Finished Metal Work

   Working with metals seemed very intimidating at first but once you got in the hang of it, it was no big deal.  Since this was my first year working with metals I got very frustrated whenever my blade broke.  On my first day my blade broke about eight times which made me think I would never be able to do it. Once I got used to it I would be sawing for the entire period when it only felt like a few minutes. I enjoyed metals very much and I was extremely proud of my finished project.  I tried to incorporate the Leo symbol in my project and it came out even better then I had hoped.  I also enjoyed firing the metal because it made the metal look almost eroded and gave it a much more rustic feel to the whole piece.  It was a good experience for me because it showed me a completely different side to creating "art" then I would have ever considered.  For example, I signed up for art expecting to paint and draw things, but working with metals allowed me to create something beautiful that also expressed me through something completely different.

Ceramics in-process!

     Working with wet clay may seem hard to some people because can be very flimsy and difficult sometimes but I fell in love with it.  Being a first year art student, everything is brand new to me.  I had some difficulties with painting and portraits, but as soon as we began working with clay it was as if I have been doing it for years.  I automatically loved how the clay wrapped around the mold and dried to form the exact shape.  I also love how I'm able to carve anything into the clay and make it unique and different.  We recently began a project in which we have to create a place setting consisting of a ceramic plate, bowl, and cup that is functional.  It is also in tribute to someone you either know or don't know personally.  I decided to do my abuelita because she is very inspirational to me.  I am still working on it and hope to finish soon.  This is a great experience so far because it allows me to express myself and my appreciation to my abuelita through something that is useful in everyday life.