Artistic Mediums I Want to Try

I have utilized a variety of traditional and digital media to complete personal and professional work. Here’s a list describing three media I would like to try out as a hobby.

Ceramics

While I have some experience with ceramic hand-building and painting from high school electives, I would like to try wheel throwing and improve my dexterity with clay. I was partially inspired a year ago by the TikTok influencer Allison Wong, who often posts “What I Eat in a Day” videos highlighting her use of ceramic plates and bowls she makes herself. I’ve dreamed of designing my own dinnerware sets in the future.

One of Many Plates by Allison Wong

Embroidery/ Textiles

I’ve wanted to try traditional embroidery for a while. As a Christmas present, my parents gifted me a beginner set that I haven’t had time to really play around with. It would be a unique medium to use as an illustrator in future passion projects. My first introduction to the medium's versatility came when I saw Sophia Narrett’s detailed and colorful work at the RISD Museum in 2017. 

To Be Given Something by Sophia Narrett

Cruel Intentions by Sophia Narrett

You See Me by Sophia Narrett

Oil Paint

As someone with a sensitive nose and a poorly ventilated room, I find traditional media difficult, as I am often left with a migraine from even an open Sharpie. However, oil is one of the most flexible mediums due to its slow-drying nature. I’ve used acrylic, gouache, and watercolor paints, all of which tend to dry quickly, which forces me to work quickly rather than really enjoy the process. I would also love to create master studies in this medium. Below, I will highlight some of my favorite oil paintings.

Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli

Judith Beheading Holofernes by Artemisia Gentileschi

Plain Near Auvers by Van Gogh

The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch