Artist Statement

As I expand my horizons in shape and form, I thought it would be interesting to try some different types of forms this trimester due to distance learning. This specific project gave me the chance to work with matching pieces together with the five different bowls while trying to figure out a shape that will allow them to nest within each other. I really wanted to use Sally Joe’s set as inspiration due to her use of colors. Contrasting usual bowls, they have five bowls in which they can fit inside each other due to the gradual size decrease with each bowl. I based the design on Sally Joe’s, changing it slightly in shape while keeping her color palette. I created a wavy lipped bowl design instead of having just one spout on each bowl. Tying the two pieces together is the use of minimal color, letting the clay shine while adding subtle color to highlight the bowl form.

This piece focuses almost solely on the elements of Shape brought out by the protruding waves on the lip of the bowls, and the size difference between each bowl. The Emphasis of the bowls is clearly on these elements and makes it easy to understand the rest of the form which brings out a certain variety with the rusty red of the clay and the light cool tones from oxides.

This project allowed me to learn how to use other mediums to plan projects in the future when I can work with clay again. This allows for me to have a plan going into future projects. I have seen how I can still create my art through other means, using watercolors to bring the project to life from the paper. While I am used to using clay for my art I have seen how I can still have a creative outlet. Also deriving ideas from other artists has been a good learning experience, and now I have more project ideas that I can’t wait to use once I’m back in the studio!

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The process was as follows:

  - Watch episode 1 of “The Great Pottery Throwdown”
  - Choose my favorite set of nested bowls from the competition, which was Sally Joe’s
  - Gather materials, blank white paper, pencil, and watercolors
  - Sketch out Sally Joe’s nested bowl design
  - Sketch out my own design based on hers
  - Fill in the outlines with watercolors
  - Let dry
  - Add commentary on similarities and differences between my version and her version