I'm currently working on a project that reflects the people in my life who have shaped who I am and who I will become. This project is a journey of self-understanding, allowing me to learn about those around me and the inspiration they've provided. Each sculpture serves as an homage to those who have guided me, influencing me not only as an artist but as a person.
This project began as an experiment with a unique clay body made from clay and glaze waste that we developed in the UTRGV ceramics studio. We previously tested its functionality on tiles and wanted to explore using this clay for sculptural work. I started creating a coil-built sculpture to see how this clay would perform in a larger, more complex form. It evolved into a bigger project than I could imagine.
After focusing on wheel throwing in my first ceramics class, this sculpture marks a shift to pure hand-building. As I experimented with the new clay body, I learned how to stabilize the form and adapt to its unique qualities. During this process, I had a conversation with my ceramics professor, Japheth. He encouraged me to consider the shapes I was unconsciously making on the wheel—how they were, in essence, reflecting aspects of myself. This insight reshaped my perspective on my work and deepened the connection between my journey and my artistic expression.
After this conversation, I began to understand what my professor was saying about my thrown pieces. His insights helped me see the reflection of myself in my work.I soon encountered an issue with the structure of my sculpture, which forced me to pivot. One night, I had to make changes and repairs to stabilize and reshape the piece. This experience became a lesson in adapting my process and responding to the clay’s challenges, pushing me further in my exploration of form and resilience.
While showing my work to a fellow artist, they asked if I planned to smooth out the sculpture. My immediate response was "no," because, to me, removing imperfections to "perfect" a piece feels like masking or hiding parts of the journey. Texture has always symbolized scars left behind to me, so this question inspired me to add even more texture to the outer surface, leaving the imperfections within.
I used varied textures on the outside to represent my parents and the scars left behind after their passing during my teen years. They were a profound part of who I am, and I wanted to honor them through this sculpture, embedding their presence within the form. Through these textures, I could express both their impact and the depth of their influence on my journey.
This first sculpture was created by coil-building the form, with paths and boundaries that give the piece its structure and strength. I began with a slab base, then gradually built up with coils to expand the form. The inner texture was crafted using only my fingers, giving it a raw, personal quality, while the outer texture was created with tools I made from discarded wood and metal. These repurposed tools allowed me to add unique textures to the surface, connecting the sculpture to themes of resilience and resourcefulness.
Personal sculpture
This sculpture represents the paths I’ve taken throughout my life, along with the walls and support structures I’ve had to build, shaped by various experiences. The texture embodies the scars I carry—whether visible or hidden—marks that may seem unattractive to others, but to me, they hold beauty and pride. Without these scars, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. The inner walls reveal my imperfect, flawed, and vulnerable side. Though I’m open to meeting and interacting with others, I maintain protective guards, making it difficult for others to truly see that vulnerability.
I am too stubborn to give up. While I listen to others’ opinions, I always find my path through my art. I am open to helping and guiding others, even if it sometimes goes unappreciated. Only a small circle sees my vulnerable side, and even sharing that can be challenging for me, so I create inner barriers to protect myself. My mistakes have left an impact on my journey, making me stronger. I appreciate each scar because, without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
After completing my sculpture, I began to think about the people closest to me and how I perceive them, which sparked the idea of capturing their essence through sculptural forms. I envisioned each piece as unique, with individual traits expressed through structure, texture, shape, and movement. Initially, I attempted to plan each sculpture through sketches, but I soon realized that what works best for me is to define the foundational idea and then rely on intuition to guide the process as I create each piece.
The beginning of each sculpture has been emotionally challenging, as I reflect deeply on my feelings and perspectives of those around me. To process these reflections, I write about how I see each person, which has become an essential part of my creative process. The most difficult aspect, though, is sharing these reflections with them. Not only am I opening up emotionally, but it also requires courage to share my perspective, knowing it may differ from how they view themselves. This vulnerability adds a powerful layer to the work, making each sculpture a shared experience between myself and those who have impacted my life.
With each sculpture, the process feels more natural, and working alone has become an essential part of my practice. In the solitude of the studio, without the constant interruptions or questions, I can fully immerse myself in my creative flow. I’ve noticed that my creativity is especially active at night, a time when there are no students needing help or lists of tasks pulling me in different directions. It's just me, my studio space, the clay, and my ideas. This quiet, focused environment allows me to connect deeply with the work, making each piece feel like a genuine expression of my thoughts and emotions.
Since my first class, my journey with clay has profoundly shaped my ideas and creative perspective. What I appreciate and admire most about clay is its versatility; it’s a medium that allows you to craft anything from a simple cup or bowl to a complex sculpture. With clay, you can take a ball of raw material and shape it into whatever you can imagine, blending utility with artistry. I’ve also come to value its recyclable nature—if a piece doesn’t turn out as envisioned, you can return it to its original form and start again before firing anything. Working with clay has taught me patience, flexibility, and the importance of adapting and embracing change in the creative process.
I will be posting my visual build journey on my Instagram @cinthyadelgadoart
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