Bust
For this project, I began by sculpting the rough shapes and then sized them to scale. After this, I went on to refine the side profile. Here, I started to add in more details, but still left the angular shapes. I then moved on to the front view before working on the back of the head. I was consistently spinning my piece around in order to make sure every angle was accounted for. Once it was more or less to scale, I began to add some of the finer details. This included the eyes, skin texture, eyebrows, lips, and nostrils. Unfortunately, I ended up scraping this project due to the amount of clay used. I also couldn't imagine a practical use for it and didn't want to waste clay on something I wouldn't enjoy. However, I am very proud of this piece and only wish i spent more time on the chest and its details.
Current Artist inspired
This piece was inspired by the film Monsters Inc., and specifically the character Mike Wazowski. I grew up watching this movie, and to this day, it has a special place in my heart. I began by sculpting a double pinch pot to act as the body. This way, it was already hollowed out. After this, I went on to add arms, legs, and facial features. Unfortunately, its right arm broke off after being underglazed. I had to reattach this limb and use what I assumed was the correct color to match. As you can see, the color is slightly off. Besides this mishap, I'm extremely proud of this piece and can't think of anything else I'd do differently next time.
Pueblo inspired
This project was inspired by the Pueblo art style and the specific way those pieces are sculpted. My goal was to create a decorative vase with an interesting exterior design. To do this, I began by creating a tall, skinny pinch pot before adjusting the shape. I slightly flared the top, but kept the neck of the piece tapered in. Then, I used underglaze to replicate the traditional art style. After it had been fired once, I went in again with clear glaze. If I were to change anything, I'd make my piece slightly larger.
mask
My goal for this project was to create a decorative mask. I began by sculpting a shallow bowl to act as the foundation. Then, I went in to refine the details and cutouts of the mask. I wanted it to be interactive and interesting to look at. I decided to underglaze this piece to have more control over the colors. Once fired, I went in with a clear glaze. Unfortunately, I was unable to find this piece after a second firing. If I had to redo anything, I would adjust the color palette to include some cool tones.
Mug
My goal for this project was to make a functional and interesting mug. I began forming the body of the mug by connecting a slab. Then, I slipped and scored the bottom of the mug before adding a handle. I wanted the handle to be fun to use, so I added a curve at the base. I underglazed this piece with a vibrant fuchsia color before going in with clear glaze on top. I'm very proud of this mug and intend to gift it to my mom for her birthday.
Choice
I decided to use my current artist piece as my choice due to the amount of effort and time it took. This project took multiple weeks to complete, and it's one of my favorites. I'm very proud of the outcome as well as my dedication towards this project. If I did anything differently, I would have improved my time management. Focusing on this piece didn't leave much room to work on Unit 6.
Final
For my final project, I decided to create a cheese-inspired platter. I planned to build a plate that resembled a piece of cheese and add small decorations. I began this process by forming a square and then built up the edges to create a border. I did this by carving out the middle of the platter. Then, I sculpted a small mouse before scoring and slipping it onto my piece. After letting it dry out, I trimmed the edges and bottom to be more symmetrical. Once I was satisfied with these results, my piece was fired. I intended to glaze it when it came out; however, someone else beat me to it. I had to wash this glaze off my project, which slightly sent my timeline back. While washing this glaze off, the eyes of my mouse fell off. Fortunately, I simply painted them on with glaze. Now, my piece is in the kiln with the correct glaze. Overall, I'm very proud of how it came out, and I believe the amount of effort I put in is reflected in the outcome.
