Unit 6

I wasn’t able to complete many of the Unit 6 assignments because I had a lot of absences, including independent study days, which limited my time in class. Additionally, I tend to take a longer time on my assignments to make sure I do them carefully and thoughtfully. Even though I didn’t finish everything, the pieces I did complete are ones I’m really proud of and enjoyed working on. I hope to use what I learned from those projects to improve and finish more work in the future.

Whimsical house

For my whimsical house piece, I took inspiration from hobbit houses because I love their cozy, earthy look. I wanted to capture that same magical feeling in my design, with rounded shapes and a playful structure. The most challenging part was making the roof, especially trying to create the texture of grass. It was hard to make it look natural while also keeping the clay strong and not too heavy. Despite the challenge, I think the grass texture turned out pretty well and added a lot of character to the house. This piece was fun to make and pushed me to be more creative with textures and details.

Abastract Sculputre

For one of my projects, I started an abstract sculpture of a wave crashing down on a piece of coral. I wanted to capture the powerful motion of the ocean in a dramatic, flowing form. Building the wave was especially challenging because I had to figure out how to shape it so that it looked like it was moving while also being strong enough to hold itself up. I had a hard time keeping the wave from collapsing, since the arching clay wanted to slump under its own weight. I tried using supports and letting it firm up in stages, but it still gave me trouble. Even though I didn’t get the chance to finish it, I felt the piece had a lot of potential and a strong sense of energy. I’d love to revisit the idea someday, and next time I’d plan the structure more carefully to help it stay upright and stable.

Final- Platter

For my final project, I created a platter inspired by Arabic culture and traditional henna designs. I wanted this piece to be both decorative and functional, with the plan to use it for serving baklava and other sweets. I began by using a mold to shape the round base of the plate, which helped me get a clean, even form. Pressing the clay into the mold took some patience, especially to make sure there were no air bubbles or uneven spots. Once the plate had firmed up to the right consistency, I carefully removed it and started carving the surface.

The design was heavily influenced by henna patterns—full of flowing lines, floral shapes, and repeating geometric details. I sketched out my ideas before carving to make sure everything was balanced and connected. Carving the design was time-consuming, but it was also one of my favorite parts of the process. It allowed me to focus on precision and bring in the cultural elements I was inspired by. I wanted the design to feel intricate but also calming, like the patterns you might see on a decorated hand or a piece of fabric.

When it came time to glaze, I was a little disappointed with how the colors turned out. I had hoped for a more vibrant or clean finish, but the glaze didn’t bring out the details as much as I imagined. If I were to do it again, I would test more glaze combinations and maybe try wiping back the glaze to highlight the carved lines better. Despite not loving the final glaze, I’m really proud of the overall piece. The construction was strong, the design came out well, and I feel like it represents the inspiration I started with. It’s a piece I could actually use at home, and it connects something personal—my appreciation for Arabic art—with something practical and handmade.