Still Burning, Still Breaking

Nicole Akintola

“Still Burning, Still Breaking.”

2026

Air dry clay, Acrylic Paint, Assorted clay tools.

My collection, Still Burning, Still Breaking,  serves as a representation of different aspects of mental health through various sculptures. There are three main pieces featured. These include a semicolon, a split brain with a figure trapped inside, and melting candles. I utilized air dry clay with hand techniques such as the pinch pot method, along with etching and carving details. 

In this collection, I wanted to capture the feeling of continuing even when things feel like they are falling apart. The semicolon represents survival and a story that is not yet over. The split brain reflects the feeling of being trapped inside a mind that feels broken. The melting candles symbolize emotional burnout. Together, these pieces communicate the theme of enduring pain while still existing and pushing forward.

I utilized the pinch pot method to shape the structures. I applied score and slip to securely attach different parts, specifically in the candle details. Etching was used to add texture and emphasize the  cracks, drips, and overall surface, reinforcing the idea of breaking and decay.

This work is not only influenced by my personal mental health journey, but also the growing awareness of mental health issues, especially among young people. This also includes the pressure to seem “okay,” even when struggling internally. Through this collection, I wanted to make internal experiences visible and to show that even in moments of breaking and burning, there is still continuation.