Yetla Martinez
Dawn of the Universe, 2020
White clay, underglazes, and clear glaze
15 x 20 x 22 inches
This piece, like most of my work, is a combination of my passion for architectural design and my cultural background. In this final project, I decided to work with what I loved most: coiling. I challenged myself to create two vases, gathering inspiration from Mexican architect Luis Barragan’s designs, and Mexican ceramist Gustavo Perez’s style. While the forms are inspired by modern architecture, the surface design references Aztec and Mayan cultures, who devoted themselves to a sun god and worshiped the sky. I added a personal touch by tapping into my experience working with particular glaze techniques. These coiled vases stand at 18 inches tall and are covered with colors depicting the sky during the day and night. There is a band around the rim of one, and the bottom of the other, carved with traditional Aztec designs. These vases are placed on stacked slabs in the shape of an historical Mayan pyramid. The visible surface holds more intricately carved Aztec designs. I chose to finish my Ceramics experience giving expression to my cultural heritage. I have always felt underrepresented in the school’s curriculum, so I felt it appropriate to represent it through my art.