Ceramics

“Open Bloom” is a ceramic bowl designed with layered, pointed petals that open outward, inspired by the dramatic shape of a Demogorgon’s head—minus the teeth. I wanted to create something that felt both organic and a little otherworldly, blending beauty with a hint of tension. I glazed it in deep red and smoky grey tones to enhance that contrast, giving it a raw, powerful presence. The bowl blurs the line between nature and fantasy, making it feel alive—like it could unfold or move. It’s a bold, sculptural piece that reflects my love for storytelling and dramatic forms.

“Blossom Bowl” is a ceramic piece shaped using a coconut shell as a mold, giving it a smooth, natural curve and organic form. I wanted to combine elements of nature and handmade craftsmanship, using the coconut as both inspiration and tool. After forming and firing the clay, I glazed the bowl in a bold red, symbolizing warmth and life. The inside design, which resembles a blooming flower, adds a gentle surprise and emphasizes growth and beauty from within. This piece reflects how nature and creativity can work together to create something both functional and symbolic.

“Shattered Intention” began as a functional coffee cup, but after it accidentally broke, I chose to embrace the accident and turn it into an abstract sculpture. I glued the broken pieces back together in a way that highlighted the gaps and fractures rather than hiding them. The exposed interior and jagged edges tell a story of unexpected beauty—how even broken things can become art. The blue flower patterns peeking through the cracks add a sense of softness and contrast to the raw, chaotic form. Instead of failure, this piece became a reflection of resilience, creativity, and the beauty in imperfection.

Grace Hendrickson "Chip 'n Dip"

Bowl, Stoneware and Glaze, 2025

I wanted to create some type of bowl where I had a separate spot for my dipping sauce because I was tired of my chicken nuggets getting soaked in sauce. I started by making to separate slump drape bowls and then molded them together. I also stamped pasta into it so it says 'chips' and 'dip' in each bowl. After that I used a beige glaze and then put a blue glaze on top.  The only meaning behind it is that I'm just hungry. And I like sauce and chicken nuggets. The most difficult part was getting the color right, and obviously I didn't because it is practically black when it was supposed to be a blue. It is a utilitarian and was made for my enjoyment and use. 

Grace Hendrickson "Olive Cascade"

Small Pitcher, Stoneware and Glaze, 2025

We had to create a pitcher using one slab so i did. There really isn't an idea behind it. I started by rolling out a slab and pressing a pattern into it. Then i carved out the shape and molded it together. Then once it was fired I put an olive green shade of glaze on it. There isn't any meaning behind it. It's meant for maybe flowers and lemonade. The most dificult part was putting it together and smoothing everything out. It is a utilitarian piece, and is for perhaps putting flowers in. 

Grace Hendrickson "Clay Chords"

Magnet, Stoneware and  Acrylic Paint, 2025

We had to create a magnet that represented a part of us so I made a guitar. I play guitar at my church and music is a big part of my life. I started by carving out a guitar shape from a slab and also a seperate string piece. I than put the string part on top of the guitar. After that I put fishing line on it as strings. Then painted it. The meaning behind it is passion. Music is a passion of mine and that's why i picked to make it. The most difficult part was getting the fishing line to stay in straight lines. And also getting the tiny little knobs to stay on which you can clearly see one fell off in the process. It is an expressive piece, only meant for decoration.

“Reflect” is a small glazed ceramic bowl inspired by moments of stillness, faith, and personal reflection. I hand-built it using the pinch method, aiming for a natural, slightly uneven shape that feels human and intentional. The deep blue glaze reminded me of water and peace, while the subtle golden tones on the base represent grounding and spiritual value. I wanted the bowl to symbolize how we are vessels—imperfect, but capable of holding beauty and meaning. The hardest part was trusting the glaze process and accepting the final outcome, which taught me to embrace imperfection as part of the art. This piece fits into a minimalist, functional style with emotional depth, and I love how simple yet meaningful it turned out.