Ceramics 2

Willow Mueller "The quiet path"

Clay and paint, 2026 

 This artwork represents a peaceful natural landscape at sunset, showing a winding path leading toward the ocean and surrounding hills. I wanted this piece to feel calm and hopeful, almost like a place someone could escape to and reflect. The idea came from my love for nature and quiet outdoor spaces, especially sunsets near water. I was also inspired by landscape paintings that use bright colors. First I started with a slab of clay and cut it into the shape i wanted, i then added a hole in the top for it to hang when it was finished, and I used clay to make the 3d clouds, and the textured tree. I made my color pallet, I wanted to go for bright colors that stood out and were eye-catching. I do like the way this turned out but if i had the chance again i would take my time making the actual base because it had 2 cracks in the middle after being fired.

Willow Mueller "pancake"

Air dry clay and paint, 2026 

This artwork is a small painted pancake that has berries on top. The idea came from Pinterest, I saw a waffle with syrup but i wanted to do something a little bit different so i decided this would be better. first I painted the base layer and i tried to get it like a brown-ish orange-ish pancake color. Then I painted the syrup drizzle and i ended up painting all the berries separately and then gluing them on because it would have been to difficult to paint after they were glued down, then after getting those glued on the last step was to paint a face.

Willow Mueller "pots"

Clay and Glaze, 2026 

My idea with this was to make smaller bowls like one I could use for jewelry or gifts.  When I made the small bowls on the pottery wheel, I started by centering the clay until it spun smoothly beneath my hands. I pressed my thumbs into the middle to open the clay and slowly pulled the walls upward while shaping the bowl outward with gentle pressure. I tried to keep my hands steady so the bowl stayed even but it was a little difficult because i used to much clay the first time. After smoothing the rim, I cut the bowl off the wheel and let it dry before trimming, glazing, and firing it in the kiln. after it was done in the kiln I had to glaze it and I chose this blue color because blue is my favorite color, and i've used this blue before and it thought it looked really good. If i had the chance to make them again i would use less clay and really take my time with it so they turn out right.

Willow Mueller ""

Clay and Glaze, 2026 

My idea with this was to make a tall vase that was ocean themed 

(PROCESS) Explain your process.  What tools and techniques did you use?

(SYMBOLISM & ICONOGRAPHY) What does the artwork mean?  What do you want your audience to think about?  Is there any symbolic imagery in the work? 

(ARTISTIC GROWTH) What was most difficult for you?  How did you overcome the struggles?  What would you change if you started over?

(VISUAL VOICE) What style of art is this?  (Realistic, Abstract, Surreal, Non-Objective?). What makes it unique to your own personal style?  What do you love about it?