My ceramic piece began with a brainstorm sketch before making it come to life. I started with throwing and shaping a bottle in clay, making sure to control moisture, thickness and structure. I then hand modeled the face features, which I exaggerated on purpose to highlight the beauty in “imperfection” and ethnic or indigenous features. It is topped with an ombré of crystalline glazes, my first time using this technique, and the clay’s texture activating the crystals reflected light.

A great inspiration for me has been Frida Kahlo. Her bravery, combination of styles like Mexican folk art and realism, and her ability to find the beauty in her reality has always spoken to me. I believe in art that is not made for acceptance or comfort, but with purpose.

Ceramics is my favorite art form because I like the amount of skills, techniques and steps to the process.  I like using a multitude of art forms in one piece. I enjoy the hands on nature of the wheel and sculpting, and the suspense of waiting to see how it all turned out when it’s done. I love challenging myself and my potential to bring an idea from design and sketch to something physically functional and emotionally engaging.