Final Reflection
Of which in-class project (Pinch Pots, Coil Pot, Slab Project, Artist Inspired) are you most proud? Why? Please explain and be specific. What did you learn from doing this project (about yourself as an art maker and/or about the technical process of working with clay)?
I am most proud of the pinch pots more specifically the multiple pinch pots. Although this was the point where I had probably the least amount of ceramic skills, I went through a lot of problem-solving to create the final project I made. By this, I mean that when creating the vase/jewelry holder not only did I take a very long time to come up with an idea but when I did I was very proud. When creating my pinch pots they all came out very similar and very obviously resembled my design, which is one of the main reasons I am so proud of this work. Finally, I did break this pot, I'm not exactly sure how but it fell of off the shelf while I was walking by, and it broke into at least ten pieces. This happened before the glazing stage so Mr. Anderson showed me how to use glue the pieces back together using a spray that makes the superglue dry faster. In the end not only did my pot come out how I wanted it to and it resemble my design but it's still functioning even after it was broken.
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.
I think that by taking this class I have started to see ceramics in more technical way. What I mean by this is when I see ceramic forms I immediately think of the possible ways that they would have been made, through coils, carving, slabs, or potter wheel. This is also shown in my own work, although I never really worked with clay to create a specific outcome or functioning pot I never thought about the technique I was using or how to correctly attach the pot. I think this can be shown also through the development of my ceramic form from the second grade and funzies with air-dried clay and through actual pots that I used coils and carving and took time and effort to create the best pot I could. I have also learned to appreciate ceramics, I don't think I've ever looked at cereal bowls so seriously before. I've come to appreciate and notice the pottery and ceramic forms all around me, especially in my kitchen, and it makes me wonder how long it would take to recreate all the pots and bowls we have.
3.What recommendations would you make for ways that the class could be improved (please don’t worry about hurting my feelings- artists learn from, and expect, constructive criticism).
Honestly, there isn't anything about this class that I didn't like. I think that just for myself I need to do the artist statements and google sites right after the project so I keep it in mind and I don't get behind. I don't know how other students feel about this because this is more of a personal setback. If there is an issue with students turning in their Google Sites on time it's possible maybe you could make the due date for the Google site the day or two after the project is done, but I understand it's harder with ceramics because people finish at different times. The only other thing I could think of would be that we didn't finish the last project, I don't know if we were behind for a certain reason, or if it's just cuase our class was slower, but I think it might be easier to have put this more important and what I would consider a harder project a little earlier in the semester just so students could finish the project before the final. Other than those little things that are mostly the student's responsibilities I think that I have learned a lot about ceramics and technique and I am very happy that I got to take this class.