3. OCEAN WAVE BOWL I took my pin tool and started to make a
design for the bottom of the bowl. I rolled
the clay into snakes and flattened them
and then stuck them to the bowl creating
some texture. Then I took the pin tool and
carved wave shapes into the side of the
bowl. When I put the glaze on, I was
careful to outline the details.
For the edge of the top of the bowl, I
rolled the clay into a thin coil and looped it
around the edge.
Here is the other side view of my bowl.
4. CHINESE TEA
SIPPING CUP
While I was making this piece, I let my mind
flow to be really creative with form and colors
of blue that reminded me of the really old
Chinese plates. I got the idea form watching a
TV show about Oriental tea ceremonies.
My Technique: for the plate: the slab method. I
formed a ball and used a rolling pin to roll out
the clay into flat slab just like you roll dough for
a pie. Then I created small balls and then rolled
them with the palm of my hand to form little
snakes. I twisted the little snakes into little coils
like a button and put them all around the edge
of the plate.
For the tea cup: pinch-pot method: I rolled a
ball and then started pushing into the middle of
the ball, making a hole. Then I pulled the clay
pinching the sides and pulling them up to shape
a cup. I put the cup in the middle of the plate
and formed the wall around the cup.
5. DECORATED BIRD HOUSE & BLUE JAY BIRD
I made this piece because my Mom loves bird houses and birds too. She has a collection of wooden bird
houses hanging all around her garden.
Technique: I made 4 slabs and cut them out and then made the bottom slab. I took my pin tool and poked
circles into the walls on the sides of house. I made the roof of the birdhouse by pinching 2 strips of clay
together connecting the sides. I carved 2 smiley faces into the side to make the birds feel happy.
Blue-Jay Bird: I cut several pieces from the slab of clay to make a 3 dimensional body. Then I pressed the
pieces together shaping them. I added the wings on the sides and made the body and pressed a separate
piece in between the top and bottom of his body to from the tail. I made his head by rolling a ball of clay. I
formed the mouth with a half-disc-shaped piece of clay. I made a small snake roll, almost like a tree stump,
and shaped his feet by molding the clay with my fingers. I used a high-temperature “cone-10” glaze.
I made a pretend bed with pillow and a shower.
And also a post made of clay to hold up the
roof.
6. Outside of the bowl:
Shape: I formed the bowl using the free-hand
“pinch-pot” shaping technique.
Color: On the outside of the bowl I used the
blue sports drink called “Power-ade”. I put
some “Power-ade” drink into the bottle cap. I
took a brush and painted the blue color onto
the bowl. I felt excited to try this funny
experiment with this different idea using power
aide sports drink! I took my pin tool and started
to design the outside of the bowl. I wanted to
make different shapes of squares at the outer
bowl. I thought it is a very unique pattern.
DIAMOND TILE BOWL
My ideas for making the diamond tile bowl came from when I
was with my parents in Amalfi Italy. My mom told me the tiles
on the villa floor were really old from the 12th century. I thought
they were so beautiful.
Technique: For the inside of my bowl, I cut out the shape of
rectangles. Then I rolled it out to flatten the shape and stick
the shape down into the bowl. I made a diamond and drew the
flower design pattern on the tile that I put into the center. On
the top, is a swirl crest.
7. I love looking at Falcons because they are so beautiful. I love when they flap their wings and you can
see all of their beautiful feathers. When I started making this piece, I visualized how this very special
bird should look.
The Technique: for the plate stand, I did the “flipping pizza” technique, then to rolled it over, I used my
index finger and my thumb. For the body of the bird, I measured about 6 inches using my hands to
sculpt the body. Then I made the feathers using my pin tool and did the feather technique. I pinched
the clay to form the upper body. I took both of my hands to roll a ball to make his head. I attached it to
his body using the pinching technique and then I used my pin tool to draw his eyes.
FALCON BIRD STAND
8. I envisioned in my mind’s eye a picture of my
future life ahead. Of my lifetime the story behind
this piece is about the light of my life will be full
filled in one whole life in peace and harmony. I
made the circles because each one will be piece of
my goals of my life time to achieve. The symbols
on this bowl are very meaningful to me.
BRAIDED CANDLE
LIGHT BOWL
The technique: I cut out circles to make the bottom. Then I
rolled out three forms of the snake to begin braiding the clay
and placed it around the circles. I braided a thicker rope
around the top edge of the bowl. I pressed it to stick on the
edge of the bowl. Also I did the same technique for the inside
of the bowl. Then I drew the circles onto the inner circle. I
made more cut outs and placed them against the wall of the
bowl.
The color of gold glaze symbolizes the golden glow of peace
and harmony. The deep blue glaze means communication.
9. This piece stands for peace, love and freedom. While I
was making this I felt happy. It is a unique pattern and
texture. I loved making this design.
The technique: I rolled out the heart shape slab then cut
out three shapes. They are hearts around the outside of
the design. I made the square in the corner. Then I also
made the diamonds and placed them into the square. I
rolled the shape of the snake and then I flattened the
strip and pressed down to stick.
I’M PROUD TO BE AN
AMERICAN
THE LID TO THE SHAPE BOTTOM BOX
10. SPONGE PAINTED MUG
I used pin tool to make the designs.
Then I also use a paint brush as a
sponge to dab the glaze all over the
mug.
Sponge Technique:
I learned how to make the handle from
making the form of rolling it out into a
snake; the mug is 6 inches tall.
My mind was flowing with creative ideas the one image came
to mind was a mug. The colors I wanted to have shades of
blue with red beautiful colors that I love for this piece.
The Technique is sponge painting with a sponge like dabbing
it all over the mug. Inside of the mug I used big and small
paint brushes to brush paint the glaze. Then for the color I use
the drink PowerAde for the color ice blue. I did the feather
technique for the sides of the mug that to me is unique.
11. BROKEN DOWN SAILBOAT How did I name this piece? This was a piece of
wooden sail boat that got stranded on the
beach. I love this artwork because I think it is
wonderful. It is my imagination of my unique
style that I’ve done because I love working with
details.
The colors of my piece is royal blue, dark red
with the touch of gold that gives the shine.
This is how I made it: I first took some clay then I
rolled out a big slab of clay.
I made the two sides of the boat first. Then I
made a half roll and flattened the sides with my
hands sliding upward, downward, sideway
motion to keep this part smooth to attach the
two slabs together. It looks like a tree stump. I
made one side longer and the other shorter.
Last I made the two barrels in one piece and I
put it all together like a puzzle.
12. CHERRY PICKING
This was the year of 2003. I made my first ceramic piece. It was a
cherry tree along with cherry baskets and a little girl sitting under
the cherry tree (that little girl is me.) Also I made a ladder to the
tree for the little girl to climb up and drop the cherries into the little
baskets, then climb down the ladder and sit to have a break.
The Technique:
Step 1: I rolled out the clay and I took my plastic lid and cut out with my
pin tool for a platform for the tree.
Step 2: I made a tree stump and made a design of the tree like half
circle. I designed the tree with the pin tool.
Step 3: For the cherries I rolled little balls with my hands and then I
placed them to stick onto the tree.
Step 4: I designed the ladder rolling out a shape like a thick snake. Then
I flatten it out to hold the tree straight up also, I made four steps for the
ladder. I repeat the same technique for the steps.
Step 5 Is to make the cherry baskets; I rolled a ball and I took my both
hands pulled it out about four inches to shape it like a basket.
13. LOST AND FOUND KEEPER
Perfect to hold your: Keys, Cell Phones, Watch, Rings, Coins, or Wallet, etc.
Technique:
1st step I formed the base then used the rolling pin to roll it out at least about two inches tall and 5 inches wide.
2nd step I drew the ribbon onto the clay then cut it out.
3rd step I drew with my pin tool for the heart shape.
4th step I did the 2nd and the 3rd steps for the other side to match the exact same thing.
The 5th last step that I made was the handle. I took the clay and formed the shape of the arch to stick it onto the
bottom base.
14. We had to face this horrible event. I was so shocked. It was really sad to me and I cried. It is so
emotional what had happened. This piece is so valuable to me because I will look at it to remind
myself of who we are and how much I love being an American. I am so honored to make this piece. I
salute to the people who died on 911.
I remember what happened when the airplanes crashed into the buildings in New York. They were
blowing up into pieces and burning down to the ground. Some people came out of the buildings
and survived and some died.
SALUTE TO MEMORY
OF 911
15. MY FAVORITE CROSS
The Technique:
I roll the clay out into the form of the cross.
Then I made the hole at the top of the piece.
I made a second cross so I could stick them together so it looks real.
I used a small garlic press to make the pattern at the end of the bottom.
I love this piece. For me it is really meaningfull. I always keep this forever.
I made this piece because I felt joyful, full of faith and also loved.
16. THE BLUE CANDLE HOUSE
This piece represents one of my buildings where I am from, around Detroit, Michigan.
However I thought I wanted to give this piece to my sister Gigi for Christmas gift so she
can use it as a candle holder because it has six windows in one side and three openings
at the top. It is perfect for a beautiful candle light.
17. I made this square shape jar with uneven edges and put
some golden ceramic marbles attached to the bottom of it,
representing a treasure.
This piece can be placed on a small table where you can look
at it often. When you see it think about your goals of your
tomorrow. They are in this jar!
DECORATIVE JAR
