Trevor Day School - Upper School Ceramics

Senior Independent Projects- Grade 12

'Green Box' Ann W. Grade 12

'Purple Box' Ann W. Grade 12

During my summer before senior year, I spent 6 weeks doing an online architecture course. In this course, we had a wide range of assignments that led up to creating our own “space”. My main idea for this area was integrating it with nature, not really using any ceilings or walls. I was also very interested in using only circles and rectangles. Because of these constraints, every single facet of my structure was created using only those two shapes, either protruding from the surface or being cut out from it. So for my ceramic piece, I decided on a simple cube, and each side had cut-out circles and rectangles. When creating my piece, I wanted to work with negative space and play with how they integrated with each other on all the different sides of the cube. Although my two final pieces are quite similar to one another, I wanted to create a sense of contrast by playing with the glazing aspect.

'Pelican' Baker S. Grade 12

'Alligator' Baker S. Grade 12

For my independent study I wanted to create creatures of the Louisiana Swamps. The swamps of Louisiana have such a unique and diverse ecosystem of creatures that I hoped to capture the beauty of. As much as I wanted to capture the unique animals, I also wanted to be able to capture them in their natural habitats to show the world around them. I think the unique homes of these animals separates their homes in the swamp from other species outside of Louisiana.

I decided on a brown Pelican because it is not only the state bird of Louisiana, but also one of the most distinguished species in the state. I also decided on the Alligator because it is seen as a symbol of the swamps and is an inevitable sight when traveling the swamp. Lastly, I decided to create a nutria because it is a lesser known species but one that anyone will learn about as they become familiar with the swamp.

'Flower Bowl' Ella M. Grade 12

Ella M. Grade 12

For my independent study, I chose to experiment with practical designs that served a greater purpose other than to look aesthetically pleasing.

To unify my designs I chose to keep the structure relatively simple and experiment with a heavy focus on glazing. I was particularly interested in using bright colors to create detailed paintings or patterns in my work. I began the year by creating two flower pots that displayed a rainbow theme in their glazing. I then moved on to create 6 trinket dishes that resembled the inside of fruits. My final project for the year is a looped candle holder that is covered in a checkered pattern.

'Boston Ball' Jason Y. Grade 12

Jason Y. Grade 12

For my independent study, I created a variety of objects that pertain to the city of Boston. As someone who spent many weekends visiting Boston and my extended family, the city holds a special place in my heart.

The first object I created was a baseball with various design elements symbolic of Boston. For this ball, I painted it the color of the Green Monster, a famous aspect of Fenway Park. In addition to this, I painted a Red Sox-themed "B" onto the top of the ball. Continuing with the Boston theme, the red laces on my baseball smoothly transition into a white skyline of Boston and then back into red laces. When I created this ball, I envisioned an object that would symbolize my love for Boston sports and the good memories I formed while walking around the city with my father as a young kid.

For my second object, I sculpted a Boston Terrier. Of course, this Boston Terrier fits in well with my Boston-themed independent study, but there is a deeper meaning behind it. When I was younger, my family had a Boston terrier named Batley, and I wanted to pay homage to him. I will admit that I found sculpting a Boston terrier incredibly difficult, as I had never sculpted an animal before. I am proud of the way it came out, and it adds diversity to my sports-heavy, Boston-themed independent study.

'Endless Flowers' Lucy B. Grade 12

'Enraged Element' Lucy B. Grade 12

During my summer before senior year, I spent 6 weeks doing an online architecture course. In this course, we had a wide range of assignments that led up to creating our own “space”. My main idea for this area was integrating it with nature, not really using any ceilings or walls. I was also very interested in using only circles and rectangles. Because of these constraints, every single facet of my structure was created using only those two shapes, either protruding from the surface or being cut out from it. So for my ceramic piece, I decided on a simple cube, and each side had cut-out circles and rectangles. When creating my piece, I wanted to work with negative space and play with how they integrated with each other on all the different sides of the cube. Although my two final pieces are quite similar to one another, I wanted to create a sense of contrast by playing with the glazing aspect.

'Woodland Scene' Rosalie B. Grade 12

Rosalie B. Grade 12

The goal of my independent study was to utilize texture and glazing to mimic nature. My pieces are a set of pots and figures that come together to form one larger display. I chose this theme because I am very interested in nature and I wanted to try recreating textures.

The centerpiece of my display is the stump which features bark-like glaze and fungi details. I also recreated a stag beetle, a fire newt, and a snail. I also made a teapot and small cup to go along with the rest of my pots. The animal motifs and natural colors used in my teapot, emphasize the union of traditional ceramic ware and nature.

Advanced Ceramics and The Potter's Wheel - Grades 11 & 12