Coil and carve

Artist Statement

For this assignment, we were introduced to the coiling technique. We were asked to create a pot using this technique and then eventually carve something into or out of it. I created a face on my pot and as I was making it, it kind of looked like Santa, so I went with that. I used clay, carving and smoothing tools, and glazes (sm-51, c-10).

I used color to create an emphasis and a rhythm with the facial features (red undertones on cheeks, eyes, etc..). I used texture to create a pattern with the eyes, nose, cheeks, and ears. I used space (places with no elevation) to create an emphasis on facial features. I used line to create unity and a balance of facial features. My project evolved when I was finished with the actual pot form of the piece. It evolved furtherly once I added/carved the facial features onto the pot. I often would smooth/revise spots on the actual pot. I also had to revise the ears, eyes, and nose a few times to fit the look I was going for.

The only meaning behind this piece is the idea of a pot being a face. It's simple but conveys the message that maybe everyday objects are "alive". It relates to my life as I like to draw faces a lot, so I tried to use that skill and put it into clay form. I'm proudest of the facial features and overall body of the pot. I struggled with some of my coils as they weren't very circular. It takes me a while to do this technique however it came out nicely. I overcame that struggle by slowing down even more and smoothing it out a lot. The glaze did not come out how I wanted it to. I wanted the red to be more of an undertone. Perhaps I could try to gently scratch some of the glaze off or sand it. However, I'm excited about the potential of this technique and what I can do with it.