Name
Will Mumford

Brain Tumor Type
Craniopharyngioma

Date of Diagnosis
August 2017

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

Category
Multimedia/2D/3D

Artist Statement (include type of art, techniques & materials used, what it means to you)
I made this set of seven ceramic vases from slabs of brown stoneware clay. I measured the vases so that each one was a different height, ranging from about three inches to six inches. Once they were bisque fired, I used different thicknesses of tape to create a different design on each vase. After dipping each vase in a dark blue glaze, I removed the tape. After removing the tape I dipped them in a transparent blue glaze. I like the variation in the design and heights of the pieces. Some pieces have imperfections, but they still all fit together as a set. One issue I had was that the transparent blue glaze needs to be mixed up a lot. On one of the taller vases, the glaze was not mixed well enough, so the light blue is clear in some areas. I also knocked over one of vases while glazing, so there are a few imperfections. I like the handmade look of the vases and that they are not all identical. Since I have brought them home, we have had them as a centerpiece on our dinner table, usually with flowers from our garden. For the photos, we picked white azaleas from our garden and have other azaleas in the background. I am very proud of these vases. There were some retired people in my ceramics class at school, and a few women asked me if I was selling the vases, but I knew my mom would like them so I kept them to bring home.

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 20 years old. I really enjoy art, mainly 3D art, and I like to reflect 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 sixth year entering and I hope to enter for many years to come.