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Masked Curiosity
This award-winning student artist explores the everyday in clay
How does Salem explore his materials?
Salem Alhussaini strives to make practical artworks with a twist of the unexpected. “I try to combine function with an intriguing design,” says Salem, 18. A senior at Westfield High School in Chantilly, Virginia, Salem says his dream is to work full-time creating art in clay, metal, and glass.
What inspired this award-winning sculpture?
I’m constantly playing around, trying to create faces with my hands. One day, I clasped my hands together and they looked like a mouth. I decided to sculpt a mask that I could actually wear. I made the eyes and eyebrows with more-rounded hands to soften the fierce mouth.
Did you work from a photo?
No, I observed my own hands. I think working from photos stifles creativity. It’s one step further removed from the creative process.
Salem Alhussaini
How did you create your sculpture?
I sculpted each clay hand separately. Then I joined them by deeply scoring the clay and adding slip. I hollowed out the back and let it dry. After firing the clay, I applied acrylic paint to create a matte look. Finally, I sponged the excess paint away.
Why did you choose to use blue paint?
Whenever I paint skin tones, I always start with a blue undercoat because of the veins under the skin. When I laid down the blue base coat, I thought it looked intriguing and decided I didn’t need any more color. I love how the blue calmed my sculpture.
What was most challenging about creating this work?
Clay is unpredictable. It can crack while it’s drying, and it can shrink and break in the kiln. The top section came apart when it was drying, but I fixed it with glue and covered the back with paint so it looked intentional.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists like yourself?
You’ll never satisfy everyone. Create art that makes you happy, and don’t worry about what others think.
Salem won a Silver Medal for his sculpture in the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
To find out more about this program, visit artandwriting.org
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