rutkowski has consistently been drawn to themes such as sci-fi, fantasy, ancient cultures, myths, the occult, and the metaphysical. These elements collectively contribute to the captivating aura embodied in her steel sculptures. The theme of escape through the exploration of portals, rifts, and alternative universes in Rutkowski's work. Through the utilization of found objects and reclaimed steel, she breathes new life into discarded materials, transforming the outcast into art—a truly alchemical process. Primarily driven by intuition rather than a predetermined plan, Rutkowski has a profound appreciation for the inherent qualities of rusted and patinated steel, evoking a sense of antiquity in her pieces. Laden with symbols and shapes, her artwork is textured with welds. In contrast, her brushed and flame-torched steel pieces take on a different character, exhibiting geometric, spatial and architectural elements. These futuristic creations draw inspiration from the sci-fi novels that have captured her imagination over the years.

Rutkowski (b.Staten Island, NY) attended the High School of Art & Design. She is primarily a self-taught artist. She currently resides in Brooklyn with a studio in Barryville NY. Her work has shown at the Florence Biennale, The International Contemporary Furniture Fair NY, Studio 80/Sculpture Grounds CT, Bethel Woods NY, Sculpture Trail, Rockland Center for the Arts, Nyack NY, River Hook Sculpture Park, Nyack, NY. Rutkowski is also a curator. She was a partner at RSOAA, The Royal Gallery, Brooklyn. In November 2020 Rutkowski had her first NY solo show at Time Arts Gallery where she successfully presented a new series of sculptures and works on paper. The show entitled “Reflections From The Inner Citadel” inspired by our lockdown during the pandemic. 2023 ushered in a group of shows along with the creation of exciting new and larger works. In March, Rutkowski had a two person show at Private_L Gallery along with painter Loy Luo entitled “Awakenings”. In April Rutkowski, curated a show for the Sculptors Guild at Culture Lab in L.I.C. NY. The show entitled “Past Tense/Future Infinite” was a major accomplishment. It featured 23 artists with multiple works in this cavernous space. In September she completed her largest sculpture to date, “Touching Upon The Alternative” which was conceived and built for the Sculptors Guilds “Touch” exhibition at the Benheim Gallery in Greenwich CT. The sculpture had a powerful presence and was highly received. Janet Rutkowski is looking at 2024 with many new shows and projects in the works.