Secrets and Woven Horizons
Height: 17" x Width: 7" x Depth: 7" | Material(s): Stoneware cone 6 glaze, iron oxide, sodium silicate wash | Process(es): Thrown pot altered with iron oxide and sodium silicate wash. | Idea(s): Create a unique pot shape with texture represented on the body as well as the lid. | Curatorial Note: Rich, beautiful texture and surface development enhances ceramic form.
Wyatt Tarnowski
AP 3-D
Arlington Heights High School
Fort Worth, TX, USA
Student statement
Student statement
Does your work reference or draw on a contemporary or historical art-making style, practice, or tradition? If so, please explain.
When creating my portfolio, I did not want my work to adhere to any specific contemporary or historical art-making style. Instead, I focused on creating my own unique style, one that combines various forms with unique texture. Rather than following established traditions, I aimed to push the boundaries of what a vessel can look like. Each piece I made is a result of experimentation, out-of-the-box thinking, and the desire to break free from predefined artistic styles.
How did this artwork relate to your sustained investigation inquiry?
My sustained investigation inquiry was, how can I alter wheel-thrown pieces to create negative space and unique textures? I wanted to explore the juxtaposition between different surface variations and complex ceramic forms. This specific piece relates to my inquiry because I first threw a complex 3D multipart piece on the wheel, using different techniques for each element. Beforehand, I learned and practiced how to create multiple different textures. I then combined the form with the texture.
How did you choose your inquiry?
I chose the inquiry based on what I find about myself and what I think about this world. I also based it on how I feel. I question my existence in this world and how others do as well. I love our world’s unusual wonders and the complexities that make it morally perfect. The unbalanced nature of this world is what makes it perfect. I strive to believe that humanity plays a significant part in this world as everyone has their personalities that blend and mesh well into societies and communities like colors. These are the thoughts/beliefs that led me to the inquiries that I chose.
At the beginning of the year, I began experimenting with different design techniques. I practiced altering and adding my own ideas to these techniques to create unique textures. Additionally, I experimented with wheel-thrown forms that created negative space.
Describe how your inquiry evolved as your sustained investigation developed.
My inquiry evolved because my skills continued to grow, and I was able to make more complex and well-crafted forms. Additionally, through trial and error, I learned what textures, glaze colors, and certain forms worked well together.
How did you practice or improve your written inquiry statement as your portfolio developed?
As my portfolio developed, so did my inquiry statement. It became more refined and focused, mirroring the evolution of my artistic practice. Later on, with practice, I was able to pinpoint more specific areas of interest and challenge, such as the contrast between smooth and rough textures, or the integration of voids within a form.
How did you practice or improve the written statements accompanying each artwork in your portfolio (ideas, materials, process(es), and citations) to best communicate your intentions?
I worked to improve the written statements by taking notes and photos of my pieces each step of the way. This helped me remember every process and material used, and it helped me not to forget anything for the written statements.
How did your art teacher support your artistic development?
My art teacher played a helpful role in supporting my artistic development by providing both guidance and conceptual insight throughout my creative process.
What is your advice to other AP Art and Design students?
My advice to other AP Art and Design students would be to embrace experimentation and be open to failure as part of the creative process.
Wyatt Tarnowski
