Semester 1 Reflection

Semester Reflection:

Although I do think I found success in this first semester, I wasn't as productive as I had initially hoped. Right off the bat, centering was a struggle, it took me close to two or three weeks to be able to get it down consistently, I faced a similar learning curve as this with trimming as well, which much to my own chagrin I still haven't mastered, or even completed successfully. Something I struggle a lot with isn't being clueless, having no plan, or not having the skills, it's keeping my hands steady. No matter how locked in my elbows are to my hips, and how straight I keep my right and tightly clasp my fingers together it just seem enough. Especially when pulling, I'll accidentally ease up on the pressure, then try to get them back together,  and I end up with a wonky pot, which sometimes isn't all that wonky but I try and fix it anyways and then I mess it up even further. My strength, and seemingly lack of it, as well as my perfectionist tendencies seem to be what really gets in my way. However, despite all what I've previously stated, I still did find success. I found that plates seem to be not only my favorite, but easiest things to make, and I love to choose my glaze colors. I also did make some pieces that I'm proud of. Initially going into this semester I think the plan I had made last year was something about making a certain amount of something... I'm not really sure where the paper is, but basically after the firsy day I knew that this semester was going to be more exploratory and simply about finding my feet in this knew media. The resources, videos, and entire classroom made my Mr. A was incredibly helpful, especially when learning a new skill, or just knowing that there were videos and resources to refer back to if something wasn't mastered the first time (for me that was trimming). Overall, I'd say I was successful even though not as much as I originally anticipated, but I'm excited for the next semester and trying to nail down my consistency, strength, and to try and let go of my perfectionism. 

Looking forward into semester 2:

Although I'll be departing right after April break for senior projects, I still have a good chunk of the semester to work on my consistency, figure out how I'm going to stabilize my hands, as well as just relaxing a bit and knowing that nearly everything is fixable later, and I don't have to try and fix every little warp or imperfection on the wheel, that's why we trim and have sandpaper. Another skill that I specifically want to improve is my trimming, which relates to my hand stability. Some projects I want to complete are some food and water bowl for the cat I adopted a few months ago, and perhaps a complete set of cohesive plates. I just really want to focus on improving my trimming skills, as well as all the other techniques I've learned and possibly creating some cohesive and finished projects.