Ceramics II

My favorite project and one that I am most proud of has been my Eccentric Tea Set. I feel as though this project challenged my artistic ability and developed my artistic style more than any other piece. In making my teapot, I challenged myself with making an animal form—something I have never had much success in. However, I used trial and error through this project to find the right techniques to make it look like a realistic camel. The head, especially, helped me learn how to look at a living thing and recreate it in clay. I studied the form and angles of a real camel head, working on each part individually until it eventually came together. I also learned patience while making this project, because with glazing each section separately, I needed to learn how to be clean and slow with my brush strokes. Also, I was very eager to see how my piece turned out after the final glaze firing.

Taking Ceramics II has changed me as an artist in a few ways. In regards to my own art and creativity, I felt like we had more room to explore our styles than Ceramics I, so I challenged myself in making pieces I normally wouldn't make. I usually like to make more "pretty to look at" things rather than a piece that sends a message to the viewer. But, in this course, I made things that were out of my comfort zone but were more powerful than anything else I've made with clay. For example, my Respond and Confront piece addressed the issue of mental health and the stigmas that come with those, and to me, it is a very important and relevant issue. In regards to other art, I feel as though I can identify specific messages that are being portrayed in art, allowing me to appreciate them more. Although this was only a semester class, I feel like it has really transformed my style and my artistic message.