Art: The Way I Enjoy Life

My minor in art centers on ceramics, oil painting, watercolor, and colored pencil drawing as forms of material engagement. What began with hand-building in red clay has developed into wheel throwing, where balance, pressure, rotation, and structure become immediate physical experiences. Through making, firing, and surface treatment, I explore how form emerges from constraint and process. This work complements my studies in physics and mathematics by grounding abstract thinking in tangible practice.

Ceramics Practice (Spring 2025)

Hand-Building (Red Clay – Beginning Course)

I began with hand-building in a red clay introductory course without the wheel. This stage focused on structural construction, thickness control, and surface treatment. Working without rotational assistance required careful attention to balance and stability in form.

Wheel Throwing (Spring 2026)

I now practice wheel throwing, where centering, pressure control, and rotational symmetry define the making process. The wheel introduces dynamic balance, requiring continuous adjustment of force and structure. Trimming and finishing refine wall thickness and proportion before glazing and firing.

Raku Firing

Raku firing involves heating ceramic work in a gas kiln and removing pieces while still glowing at high temperature. It originated in Japan in the 16th century and is traditionally associated with tea ceremony ware.

The hot pieces are placed into combustible materials such as sawdust or newspaper, creating a reduction atmosphere that alters glaze chemistry. This process produces crackle patterns and metallic surface effects. Due to glaze characteristics and porosity, Raku ware is typically not considered food-safe.

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