Final Reflection

I am most proud of my multiple pinch pots project. I'm most proud of this project because of the level of detail I put on the fish, and how many processes I went through for the final result. First I had to shape the fish. This process alone took a long time to get my desired shape and attach the head, belly and tail together with supports inside. I underglaze both fish before bisque firing. Then i carved in the patterns and details of the fish scales, eyes and fins. After this tedious process I was able to bisque fire and then add a green glaze overtop that would fill in the lines from sgraffitoing my fish. After both fish had green glaze applied I stacked them on top of each other and the glaze fused them into a stack in the kiln. With this project I become better at working with the sgraffito technique as well as sculpting and adding interior supports.

Before this class I didn't think I liked ceramics. it is now my second favorite art medium, photography being number 1. I liked the way I was able to visualize a 3d object and bring it into being with my own hands. Adding ripples or texture is a fun part of the experience because 3d objects are interacting with more of your senses than a print or drawing. I also enjoyed thinking about how an item would interact with me such as a handle fitting my hand or the rim of a cup being comfortable on my lips. my favorite aspect of ceramics is how much of a process it is. No matter what I'm making there are certain steps their to slow me down and make it into somewhat of a meditative process.

For constructive criticism I think there should be some faster paced projects forcing experimentation just to get the feel of more techniques. This would allow me to find more ways I like working with ceramics quicker. I also think for each project it should be encouraged to look at inspiration from other artists. this would help with refining the look of what you are about to make by seeing good techniques used on similar things that you can incorporate into your work. Over all I loved the style of the class and I had to really knit pick to find anything that I would want changed and if nothing changes i would be just as happy.