Grade: Senior.
Age: 17.
Art focus: Pottery.
Memorable arts achievement: A memorable arts achievement of mine that stands out to me the most would be when I was in fifth grade and I drew an effective and realistic portrait of the Mona Lisa for a project. This was when I had realized my appreciation for realism and my passion for art as something that was recognizable by myself and others. This was one of my first pieces that I was significantly proud of.
Adviser nomination: “Grace-Lin Simmonds has such a creative energy in all that she makes!” adviser Lea Anderson said. “She would spend all of her time in the pottery studio if she could! Grace always has a smile on her face and is such a good human to all that she meets. It’s awesome when a peer is willing to help those around them, making her an uplifting leader. She is also easy to teach as she is open to learn new techniques and explore the internet to find new approaches to become ‘a master of the mud!’ Congratulations, Grace, so well deserved!”
What drew you to pottery? To me, pottery had always been something that I took an interest in. I liked the idea of handworking and forming standing projects that I could look at on my desk or table. I took Pottery 1 and realized that I very much enjoyed it, and in doing so it quickly went from a hobby to a passion.
Where do you get inspiration for your work? I enjoy looking at Pinterest and the physical artwork displayed in the classroom for inspiration. Pinterest is full of unique designs, and not every pottery design HAS to be designed from another potter project; it can be inspired by tattoo designs, illustrations, real-life silhouettes, etc.
What’s your favorite kind of piece to make? As of lately, my favorite types of pieces have less to do with the physical shape and more to do with the types of designs I put into the piece. I enjoy engraving designs into the clay to give it depth and make it visually appealing. Sgraffito was more recently introduced to me as an assignment, and I am loving it.
Which project are you most proud of? I am most proud of some of the mugs I’ve made, as well as a couple of vases where I have learned new techniques of glazing and surprised myself with mixes that seem interesting. One particular project includes the use of dipping and partly rinsing away white glaze to make engraved mountains appear like they have snow on them, and then over the top dipping to add more color and interest to the piece.
Artist most admired: To be quite honest, I don’t have any famous artists that I admire more than my own teacher. Mrs. Anderson has taught me many tips and tricks in her free time while I was practicing and perfecting my own techniques that have significantly helped me to become a better artist. I enjoy her work and watching her develop her own techniques, as it inspires me to do my best for her.
Dream job: My dream job would be to have my own in-home office where I can make and sell my projects and designs through sources like Etsy and/or own my own creative business.
Favorite movie: The 1963 film “Sword in the Stone.”
Favorite TV show: “Criminal Minds.”
Favorite book: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo.
Favorite song: “Dreamcatcher” by Lainey Wilson.
Favorite band/musician: Mac Miller.
Favorite food: Sushi.
Hobbies: Photography, crocheting, knitting, sketching, pottery, leather crafting, embroidery, cross stitching and weight lifting are some of my favorite/ most recent hobbies.
Parents: Monica and Tyler Simmonds.
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