Avery Hormaechea

How is our perception of endangered species distorted from their reality? Though my essential question, I used exaggeration to contrast our perspective of the animals with the stark truth of endangered species, bringing more awareness. Outlandish proportions and absurd features were used to draw attention to the situation of these creatures. I revised each piece through sketching to find the best position, size, and proportions, so I was able to create animals that walked the line between realistic and fantastical. I practiced molding and forming shapes, and utilizing different texturing techniques. I wanted all my pieces to be ceramic, because I feel that it's the most natural substance, paralleling their roots in nature. But during quarantine when I was not able to create works out of clay, I experimented with paper mache as a medium. Everyday people see these creatures as whimsical and cute, when in reality their impending doom is closer than ever before.