Finding inspiration.

I remember the end of my freshman year vividly and the course selections that came along with it. Everyone was discussing which classes to take, most notably the required art credit. Everyone chimed in saying, “My sister said pottery is the easiest,” or “Painting and drawing is light.”  I impulsively signed up for pottery, not expecting to become so engaged and passionate about ceramics over the following year. At first, I struggled with centering the clay correctly or raising the walls evenly - and it was frustrating. But as the year progressed, so did my skills. With some expert assistance from Mr. Branfman, I started creating more complex shapes, using sophisticated firing techniques, and connecting elements of chemistry that produced certain colors and textures. It wasn’t long before I was obsessed with trying all the different techniques available. 

As the end of my sophomore year rolled around, I once again had the assignment of selecting classes. Even though it wasn’t required, I found myself being drawn to Pottery II. What I had originally thought of only as a requirement for graduation had become something to look forward to in my schedule. In such a stressful junior year full of AP classes, I found a way to unwind and express myself. Putting effort into something, even though I had never done it before, built a sense of pride, especially when I heard positive feedback from Mr. Branfman and my aunt who happens to be a college professor of ceramics. I also enjoy the sense of community within the studio, the process of making something with my hands, and the excitement I see in family members when I give them one of my hand-crafted pieces. Sometimes it takes stepping out of my comfort zone to spark an unexpected interest. I plan on continuing investing in my ceramics discoveries in my three-week senior project and hopefully in college.