The purpose of this work is exploratory. I was searching to recreate the colors and textures of the Surinam Horned Frog and the American Toad. The goal has become finding a balance between functionality and this interesting texture which threatens to eradicate that functionality. It is a practice of constraint and freedom. I have been free to investigate and hone my skills in creating different forms such as bowls and mugs. The constraint of using the same glaze and texture method have helped me think more deeply about how these interact and how I can maximize that relationship. It has been an exciting challenge to contrast the deliberate placement of texture while trying to suggest something natural and organic.
Q: What was the process you used to create this body of work?
A: Each piece was thrown and trimmed on the wheel. Before bisque firing, slip was applied using a piping bag to create the bumpy texture. After the bisque firing each piece was dipped in a shino glaze and fired to cone 10.
Q: What was the hardest part of your BFA project?
A: The hardest part was just getting the work done. Balancing home life and school has been a challenge. I have a two year old and am expecting another in June. Between physical exhaustion and my eager daughter’s desire to help I struggled to find the time and energy to complete my ideas.
Q: How did you come up with the theme for your BFA project?
A: For a different project I started researching frogs and started collecting pictures. For another project we were required to experiment with slip as a decoration. The combination of these two unrelated projects started my exploration.
