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)?

During ceramics, I learned something new with each project. The project I am most proud of is my final Artist Inspired assignment. I loved the way this project turned out. I spent a lot of time deciding what flowers and designs I was going to use on each plate, and I am very glad that I did because I think that is what I love the most about this project. I always tend to draw flowers and vines in my work, but these flowers came out exactly how I wanted them to. During this project, I learned how to make plates. I had never made plates before this, which made me a bit nervous because this was our final project and we only had 3 pounds of clay. I am glad I followed through with my decision because my plates turned out just how I wanted them to. I also learned that you can use anything to help you during your process. For example, I used a tape roll as my template for my plates, I never would have thought to use new resources like this before. This project, along with every other project in this class, taught me that I can do hard things and that it is all worth it in the end.

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.

Before this class, I don't think I fully appreciated how much work goes into making things out of clay. I never knew just how much smoothing, carving, and detail work goes into making the final product look as good as it does. But after spending multiple classes just smoothing the clay, or making my carvings just how I want them, I can now finally understand how much work goes into making these pieces of art. Now when I look at a pot or a form, I think about how it was structurally made. I also compare it to my work, and how long it would've

taken me, which gives me a whole new appreciation for artists and the work they do. Another thing I now understand better is the glazing and firing process. It never really occurred to me that artists couldn't just paint their work, artists have to decide if they're going to underglaze before they bisque fire or glaze after they bisque fire. Overall, this class and the work I have done have made me understand and appreciate art on a whole other level.

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)?

There aren't many negative things that I have to say about this class. Personally, I felt that we had the perfect amount of time to work on things, the expectations were clear, and the demonstrations were helpful. If there was one thing I would improve it would be certain requirements. For example, for the mug project, we needed to have a set of four mugs. Four mugs felt like a lot and I felt like I was making each mug simple in order to save time and be able to get them done. But if we were to make two, maybe there could be more time for small details. And if we each made two, that might have left time to make plates too. That being said I do understand that for some people, mugs are quick, and two mugs would be too little of a requirement.