CONCEPT:
The Scholastic 144 is an art exhibition sponsored by Shippensburg University, displayed at the Kauffman Gallery. The exhibit focuses on 2D work within dimensions of 12" by 12" and 3D work that is within 12" by 12" by 12." I knew I wanted to do a ceramic piece and throw it on the wheel. For my art piece, I choose to focus on an overarching theme of identity. I grappled with the meaning of 'identity' and the role culture plays in defining it versus the role the individual plays in defining identity for themselves. I wanted my finished result to show the identity struggle between the individual and the culture. The individual is born into a culture with a specific set of rules, beliefs, and way of thinking. Can we truly have identity in the sense that we define ourselves? Or can we only have an identity in the sense that we are identical to our culture?
BRAINSTORMING:
The first image above show some sketches I made over the summer. The second and third image are my ramblings about identity and culture. It got super deep ;)
| Here are my references images I found on google. |
SKETCHES:
| Here are some of my sketches for the form and the individual. At this point, I was about to throw the form I wanted to use. |
STARTING TO TAKE SHAPE:
Here is my form! The concept is that the form represents the culture and the figure is inside that culture. Right now my pot is greenware and I'm waiting for the bisque firing. Once bisqued, I will draw the figure onto the pot using underglaze and underglaze pencils/crayons.
THE FINISHED RESULTS:
This is my finished piece. The finished dimensions are width of 5 in., by length of 5 in by height of 4 1/2 in. I am very proud of the piece, especially the use of under pencil, since this is one of the first times I have used it. The concept of the individual trapped in the form of society and culture comes through. What I learned from this project includes that I should spray hairspray on the under pencil detail before applying clear glaze so there is less smudging. I want to try combining underglaze pencil with glaze next time.