Ceramics

Will Dinh "Minecraft Grass Block"

Glazed Stoneware, 3x3x4, 2025

My idea was to make a Minecraft dirt block from my favorite game. I got the idea because I remembered in 6th grade when we had a ceramics class, I tried to make a Minecraft dirt block, but I failed, so I wanted to retry it.

For this piece, I used clay and focused on creating clean, geometric edges to match the pixelated look of the Minecraft block. I used tools like sculpting knives and smoothing ribs to maintain a consistent and box-like form. I then glazed it to match the dirt and grass colors from the game.

Minecraft is a game that emphasizes creativity and building with simple blocks, which reflects how artists create amazing things with basic materials. The block represents returning to something I once failed at and transforming it into success.

The most difficult part was shaping the block to what I wanted it to look like, since it can warp as it dries. I struggled with getting the angles right and keeping everything smooth, and I solved this by using tools to smooth it out even more. If I were to start over, I would experiment with adding more textures and details to give it a more pixelated effect.

This artwork leans towards realism, as it is based on something from a game but created with real-world materials. It’s not fully realistic, but it accurately represents the familiar block shape from the game. I love how it connects to a memory from 6th grade and how I was able to finally finish what I started.

Will Dinh "Floral Pitcher"

Glazed Stoneware, 3x2x9, 2025

My idea is to make a pitcher with a flower petal design on the outside. At first I just made the pitcher and then I realized that I needed to add more to it, so I added a design on the outside. I also decided to make it tall because the taller the pitcher, the more water it can hold.

I started by making the base, then rolling out a large, fat slab of clay, and then wrapping it around the circle in the middle to make the walls of the pitcher. After shaping it, I applied 5 coats of black and olive glaze to make an ombre. Along with this, the floral designs were added using a floral stamp.

This pitcher doesn't mean anything, for this project, nothing really inspired me, since it was only an assignment that I had to do, but what I do want the audience to think about and focus on is the colors of the pitcher, which are beautiful.

The hardest part of this project was getting the glaze smooth and making sure the floral details looked clean. Since the pitcher was black, every little mistake showed up really easily, which was kind of stressful. I had to redo parts and be really careful while painting the flowers. If I could do it again, I’d maybe try adding more texture or even sculpt some of the flowers to make them stand out more. I think that would make it more interesting and give it more depth.

I would describe this artwork as mostly realistic because the pitcher and flowers look like real objects, but it also has a bit of a stylized look. What makes it unique to my style is the contrast between the dark background and the floral designs. I like keeping things simple but adding small details that you only really notice when you look closely. My favorite part of the piece is how the flowers stand out against the black surface. I think it shows how I like mixing bold shapes with delicate details.

Will Dinh "Floral Pitcher"

Glazed Stoneware, 6x7x6, 2025

I got the idea to make a dark red pumpkin because I wanted to take something normally seen as fun and casual, like a pumpkin, and make it look more serious and bold. I was inspired by how objects change in mood depending on color and lighting. The idea kind of evolved as I worked on it, and I realized I wanted it to look super smooth and clean, almost like it was made to be decorative rather than realistic.

To make the pumpkin, I sculpted the shape by hand and spent a lot of time smoothing out the surface so there were no visible textures or bumps. I used sculpting tools and sponges to refine the curves and make everything even. After shaping it, I applied a dark red glaze for an even finish. Since the pumpkin had no textures, I had to be extra careful to make sure the glaze didn’t pool or streak

The artwork is intended to symbolize fall and how it's starting to get darker and gloomier, leading into winter. The red color creates a sense of strength and boldness. I wanted people to see something familiar in a new way and notice how just changing the color or shape can make it feel totally different.

The hardest part was definitely getting the surface smooth and making sure there weren’t any bumps or dents. Because it was so simple and had no textures, every imperfection was super obvious. I kept having to rework areas and check from different angles. I overcame this by being patient and taking time to slowly even out the clay instead of rushing. If I could do it again, I might experiment with adding a slight texture or maybe trying other colors to see how the mood changes.

The style of this piece is mostly realistic because it still looks like a pumpkin, but the smoothness and color make it feel more stylized. What makes it unique to my style is the simplicity and the focus on shape rather than detail.

Will Dinh "Pineapple Magnet"

Painted Stoneware, 1x6, 2025

I got the idea for my artwork from SpongeBob’s pineapple house. I’ve always thought it was really cool and funny how he lives in a pineapple under the sea, and that idea just stuck with me. The idea evolved from just copying something from the show to making my own version that feels more unique.

For the process, I started by sketching out the shape of the pineapple. Then I used yellow paint to make the pineapple and green to make the leaves of it. I layered the paint to show the texture of the pineapple and used a scratch tool to make the lines in it, and add more detail and texture to it.

To me, the pineapple represents creativity and thinking outside the box. I want people to look at it and remember that inspiration can come from anywhere even cartoons. It’s also a symbol of happiness and childhood because SpongeBob is something many people including me grew up watching.

The hardest part was trying to show the texture and make it look realistic. I struggled with shading and color blending at first, but I kept practicing and adjusting until it looked right. If I started over, I might spend more time planning the colors and maybe experiment with a background to add more context.

I would say the style is realistic because I basically just made a pineapple. Even though I took inspiration from spingebob I didn't do the exact colors of his house, and instead focused on the realism and how real it would look.

Will Dinh "Double Dish"

Glazed Stoneware, 6x2x2, 2025

My idea was to make two bowls that were connected to each other, at first I just made one bowl using the slump drape technique, but realized that my bowl was to small. So to compensate I used the drape technique to make another bowl and attached it to the other bowl.

I used the slump drape technique to make both of the bowls then I slipped and scored the bowls together. I then had to grab a sponge and smooth out the sides of the bowl and the insides as-well.

The artwork doesn't really mean anything because I didn't want there to be meaning behind it. Its just a bowl theres nothing really to it.

The hardest part was slipping and scoring the bowls together because they just wouldn't stick, and I had to also smooth out the scored part to make it look good. I just kept improving how smooth it was until I got it to the perfect texture and detail. I wouldn't really change if I started over I honestly would've kept it the same or added another bowl.

The style of art is realistic, it is unique to my style, because all of the pieces I have made haven't really been expression-ate pieces, meaning that I don't really convey how I think or my feelings through my pieces. I like to make realistic pieces because I like realism, and I liked how realistic my piece turned out and how you can obviously tell what it is.

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