Artist Statement:
For this project, we were tasked with using our previously researched artists as inspiration. By examining their work, we were encouraged to select one specific aspect—such as shape, pattern, color, or texture—to reflect in our own piece. This process not only fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the clay work of contemporary artists but also allows us to experiment with and practice new techniques that we may not have encountered before. The artist I chose was Aya Murata. Aya Murata is a contemporary ceramic artist known for her intricate, nature-inspired patterns and vibrant use of color, often blending traditional Japanese techniques with modern aesthetics. I drew inspiration from her use of pastel colors, and her floral designs. I created a set of 3 cosmos flower dishes.
For this project, I chose a color palette that included white, light blue, deep blue mixed with white, and yellow to create the flowers. To bring the petals to life, I used a sharp tool to carefully add fine details, emphasizing their delicate texture. For the center of the flowers, I rolled small clay dots to add dimension and create a more realistic, tactile appearance.
While I unfortunately ran out of time to fire these pieces, I am still incredibly pleased with how they turned out. The combination of colors, textures, and details brought my vision to life, and I’m proud of the overall result despite the unfinished process.