Imagine you could create anything you want out of your own two hands. Build castles. Shape animals. Mold people. What if you were told that you could have an opportunity to do so in Alta’s ceramic department, sculpting alongside people who have their works accepted into national displays? 

Willow and Hermoine’s works “Okami Amaterasu” and “Monster Mixers” were welcomed to the National Council on Education of Ceramic Arts and are going to be displayed at the Salt Palace in March from 26-29th. The theme that the ceramic artists are following is “Formation”, which both of the students have created an interpretation of. 

Willow’s Ōkami Amaterasu, a ceramic figure inspired by a video game “Ōkami”, follows Formation by  “forming a character design out of shapes and ideas.” 

Hermoine’s Monster Mixers, bowls that are inspired by a multitude of monsters, follows Formation through them being  “malleable in media, and how they are recognized through their folklore stories and interesting textures.”   

So what advice would they give to aspiring ceramic artists?

“Take your time,” says Hermoine. “Put in the time, the patience, the effort.” 

“Do what you want; I was told to make functional stuff – I’d rather make sculptural things.” Willow suggests, “It’s a lot of fun. Helps with 3D form and proportions.”

 If you ever get the urge to create a world of your own, just join our ceramics department. Maybe your designs could find their way to the display shelves on the state level!