The Scholar: Siga Pouye
The Project: Rooted in Clay: Exploring the Concept of Home Through Ceramics
The Essential Question: “So I recently, at least this year, started getting into sculptures and so, wrapping up here at Williston, I kind of wanted to just center more on home, just as a final [project]. I wanted to do colors and themes that kind of made me think of Boston in the area where I’ve kind of grown up, so I did different glaze patterns that would kind of mimic waves and the coastal things that I would see on the Cape where I usually vacation as a kid.”
Surprising Discovery: “This is more like for myself, but design-wise, I figured out a new way of using under glaze, so applying dots and then when you put glaze on top, it does a really great kind of waterfall effect that goes around the black dot and kind of highlights it on the piece. So that was really exciting for me. I think another thing also was realizing that if I really put my mind to a project, I’m really able to accomplish what I am looking to accomplish.”
Biggest Challenge: “I think the biggest challenge was really sticking to one theme and sticking to one idea because throughout the past two years of exploring with clay here, I’ve done a bunch of different things. So really narrowing down to one idea to stick with for the past two months has been really hard, but sticking with home just felt right.”
Tip for Future Scholars: “Absolutely do it. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re great at art or not. I think just try. There is an opportunity to explore so many different mediums and with the help of the teachers, I think you can really grow and kind of find your way with art.”
What’s the most important part of the process to making a good ceramic piece? “Two things: Very factually, just centering. If you don’t center it right, then your entire thing is going to be kind of messed up for the rest of the process. That’s the very first step that you do, and make sure you get air bubbles out so that it’s moving directly in the middle. If you don’t do that—good luck. And the other thing is just having somewhat of a plan. It’s helpful to have a plan and then you know where to go as soon as you hit the wheel.”
