Final Reflection

1. 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)?

The in-class project that I am most proud of was a toss up between my Sgraffito and my Pinch Pot summative, because both show how I improved with my technical skills with clay. I ended up choosing my Pinch Pot summative, Expedition, as the piece I will speak upon as my my favorite piece I have created this year. I chose this piece because I think it shows when there was a transition in my understanding of how clay worked and it was something I had a true vision of from beginning to end. With my previous projects with clay, starting from when I was just a child, I never really understood clay behavior and this would always result my projects having big cracks or looking really wonky, but this class has helped me understand on a technical level, when and what stages to work with clay and other techniques to create a piece just as you had envisioned. I think Expedition, shows how my techniques improved and serves as a good example of how I learned throughout the year. For this piece I experimented with textures using different tools to create different feather patterns. I also tried a glazing technique I saw online where you put a layer of glave over the indented parts of clay, then wipe the glazed off the raised parts, which creates a really cool shadowing effect, this technique was something I would use later on in the year and this project really helped me get the technique down. Overall I really liked how this project turned out and we used it as a festive fall decoration on out table.

2. 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.

What initially inspired me to take this class was a family friend of ours who was an artist who created art with a variety of mediums, including clay, and I wanted to do something that would make me feel closer to him in a way, and to create art for peole to enjoy just like he did. Taking this class has been really eye opening because it much more difficult to work with clay than it seems like it. Everyone has seen the videos of experienced artists just whip together a miraculous ceramic sculpture with groovy music, but what isn't appreciated or recognized is how much work and effort it takes to create. Taking this class along with others perviously have really helped me appreciate art and artistry, and its created an understanding of art on another level. When I see art, I feel like I take more time to notice things and make more connections to art than I did previously. I hope to take Ceramics II next year and that continuing my art journey in the years to come will only strengthen my understanding and appreciation of art.

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).

I had a really good experience with this class and I don't have any any major improvement recommendations. The only thing I can really think of it possible being a little stricter about the treatment of the tools, which isn't something that you have much control over, but a lot of the brushed and carving tools would be covered in dried glazes or damaged.