School: Lane Technical High School

Grade: 12

Description: This ceramic sculpture inspired by 18th century Grotesque art is the merging of two animals, a raccoon and an otter. I chose these two animals because of their varying textures and charming dispositions. Technically the piece includes: form constructing techniques, a variety of modeled surfaces, and under-glazing and glazing processes

Artist statement: As a high school art concentration student, I’ve had the privilege to take classes such as Art I, Ceramics I and II, Independent Studio Ceramics Study, Printmaking, and Textiles. With a multidisciplinary approach, I explore themes of comfort, family, memories, and music to form the core of my pieces, seeking a direct connection with the viewer.
Learning the art of printmaking, both during and after school has equipped me with various techniques such as linocut, woodcut, drypoint, stencil, monotype, gelli, intaglio, and silk screen printing. Through studying these processes, I’ve not only acquired technical proficiency but also developed ideation and planning skills, evident in my extensively conceptualized pieces.
I’ve been dedicated to advanced ceramics from the time I was the only middle schooler taking a high school level wheel throwing class, through taking high school levels 1 and 2, and culminating in a self-guided year-long ceramics independent study. My immense dedication and passion for this medium have been consistent and driven by my goal of incorporating functionality into creative arts and vice-versa.
In addition to traditional mediums, I’ve explored mixed-media and collage art, blending materials and textures to create layered narratives. I really appreciate these mediums because they give me the ability to express myself through others’ pieces and ideas to which I connect. I believe the most effective art must be communal whether that comes from viewers’ interpretations, previous artists’ ideas, or quite literally multiple people working on the same piece together. All of which can evoke a similar emotion and sense of community.
Collectively, these hands-on mediums lay the foundation for my aspirations as an industrial designer. The synthesis of skills in printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, and collage positions me to contribute functional art to the world, enriching the human experience. This synthesis goes beyond the technicalities, weaving a narrative of purposeful design that speaks to the interconnectedness of art and life, aiming to leave an enduring and meaningful impact on the world.

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