artist name: Kate van Veen

title: Hibiscus for summer

artist statement:

The strength and sensitivity of clay, and how at different phases it needs either a firm hand or a kind one, never cease to inspire me. I switch from turning the wheel to making things by hand, and am having fun experimenting with coil building, molding and pinching. I find that new creating processes engage me more. Wether it’s adding volume to soft slabs or watching a pot take shape slowly as each coil is added, as opposed to rapidly forming shapes on the wheel, it tests your patience and determination.

inquiry process:

My inquiry project was a painting but I couldn’t finish it, so instead now I chose my hibiscus mug to use for my inquiry. it has meaning because hibiscus flowers represent the summer and tropical areas. when i was kid i used to go to Mexico and Cuba i the winter and there would be hibiscus flowers there. i struggled with the over glaze and making fine lines for the flowers but in the end I am very satisfied with the product. some things that went well was making the mug and how the underglaze held.