Making Mythical Creatures

Above: MYTHICAL MERMAID: Clarke Central High School junior Estera Pirra stands with an art piece she made in Ceramics I in Room 164 on Oct. 23. Pirra took part in the Mythical Bust Project this semester and anticipated creative results. “I did a mermaid (for my project) because when I was little, I wanted to be a mermaid because I loved (The) Little Mermaid,” Pirra said. “When (Ms. Garland) first told us about it, I was like, ‘Oh, I know that a lot of people are gonna have some really cool end results.’ Photo by Victoria Garland

For the second year, the Ceramics I classes at CCHS are participating in the Mythological Bust Project to further their artistic abilities.

Currently, Clarke Central High School Ceramics I students' are putting their final touches on the mythological bust pieces they’ve been working on since the start of October.

CCHS art department teacher Heather Garland sought inspiration for this project last year when preparing for the Clarke County School District Student Art Exhibition biennial show at the Lyndon House titled “Inspired.” Garland prompted students to use local ceramicist Michelle Dross’ artistry and process when creating their projects. 

“The process (Dross) uses is called inlay. It's like fine line work, and everything is based off of her own written narratives and myths. I decided to have the kids come up with their own myth for the project. I didn't really want to do anything that was similar to what she does, it was more about the thought process behind it,” Garland said.

Pirra used Dross’ process while creating her own mythical bust, and enjoyed the creative liberty given through the project and its requirements. 

“I think it was really interesting. You're not just making art and explaining it, you're creating a whole story first, and then, making that come to life with your project,” Pierra said. “A lot of people could be really creative with what they wanted to do.”

With the combination of both creative writing and 3D art, the process required dedication and creativity for students to bring their unique pieces to life.

“It enables (students) to tap into that creativity and create something just completely new that has not been done before.” Garland said. “I know they found it super challenging, but they really pushed through.”

With the project coming to a close Garland hopes students feel proud about their work and effort they put into the assignment. 

“I hope that they will want to display it (their projects,)” Garland said. “If not, I hope they just display it proudly at home. I want them to say, ‘I made this, I sat down and learned the skills to do this, and I pushed through.’”

Story by Victoria Garland

Victoria Garland is a senior at Clarke Central High School in Athens, Georgia and serves as the Managing Editor for the iliad Literary-Art Magazine. Garland’s passionate about sharing students creativity, and hopes to provide more of an outlet through social media. Outside of school Garland is on a competitive cheerleading team, plays piano, and enjoys hanging out with friends.