Teacher Name: Phyllis Burstein
Grade: 12

Materials: Clay
Description: Being able to express my racial identity has always been difficult to put into words. This presents a hollow shoulder & neck, having flowers come out of it like a vase. The right side represents my knowledge, personal connection, and interaction with my Chinese culture. On the contrary, the left shows weak, droopy flowers which symbolize my weak connection with my Guatemalan culture because of the lack of interaction, participation, and personal connection I have with it. But I didn’t make the left plants broken or withered because I believe that I can still learn and reconnect with my culture while presenting the connection of Hispanic culture is in no way not beautiful nonetheless.

Artist Statement: The medium of clay is an amazing source of creation because of the artistic liberty it has, such as flexibility and variety, are so unique. I think there’s a magical aspect to clay art because you can make anything, from faces, dishes, decorations, or even functional tools, is amazing. Sculptures also incorporate decor and personality into environments such as a watering pot or a makeup cup holder. Being able to feel free within the art field is very important because if people had limits to their ideas and creativity, it would create a negative impact. After all, art helps reflect on society, bond and bring together people, and express personal events and lives.

en_USEnglish