Progress and Patience
While we tried to figure out a topic, Sam brought up the idea of the Art show. We wanted to follow someone’s work process while doing so, we learned that some students were able to publish their work earlier than others. One of those students was Alicia, a senior in Hall High School working on ceramics. As we recorded her process, we learned that making a fully finished ceramic piece required many steps and a lot of work, so much so that we wanted to focus our idea on the patience of progression.
The process of getting a piece in an art show is long and meticulous. To get a ceramic piece put in the exhibit, she must make, paint, assemble, sculpt details, underglaze, clear glaze, and repeat. Alicia Chiu has eight pieces that will be on display, having two of which are finished so far. Some things can be finished in a week while a big vase can take a lot longer. Some take multiple trials, others failing structurally and their designs continuing to change; This combined with the life long process of working with watercolors, under glazing skills, taking Ceramics 1 and 2, independent study, and then AP Studio Art, demonstrates the commitment required to produce exceptional art. A small mistake can reset the entire project, but when done right, it’s relaxing and enjoyable to her. Developing her skills from water coloring, painting, drawing, she can get to where she is now.
At the start of the year, she found an interest in the Victorian era as well as vintage designs. When traveling to many places such as Italy and Portugal, Alicia noticed the major difference in art displayed in public, where every other wall had a mural or design. Finding many modern designs in America boring, she discovered a contrast in the floral style that artists in the Victorian era picked up. Each piece, each teapot, cup, vase, or ornament, has extreme detail in every spot.