Artist Statement
When I use clay I feel like I am not limited to one specific shape or design. Clay gives me the chance to be unique and create something entirely my own. I enjoy creating projects because I am able to express myself in a fun and creative way. My goal as a growing artist is to bring enjoyment to myself and others through my work. I want people to find a message in my projects or take something out of my work. It amazes me how it is possible to start off with a block of clay and create something from practically nothing.
When I create a new piece I begin by brainstorming ideas that come to mind when I think about the theme of my piece. Also, I look up reference images to give me ideas. Sometimes an ordinary everyday object can spark an idea for a project. Then I sketch out my thoughts and ideas in my sketchbook. I select my materials based on my idea and use techniques that I believe will portray my idea the best. As I work I am able to adjust my method and technique to the clay. Most of the time the final product matches my original idea but occasionally I have to readjust my idea becuase the clay is cracking, or there is a shortage in the resources I need. Also, sometimes the method I am doing does not work and produces something that I did not plan out.
My current work does not fit one specific theme. As I continue making more and more pieces I have found that I am interested in experiemnting with all white glazed pieces. My background and different aspects of my life are my inspiration for some of my pieces. For example, for my butter dish I incuded both the American flag and British flag to represent both of my nationalities. Sometimes my projects are not inspired by anything, but are a result of me manipulating the clay in different ways. An example of this is my handheld scultpure. I did not plan on making a heart but when I realized the clay was beginning to resemble a heart I expanded on the idea. Although I have only been using clay for about three years, my technique and methods have grown and improved tremendously. I want the people viewing my work to each get out a different and unique meaning from it. What I mean by this is, I do not want everyone to view my work the same. I find it very interesting how I can view my work and see and feel one thing, yet someone else can look at my work and see and feel a totally different thing. I like how their is no right or wrong answers in art.
When I create a new piece I begin by brainstorming ideas that come to mind when I think about the theme of my piece. Also, I look up reference images to give me ideas. Sometimes an ordinary everyday object can spark an idea for a project. Then I sketch out my thoughts and ideas in my sketchbook. I select my materials based on my idea and use techniques that I believe will portray my idea the best. As I work I am able to adjust my method and technique to the clay. Most of the time the final product matches my original idea but occasionally I have to readjust my idea becuase the clay is cracking, or there is a shortage in the resources I need. Also, sometimes the method I am doing does not work and produces something that I did not plan out.
My current work does not fit one specific theme. As I continue making more and more pieces I have found that I am interested in experiemnting with all white glazed pieces. My background and different aspects of my life are my inspiration for some of my pieces. For example, for my butter dish I incuded both the American flag and British flag to represent both of my nationalities. Sometimes my projects are not inspired by anything, but are a result of me manipulating the clay in different ways. An example of this is my handheld scultpure. I did not plan on making a heart but when I realized the clay was beginning to resemble a heart I expanded on the idea. Although I have only been using clay for about three years, my technique and methods have grown and improved tremendously. I want the people viewing my work to each get out a different and unique meaning from it. What I mean by this is, I do not want everyone to view my work the same. I find it very interesting how I can view my work and see and feel one thing, yet someone else can look at my work and see and feel a totally different thing. I like how their is no right or wrong answers in art.