Clay Projects (2016-2017)
Tree of Life
Medium: Ceramic & Glaze
Dimensions: 7" x 7" x 0.5"
This piece is an ode to the gift of nature. Humans often take advantage of the environment without any consideration of how beneficial it is to us. People do not give the environment the respect it deserves. They often fail to realize when they harm the environment, they are also harming themselves. And so, this trivet is symbolic of the gift of life that nature offers to us. Because the food I eat is entirely plant based, the trivet will only be used with dishes that do not compromise the environment in any way.
Clementine
Medium: Ceramic & Glaze
Dimensions: 5" x 5" x 5"
This project was inspired by the way a piece of clementine fits into one's hand and how it fits into the clementine as a whole. It nestles into the hand just as perfectly as it fits in the space in the clementine. I loved playing with the contrasting textures of the rough peel and the smooth inside. At first, I struggled with creating a realistic peel. Eventually, I found it looked more authentic for the peel to have no symmetry in it. Hence why it was constructed with no particular uniformity, but rather intentional irregularities.
Functional Gourds
Medium: Ceramic,Cork, & Glaze
Dimensions: 9" x 6" x 7"
These vessels are inspired by gourds. I used sporadic clusters of bumps to emulate the texture of the gourds. I also used redish tones to relate to the colors of fall when gourds are harvested. I love the bend in the left vessel as it connotes movement and showcases the imperfections of the gourd are the very things that make it unique and special. I tried to present the gourds as beautiful vessels because the texture and colors of gourds have given them a poor reputation.