As the semester comes to a close, I find myself feeling a bit deflated. I'm used to dealing with failure—things breaking, equipment accidents, or knocking something over out of exhaustion or thoughtlessness. But having the chair survive the bisque firing only to snap in half during the glaze firing feels particularly defeating. I think it would feel different if I had another project to take pride in, but honestly, it’s been really difficult this semester to make as much as I had hoped.
Balancing work, personal life, and this course has been incredibly challenging. Lately, I’ve felt like I’m constantly running from one thing to the next, unable to give my full attention to any of it. I’m burnt out. The chair was the one project I committed to seeing through, and it didn’t work out. Still, I’ve learned a lot by being part of this program—I know that. I just wish I had a little more time.
That said, even in the disappointment, I’m reminded of why I care about this work. The process—failures and all—continues to teach me patience, resilience, and curiosity. I may be ending the semester on a low note, but I’m leaving with a deeper understanding of my practice and a renewed motivation to keep going. I’m already looking forward to what I’ll create next.
Ill upload pics when I have the mental bandwidth to look at my failures again!