High School Ceramics
Updated: May 8, 2019
The foundation for my creative journey was a high school ceramics class. Each assignment and project created a spark that continued my interest in all things sculpture. This one-semester course taught me basic techniques that I still employ in my work today. After years of failed attempts at drawing and painting, I had nearly resigned myself to giving up on art. Discovering that I was skilled at creating art with my hands has led me to develop a passion for woodworking, sculpting, and metalworking.
African Water Jug
A water jug inspired by African cave paintings is still one of my favorite projects. The piece is a round pinch pot base supporting a coiled straight wall with images of livestock etched into the side. It was coated with an earthy-colored glaze in order to mimic the stone and paint that might be found on a primitive depiction of animals.
The first animal-themed sculpture I made in a long series of creature ceramics was a cylindrical jar that doubled as a pangolin. This small, scaled anteater from Africa is my favorite animal.
Pangolin Jar
Japanese Tea Bowl
One of the first non-animal pieces that I made was a Japanese Tea Bowl. The bowl was designed with a thicker shorter profile favorable to bowls that are used in winter. This is intended to retain heat from the drink in order to keep hands warm. The Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi (侘寂), the acceptance of transience and imperfection, was chosen for the assignment and can be seen in the irregular and rough finish in the shape of the bowl. It fits perfectly to the contours of my right hand if I grip it on the correct side.
Candle Holder
The smallest sculpture I have made thus far is a circular piece meant to hold tea candles. My mother often uses it as a centerpiece on her dining table.