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Isaac DeHaven "Roots"
4x4x4, Stone-wear, 2023
(IDEA)
My original idea was to have a bowl/ cup made out of clay by using a variation of coil method resembling roots or branches wrapping and weaving into a bowlish shape. this idea involved too much planning and to many things staying the same over the course of several dozen classes. So I decided to use the first method I learned in this class.
(PROCESS)
I began by making a starting frame by utilizing the method of rolling out a sheet of clay and cuting a peice for the sides of the bowl, rolling the scraps into anothe sheet for the bottom of the bowl. After fusing them together I began to lightly outline where I want the roots to follow. After that I rolled the roots out and fused them to the sides, using slip as an adhesive. I made some of them branch out, cross over eachother, or wrap over the rim and fired it up. I glazed it in various shades of green, reds, and brown glazes. I usually glazed with different colors layered or mixed together to give more earthy shades.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
I didnt make this with any deeper meaning, I usually never do. I just find the concept of natural overgrowth to be cool. I guess I want people to see my work and think "huh, this is neat.", perhaps admiring its realistic style for a moment before moving on with their day. I make these things because I enjoy challenging myself to make things that look real or cool.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
What the hardest thing for me was glazing it. there are so many different glazes in the back room and most of the colors look different before heating them and after. specifically browns look orangish-red. This was the reason I layered and mixed so many coats, I never knew how one would turn out, but if they were mixed loosely it would inherit a rougher look.
(VISUAL VOICE)
Visual Art (this was what I was advised to say and I was told to not worry about this part)
Isaac DeHaven "A First attempt"
4x4x4, clay on wheel, 2023
(IDEA) these were a series of mini projects that I did during the segment of wheel pottery. (Images are in chronological order)
(PROCESS) I kneaded the clay and put it on the wheel. For each of the different designs I didn't really plan for. I just made different simple designs. after they were sent through the furnace I did the glazing. I wanted to use several different colors that contrasted but the first and second one turned out similarly colored. My personal favorite is the cup with the dripping effect.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY) I went into this unit with the hope my work would look good considering it would be my first time making anything on the wheel. I would say I did ok.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH) the only thing I would have changed is the first pot and its glazing I wish I had used different colors. I also would have also used thinner layers to prevent the chipped look on the side.
(VISUAL VOICE) Visual Art
Isaac DeHaven ""
6x7x8", stone-wear, 2024
(IDEA)
My original idea was to have a skull with its cranium spilt and a flower growing out of the crack. however I figured the flower on the skull looked too much like it was "day of the dead" decour with how the flower completely covered the crack.
(PROCESS)
I began with a coil base and mixed clay and water to make a smooth peanut butter consistancy and put dolops of it on the coils. After a couple of classes of mixing and adding to the coils, I used the wire tool to make cuts to make it look more geometric and slathered it in slip to make it look like natural rocks. Then I air-sealing it in a plastic bag I moved on to the skull. I sketched out a skull with proportions and measurments before I started. I took a ball of clay for the rounded back of the skull and a cubic shape for the upper jaw and molded them together. I then carved the eyes, cheekbones and nose (I was saving the teeth for later because the teeth would have easily been ruined if I held the skull wrong in the next step). I then hollowed out the skull and cut out the crack in the top. I did the teeth and moved onto the flower. I didnt plan for the flower to be a hibiscus but after some experinentation with flower structure, I found that the flowing petals could be used to add more support to every petal. I ended up putting the hibiscus into the rocks before putting it in the kiln. Then I did glazing. The skull was easy, consisting of oatmeal yellow and white. The flower had a mixture of yellow and crimson to get a bright orangish-red. And the rocks were a combination of black, red, and several greens.
(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY)
I dont usually put too much of a message behind my artwork but this one does. I wanted this to symbolize growth from loss. with this being my senior year of high school I have come to terms with the fact that I wont see most of these people ever again. Its something that is hard to think about without tearing up as I love these people that I have known for years. the thought of these relationships I have built with my peers ending as we drift apart is terrifying. but with the high school years ending, college years are starting. Its a new opportunity to re-create what I have here with these people.
(ARTISTIC GROWTH)
There were a few instances where things just didnt go quite according to plan. The flower kept falling apart so it went through several itterations of designs before settling on one that ended up better than the original. another thing is the glaze on the rocks, I went too far with the addition of moss. it ended up contrasting with the black too much.
(VISUAL VOICE)
Visual Art
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