Purple Power
Ceramics has always been an art form that has intrigued me. Even before I came to Trinity, my brother Grady was taking ceramics and bringing home unique pieces, and I couldn't wait for my chance to try it myself. Finally, during the second semester of my freshman year, I had the pleasure of taking Ceramics 1.
One of the most meaningful experiences from this class was creating a collection of pieces inspired by my best friend Lauren Cherry. Lauren and I share a special bond, as we were born just two years and two days apart, and our families have been close for many years. Sadly, Lauren was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer at a young age, and she spent years undergoing treatment. Throughout this time, my family and the Pirsoles (our other family friends) were there to support her every step of the way. In 2015, when we learned that Philadelphia had the best treatment available for her, we all traveled there together. Despite the challenges Lauren faced, we still found ways to enjoy the journey, such as stopping by the cupcake shop near our apartment between rounds of treatment and watching movies.
To honor Lauren's strength and courage, I decided to create a collection of ceramics pieces including a bowl, cup, vase, a tray plate, and two trays. I used a variety of techniques I had learned during our hand-building unit to make the trays, starting with wedging the clay, using the compressor, and placing the wedged clay in the tray mold. For the cup, I drew on the skills I had learned from cylinder boot camp, starting with wedging the clay, creating the shape on the wheel, letting it dry, and then trimming it. For the small vase, I experimented with different pulls and ended up with a unique yet simple design.
When it came time to glaze my pieces, I knew I wanted to use purple in honor of Lauren's "purple power" campaign and her inspiring story. I dipped my pieces in white and then used purple and light pink to sponge-paint them, creating a soft yet striking effect.
Lauren has been a constant source of inspiration in my life, pushing me to be my best self and to pursue my passions with enthusiasm. Without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I'm so grateful to have her in my life, and I can't wait to continue exploring my creativity in other art forms, such as drawing and painting 2.
One of the most meaningful experiences from this class was creating a collection of pieces inspired by my best friend Lauren Cherry. Lauren and I share a special bond, as we were born just two years and two days apart, and our families have been close for many years. Sadly, Lauren was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer at a young age, and she spent years undergoing treatment. Throughout this time, my family and the Pirsoles (our other family friends) were there to support her every step of the way. In 2015, when we learned that Philadelphia had the best treatment available for her, we all traveled there together. Despite the challenges Lauren faced, we still found ways to enjoy the journey, such as stopping by the cupcake shop near our apartment between rounds of treatment and watching movies.
To honor Lauren's strength and courage, I decided to create a collection of ceramics pieces including a bowl, cup, vase, a tray plate, and two trays. I used a variety of techniques I had learned during our hand-building unit to make the trays, starting with wedging the clay, using the compressor, and placing the wedged clay in the tray mold. For the cup, I drew on the skills I had learned from cylinder boot camp, starting with wedging the clay, creating the shape on the wheel, letting it dry, and then trimming it. For the small vase, I experimented with different pulls and ended up with a unique yet simple design.
When it came time to glaze my pieces, I knew I wanted to use purple in honor of Lauren's "purple power" campaign and her inspiring story. I dipped my pieces in white and then used purple and light pink to sponge-paint them, creating a soft yet striking effect.
Lauren has been a constant source of inspiration in my life, pushing me to be my best self and to pursue my passions with enthusiasm. Without her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I'm so grateful to have her in my life, and I can't wait to continue exploring my creativity in other art forms, such as drawing and painting 2.