Ceramics II

Final Reflection

1. Of which in-class project (Tile Design, Masks, Artist Inspired, Respond and Confront, Tea Pot/set) are you the most proud? Why? Please explain and be specific. What did you learn from doing this project?

I am most proud of my mask. I am most proud of this piece because I really like how fictional it is. I feel like a lot of the pieces I've created are functional rather than decorative, and I feel like this piece succeeded not only in the design portion, but the overall objective that I had making this project, which was to make a piece that was different from anything I had made before. I think that I did a good job picking out glazes that would be appropriate for this piece. From doing this project, I learned how to be more abstract while using clay, rather than always making sure my lines are straight and everything is proportional. I also learned how to pick glazes that were appropriate for certain pieces.

2. How has taking this class changed the way you think about ceramics? This could include your own art-making, how you appreciate art, and/or how you might look differently at art in the world around you.

Taking this class really made me realize how everything you put into your work will matter. At the beginning of my ceramics career, I didn't think that every little mistake I made would matter in the end or make it look different than it would if I hadn't made the mistake. Before my ceramics career began, I would look at ceramic pots and cups and it all looked perfect, but when I came to class and made my first piece, I learned that it wasn't as easy as it looks, and I now have a lot of respect for ceramic artists. I definitely appreciate art and ceramics a lot more now than I did before, I now know that a lot of work goes into making something that looks professional and something that you are proud of. And now, as I look at other ceramic work, I will understand how much hard work goes into it.