I started by forming the rough shape of the head, neck, and shoulders. Then I added rough facial features. Once I had the general form, I added the details. I carefully sliced the bust in half from top to bottom and hollowed the inside so the walls were no thicker than an inch and a half. Then I used a fork to make scratch marks on the areas I wanted to rejoin. I used slip (very wet clay) to glue the two halves back together. I fired the hollow bust in a kiln. Then I glazed it and fired it again. Finally, I added the gold leaf using special glue.
What was most challenging about making this sculpture?
Making the facial features look realistic was the hardest part. The ears had to match, and I had to redo them five times before I got them right.
What did you want viewers to walk away with?
I wanted them to see women as powerful and realize that although some women—like my mother—may go through a lot, their true beauty lies in their strength.