Worth the Stretch

Ceramic Vase by Cristy S.

The path of peace, for me, is the path of creation. It is meandering - filled with pondering, planning, experimenting, testing, struggling, starting over. It carries moments of nervous excitement, disappointment and, ultimately, pride. Each step, whether uncertain or confident, is part of the journey. The piece I am submitting explores both the physical and emotional limits of this process. I push the clay, stretching it to see how far it can go before breaking. I push myself, stepping outside of my comfort zone to explore the unknown. At first glance, the work presents itself as a beautiful vase. But as the viewer’s eye travels upward, they discover a small, unexpected creature. That moment of surprise, often followed by a smile, is where I find joy. In that simple shift, humor and beauty coexist, offering a quiet, shared moment of peace.