I've looked back at my pinch pots from last year and just CRINGED. WOW. I have to say, there's definitely some improvement. Last year, I didn't really have an idea of what might work and what wouldn't. I had a better idea this year, but the ambition/ excitement of the project would get the better of me and I'd just ignore the warnings...(hence the broken arm of my sculptural response). I've challenged myself this year in Ceramics to create pieces that were up to my standards--things I could put up on display and actually be proud of. I went into the work thinking a little more like I would for AP instead of just blowing it off as a project in Ceramics. I have to say that I still see more of the flaws than the strengths of my work when it's up on display, but I don't know if that'll ever change. Mrs. Ekin once said my ambition to keep doing more was a strength, but it gets tiring sometimes!
Because I tried to push myself this year, I ended up dealing with a lot of breaking, cracking, falling, etc. There were some intensely frustrating moments, and I don't think I'll ever understand centering and glazing fully. I don't think I will ever forget the frustration of the first SR. Note to self: If you've designed a sculpture that won't be able to stand, think ahead about how you're going to make it work instead of just winging it as you go. I've also had to think a lot more about working in the round this year, and what it means to work in 3D. I think it's important that I had some experience working in 3D just because my major is basically turning areas of space into certain scenes. So I'm glad I got somewhat of a head start.
I've looked back at what I've created this year and compared it to last year--and whereas there's always one crack or something that throws it off a little, I'm proud of the improvements I've made this year. I first realized that I should be proud today, when I was frantically putting everything up on display. I was wishing I could fix a few things here and there, but nevertheless, I think I've grown as an artist because of this class. I will always be thankful that I had the opportunity to take it at SIS.