Name
Will Mumford

Age Group (If you are a caregiver/family member please check Caregiver/Family Member)
Youth: 13 - 20 Years of age

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
This piece was made from white stoneware clay using a hollow solids technique. The form was sculpted as a solid piece of clay. After drying partially, I cut the form into three pieces, hollowed it out, then reattached the pieces. I then brushed yellow underglaze over the form. After the form was bisque fired in an electric kiln, I dipped it in a crackle glaze. The piece was glaze fired in a Raku kiln, which quickly heated up to about 1950°F. The kiln took about 20 minutes to heat up to that temperature. At that point, we took out the piece using large tongs and placed it into a small trash can with newspaper. Once the newspaper caught fire, I put the lid onto the can. After the newspaper stopped burning, we took out the piece and let it finish cooling. At this point, it was still covered in soot, so I cleaned it off. I am very happy with the bright and shiny yellow finish. I love the look of the dark, bigger cracks and the many smaller cracks. This was my first experience with Raku firing, and I am extremely happy with the results.

Bio (include your age, tumor type and date of diagnosis)
My name is Will Mumford. I was diagnosed with a craniopharyngioma brain tumor in August of 2017 when I was 14. I am now 19 years old. I really enjoy art, mainly 3D art, and I like to reflect on parts of my life through my art. Within 3D art, I am unable to choose one specific medium. I am always working on an art project and I find art very enjoyable. I find it easier to relax when I am working on something I enjoy. I like using clay, plaster, wire, beads, paper, recycled materials, and much more. I am currently attending Anne Arundel Community College. This is my fifth year entering and I hope to enter for many years to come.