Artist Statement:
History and Influences:
One of my major breakthroughs this semester in beginning ceramics was learning about different varieties of glazes and how to use them correctly. I learned the difference between high and lower fire glazes and underglazes as well. My new knowledge of glazes has helped me to greatly improve my pieces because it adds a whole new depth to the structure. Although the form that you build is a very vital part of ceramics new glazing techniques are usually what catch the eye of a viewer. My major motivators in studying art have been my family because they appreciate every piece no matter how bad it truly is. They have always encouraged me to use creativity in any way possible. Along with everything they do for me they are still willing to drive across town to visit an art piece of mine that has been displayed in a recent art show. Without the support of my family it would be hard to be truly inspired to create pieces that I am very passionate about.
Description of who I am as an artist:
My style when creating art is very simple because I am not a very complicated person myself. I use a mixture of bright colors that are toned down by more subtle colors to show my two personalities because I am a Gemini. The bright colors that are used in my pieces represent my more wild, outgoing side. While the soft colors show the more quiet and reserved side of my personality. Although my art is not always polished and refined perfectly it can reflect how busy my life is due to the sports I participate in and the other extracurricular activities I take part in. I want the viewers of my art to know that your art doesn't have to be complex to catch the eye of someone. Also you don't have to be Picasso to create a good piece of art that you take pride in. I also think the fact that I include both bright and soft colors in my pieces shows viewers that you should show all sides of you in your artwork because your art should be a good representation of you as a person. When people look at my art I want them to question my art and create a story out of it. I don't want people to just look at my art and immediately know what the story is and what it represents. I did this throughout my art because that is one of my favorite things to do while observing unfamiliar art, so I want the same effect when people view my art.
Make Connections:
Without art in the world life would be very boring and bland. Imagine walking downtown and envision there being no art covering the sides of buildings or even filling empty walls in restaurants. Not only is it the art that encompasses building but also the building themselves because each and everyone is unique due to the art of architecture. I also don't think our world as a whole would be connected because like math art acts as a second language. A viewer doesn't have to speak a certain language to understand a piece of artwork so without art we would have few ways to communicate universally. Art is used in school to further a presentation using a drawing or other representation. Some people enhance their learning by using visuals so art is an important aspect of their learning style. Later in life art can be very important if you choose to become an interior designer, architect, or even a doctor. No matter the job there is most likely to be some aspect of art that is useful. But if for some reason someone doesn't have any art incorporated into their career path they might use it as a way to relax after a long day at the office. No matter what life path you choose it is nearly impossible to avoid art because it is such prominent part in daily life around the world.
One of my major breakthroughs this semester in beginning ceramics was learning about different varieties of glazes and how to use them correctly. I learned the difference between high and lower fire glazes and underglazes as well. My new knowledge of glazes has helped me to greatly improve my pieces because it adds a whole new depth to the structure. Although the form that you build is a very vital part of ceramics new glazing techniques are usually what catch the eye of a viewer. My major motivators in studying art have been my family because they appreciate every piece no matter how bad it truly is. They have always encouraged me to use creativity in any way possible. Along with everything they do for me they are still willing to drive across town to visit an art piece of mine that has been displayed in a recent art show. Without the support of my family it would be hard to be truly inspired to create pieces that I am very passionate about.
Description of who I am as an artist:
My style when creating art is very simple because I am not a very complicated person myself. I use a mixture of bright colors that are toned down by more subtle colors to show my two personalities because I am a Gemini. The bright colors that are used in my pieces represent my more wild, outgoing side. While the soft colors show the more quiet and reserved side of my personality. Although my art is not always polished and refined perfectly it can reflect how busy my life is due to the sports I participate in and the other extracurricular activities I take part in. I want the viewers of my art to know that your art doesn't have to be complex to catch the eye of someone. Also you don't have to be Picasso to create a good piece of art that you take pride in. I also think the fact that I include both bright and soft colors in my pieces shows viewers that you should show all sides of you in your artwork because your art should be a good representation of you as a person. When people look at my art I want them to question my art and create a story out of it. I don't want people to just look at my art and immediately know what the story is and what it represents. I did this throughout my art because that is one of my favorite things to do while observing unfamiliar art, so I want the same effect when people view my art.
Make Connections:
Without art in the world life would be very boring and bland. Imagine walking downtown and envision there being no art covering the sides of buildings or even filling empty walls in restaurants. Not only is it the art that encompasses building but also the building themselves because each and everyone is unique due to the art of architecture. I also don't think our world as a whole would be connected because like math art acts as a second language. A viewer doesn't have to speak a certain language to understand a piece of artwork so without art we would have few ways to communicate universally. Art is used in school to further a presentation using a drawing or other representation. Some people enhance their learning by using visuals so art is an important aspect of their learning style. Later in life art can be very important if you choose to become an interior designer, architect, or even a doctor. No matter the job there is most likely to be some aspect of art that is useful. But if for some reason someone doesn't have any art incorporated into their career path they might use it as a way to relax after a long day at the office. No matter what life path you choose it is nearly impossible to avoid art because it is such prominent part in daily life around the world.
Lights Down Low
This piece is my introduction project. The task was to create any piece you desired only using one pound of clay. The key skills and knowledge in this project included getting a feel for the clay and discovering what you can do with it. Some other important clay and design skills that this work addressed included using glaze to create an adequate surface design. In my final product, you will notice that I succeeded in creating a unique rim to my piece to give it a interesting structure but had challenges with creating holes that went all the way through without excess clay around them. What I learned while constructing and finishing this project is the smallest change in the design of your structure can make a huge difference. In reflecting on this piece, I am proud of my creativity within the construction of the piece but need to continue working on glazing techniques to create a more polished and refined look.
Pina Mal Pelada
This piece is my pinch pot project. The task was to create a pinch pot using the techniques he taught us a few days before in order to create a high level piece . The key skills and knowledge in this project included creating a pinch pot using a thumb technique and then glazing it using a low fire glaze. Some other important clay and design skills that this work addressed included using a add on technique to include another element to your piece. In my final product, you will notice that I succeeded in creating a solid structure that showed a mastery in creating a pinch pot of high quality but had challenges with including add ons that were discreetly placed on the surface . What I learned while constructing and finishing this project is in order to create a high level pinch pot you have to take your time while dropping the hole and whiddening it. In reflecting on this piece, I am proud of my glazing because it is unique but need to continue working on adding a base without distorting the whole shape of the base.
Its Raining CAts and Dogs!
These pieces are my coil dog and cat bowls project. The task was to create a usable piece that could later be donated to LPCHS . The key skills and knowledge in this project included practicing creating a piece using a coil technique. Some other important clay and design skills that this work addressed include using two different types of glaze (high and low fire). In my final product, you will notice that I succeeded in creating a well built structures for my dog and cat bowls but had challenges with glazing because I didn't put enough layers meaning some of it is transparent on my pieces. What I learned while constructing and finishing this project is the visual difference between a high and low fire glazes and how to apply each type to a piece. In reflecting on this piece, I am proud of my structure that I created but need to continue working on using proper glazing techniques so that my glazes don't appear transparent.
Lion Dinner
This piece is my self directed project. The task was to create a piece that showed techniques in class that we have learned and apply them to a project of your choice. The key skills and knowledge in this project included using a coil technique to create a very tall vase like structure. Some other important clay and design skills that this work addressed include using a low fire, but simple glazing technique to create a minimalist look. In my final product, you will notice that I succeeded in creating a well built structure that was built up to create a tall structure but had challenges with keeping my glazing perfectly neat because some of the black paint traveled into the white parts of the vase. What I learned while constructing and finishing this project is how to gradually decrease the width of the vase as it traveled upwards. In reflecting on this piece, I am proud of how tall I made my structure only using coils to construct it but need to continue working on being neat when glazing so mistakes don't take away from the clean feel of the whole piece.
Not so Blu
This piece is my raku mask project. The task was to create a cultural mask using a slab technique. The key skills and knowledge in this project included using a large slab to imitate a mask that inspired you and learning how to work with a mixture of raku and gray clay body. Some other important clay and design skills that this work addressed include using add on techniques to create features on your mask in my final product, you will notice that I succeeded in creating a clean looking piece but had challenges with the structure of the mask because it was disproportionate and there were a few cracks apparent. What I learned while constructing and finishing this project is how much skill it takes to make these cultural masks that can be found worldwide. In reflecting on this piece, I am proud of how I created a structure that resembled a parrot but need to continue working on using my knowledge of glaze to make sure I don't have transparent spots on my piece.