Liam Kinrade,"Shark Magnet"
clay, paint 2026
My idea for this artwork was to create a fun shark magnet. I wanted the magnet itself to look like it had been bitten by a shark, so I made a bite mark in the corner of the shape. I was inspired by ocean animals and the idea of making something creative and playful. As I worked on it, I focused more on making the shark stand out and giving the piece a bold ocean theme.
For the process, I first shaped the clay into the magnet design and carved the bite shape into the corner. After the clay dried, I painted the shark using blue, gray, black, and white colors. I used brushes to add details like the teeth, eyes, and shading. I layered the paint to create texture and movement in the water around the shark.
The shark symbolizes strength and power, while the bite taken out of the corner adds humor and creativity. I want people to think the piece is fun and interesting while also showing the danger and excitement connected to sharks. The dark colors help create a dramatic ocean feeling.
The hardest part for me was painting the shark details because the magnet was small and it was difficult to fit everything into the space. I overcame this by sketching lightly before painting and working slowly with smaller brushes. If I could start over, I would blend the colors more smoothly and add more details to the background.
This artwork is mostly representational art because the shark is recognizable, but it also has some stylized features. My personal style shows through the bold colors, textured painting, and playful idea of the shark bite shape. I love how unique and fun the finished piece looks.
Liam Kinrade, "Wheel bowl"
Utilitarian, Clay, 2026
My idea was to create a piece on the pottery wheel. This bowl is the only piece I kept from my time working on the wheel because it took me a while to learn the process and create something I was proud of. The process I used was the same one taught by the student teacher and explained on the instruction sheets by the wheels. First, I centered the clay by pulling it up into a tower shape and pressing it back down several times. Once the clay was centered, I gradually built the walls upward, created a hole in the middle, and shaped the clay into a bowl. After the piece dried, I used a rib tool and a trimming tool to remove any unnecessary clay and smooth the surface.
This artwork does not have a deep meaning; it mainly represents my effort and progress while learning to use the pottery wheel. The most difficult part for me was centering the clay and getting it to rise evenly while shaping it. If I were to start over, I would make the walls of the bowl thinner because I think it would improve the overall appearance. The style of this artwork is realistic because it is meant to represent a functional bowl. My favorite part of the piece is the glaze because I am really happy with how the pattern and colors turned out.
Liam Kinrade, "Ceramic wall hang."
Clay, 2026
My idea was to create a nature-themed ceramic bust. I actually got the inspiration from ChatGPT after asking it to create a nature scene, which I then traced onto a slab of clay. My process began by combining two slabs of clay to form the base. After that, I placed the paper with my design on top of the clay and traced over it with a pencil. Once the design was transferred, I started building up certain areas and carving away others because the project required at least five different layers.
Throughout the process, I used several different tools, including a smoothing tool and a pencil for detailing. To create the flowers, I used a different technique where I rolled out thin pieces of clay, cut out each flower shape individually, and attached them to the piece.
The most difficult part for me was painting the sculpture because it was hard to reach all of the small gaps and details, and it took a long time to complete. If I had the chance to start over, I would probably include less detail and spend more time focusing on the painting to make it cleaner and more polished.
Liam Kinrade, "Octopus"
Clay, 2026
My idea was to create an octopus on the side of a pot. I was inspired by a picture of an octopus that I found online.
My process began with building a coil pot that was about 18 inches high. After forming the pot, I smoothed out the surface and started creating the octopus sculpture to attach to the side.
This artwork represents the importance of protecting sea life. The cracks in the pot symbolize the destruction of marine ecosystems and the harm caused to ocean animals. I want my audience to think about how their actions toward the environment can affect sea life and the world around them.
The most difficult part of this project was creating the octopus. I made several mistakes and had to restart multiple times. To overcome this, I slowed down, took my time, and hollowed out the head before attaching it to the pot. If I were to redo this project, I would spend more time improving the octopus tentacles and making them look more realistic.
The style of this artwork is realistic because I tried to create an octopus that looked lifelike. My favorite part of the piece is the octopus itself because I think it turned out very well. I also really like the glaze and how the different shades of blue came together.