Ceramics & 3D Design
Alexia Block "Hidden Beauty"
Alexia Block "Zebra Dish"
Alexia Block "Mini Pot"
Alexia Block "Accessory Tray"
9"x9", Clay, 2022
I love the look of little trays to hold accessories like perfume, jewelry, hair clips, etc; which I have a lot of. I wanted to make a simple tray with a pattern to hold all of my favorite things. I first started by rolling a slab and cutting it to the circular shape I wanted. I then pressed a pattern into the clay and added and thing slab for the edge last. I want my audience to see the pattern and the simplicity.
Alexia Block "Slip Container"
4” x 2 ½ “, Clay, 2021
My idea for this baseline project was to make something simple so I could use it for anything later on. My style is very minimalistic so this was right up my alley. I started with a ball of clay the size of my palm and pinched the edges to make a little pinch pot. I smoothed everything out with a sponge and some water. I want the audience to see how simple yet still beautiful the pot is. I chose a sage green color to go with the simplicity. I struggled when trying to smooth out the edges as they began to get dry and cracked. When this happened, I used a damp sponge and my fingers to smooth the cracks. This pot really fits my style because it’s very minimal and has a calming color.
Alexia Block "Chip and Dip Bowls"
7" x 1" & 5" x 1", Clay, 2021
My idea for my Chip and Dip Bowls were to make them have a rustic look to them but still have that modern/simple look as well. I decided that the best glaze to use was this orange/brown color. I first started by rolling out a circular slab and used pattern stamps to make the design. I then draped the clay over a styrofoam ring that would allow the center of the clay to droop down, forming slump and drape bowls. I want my audience to see these bowls and think of something ancient yet modern. If I were to start over, I would have made the slabs bigger. My favorite thing about these bowls are how they are simple but beautiful and remind me of something old.
Alexia Block "Simple Vase"
8" x 4", Clay, 2021
My idea for my utilitarian project was to make something that would pair well with decorative plants. I wanted something modern that would hold my pampas grass. I started by rolling out a big slab and smoothed as much as I could. I used the score and slip method when attaching the base and slab together. I want my audience to see this vase and think of it as something simple but cute to hold something big. The one thing I struggled with most was making the slab big enough but it just took time and lots of rolling. My favorite thing about this vase is how it is so simple but can be used to hold something big.
Alexia Block "Organic Piece"
8" x 6", Clay, 2021
My idea for this piece was to jump out of my comfort zone and make something that could hold something little but also something that had a face as well. I first started with rolling out two pieces of clay and shaped the first one into a rainbow/arch and the second piece straight. I then used the score and slip method when attaching both pieces together. After that was done, I used my fingers to mold a minimal face. If I were to start over, I would change the glaze because I was hoping for the piece to be more gold. I want my audience to look at this piece and notice how unique it is and can be placed anywhere.
