Sara Ramirez: capstone
Date
2024
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Abstract
The artist's statement: For this final presentation, 4-2-5, I am showing what I have learned throughout my time in the Pottery department. I came to the Pottery with no prior knowledge about and within two weeks of taking the class I decided this was the direction I wanted to go in. Through my time, I learned multiple techniques such as throwing on the wheel and hand building with terracotta. Making plates, cups, bowls and other tableware such as napkin holders, coasters, and even some serving plates became the focus of my work. Terracotta is an earthenware clay body that is fired at a lower temperature compared to other bodies such as porcelain. After working mostly with stoneware, the switch to terracotta required lots of troubleshooting and testing. I had to learn how to handle the clay on the wheel and also learn to make new glazes for my work. In the end, I chose a stable yellow glaze and terra sigillata which gave the clay body a finished look without a glaze.The inspiration for this body of work comes from my Mexican culture. Some of the shapes, like the cups for example, are often seen in Mexican pottery. In addition, the surface design motifs were inspired by talavera and puebla barro pottery. These Mexican pottery designs are sometimes seen in blue and white or in simple terracotta. I grew up eating out of and using terracotta pottery. In my home my mom used these pots for special occasions. Making this dinnerware set was a process. It gave me a sense of comfort to connect my roots and memories of family and gatherings to the forms and colors I have chosen to place on the table.
Description
Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
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Subject
pottery