Judith Aluga

Name: Judith Aluga

Grade: 11th

Future College: Pratt Institute or UT Austin

Future job: Hopefully, an architect or an accountant

Years of experience: 0

Favorite artist: Frank Lloyd Wright

Wingspan: What made you choose ceramics?

Aluga: “I originally chose this class because I wanted to take AP 3D design senior year, and I wanted something to bridge the gap between Art 1 and AP 3D. Then my reasons sort of just shifted to ‘this class seems cool, so I might as well just take it while I can.’”

Wingspan: What do you like about ceramics versus art?

Aluga: “I like the process of making ceramics much more than making regular two dimensional artwork because of the fact that whatever you make can actually be used.” 

Wingspan: How did the skills you learned from art help you succeed in ceramics?

Aluga: “I feel like the skills that helped most was just painting and learning about basic color theory. Without that I feel like I would be much worse at glazing than I already am.”

Wingspan: Do you prefer ceramics over other artistic mediums?

Aluga: “Yes. Although I can’t do it as often because I don’t have the right materials at home, ceramics has definitely become one of my favorite mediums of art.” 

Wingspan: What is your favorite part of the process?

Aluga: “I love glazing! Glazing can really make or break your final product and I feel like it’s one of the most important steps in making a good ceramic piece. If the glazing looks bad, the entire piece will seem off.” 

Wingspan: What is the most difficult part of the process?

Aluga: “I think wedging the clay before using it is the most difficult part of the process. Like not only is it strenuous on your biceps but if you don’t do it, you risk having your entire piece explode in the kiln. And sometimes, you don’t even know whether you wedged well enough, so the thought of whatever you built exploding is in the back of your mind for the entire time you’re making it is pretty difficulty.” 

Wingspan: How did you overcome the learning curve of ceramics?

Aluga: “If I’m being honest, I don’t think I’ve overcome the curve yet, but I feel like over time and with more practice I’ll get better. ” 

Wingspan: What’s your favorite project you’ve done?

Aluga: “My favorite project by far is our free project, because we get to make whatever we want. I’m making a jewelry holder in the shape of a star, because I saw something like it on Pinterest and the design is pretty easy. In terms of like actual projects though, I really enjoyed our pumpkin project. Even though it was probably the most difficult as a beginner, it was fun and I liked how mine came out.”