Meaningful Ceramics

Dimensions: Roughly 1.5"x4"

Essential Question: How can a work of ceramics deliver a message?

Reflection

  Ceramics can deliver a message through the form itself and the context it is presented in. The form can tell the viewer what the artist’s message is about, what their viewpoint is, and how they see it through an artistic perspective. The texture and color of the piece can also communicate their message. Certain colors are related to certain emotions, and adding a pattern or design to the form as well can make a piece with a really strong message. It also matters how and when the audience is seeing it. Does it relate to a certain event? Does the title provide any insight? Where are they seeing it? What is its background and what kind of light is it shot in?

I faced the challenge of forming small details and getting them to stick to my vase. I also had the challenge of keeping both vases wet enough for the attachments to stick. I also had to be careful when glazing and creative with my glaze combinations in order to be clear about what the small forms were. I had to follow the same style of bright colors against a blank white canvas, so I chose glazes that I thought would really pop. 

Looking closely at another artist’s work gives you the chance to see the world through another person’s point of view. It also gives you more ideas and inspiration for how ceramics can be made. For my artist, looking closely at his art made me more aware of the power that glaze has on a piece. His work is defined by the bright colors and contrast he creates. He also makes sure to create beautiful vases when throwing, which is a skill I have yet to master. Using his work as inspiration made me be more aware of my throwing process and what I could be doing to improve, such as pulling slower and more evenly or using more water. 

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