Community Profile: Pottery Designs Inspired by Old State License Plate
An Art Expert’s Tale of Inspiration from an Unusual Source
Bold creativity, resilience, and a flare for uniqueness. These words best describe Starkville High School art teacher, Ashia Gandy, who finds inspiration for her art from an unexpected source – an old Mississippi license plate.
Although she was born in Trinidad and spent most of her childhood in Barbados, her art has a definite touch of Mississippi. As an art expert, Gandy has always found ways to incite creativity in her work and life.
From Caribbean Roots to Mississippi Mud
In Barbados, they have a saying – ‘If you don’t have a horse, ride a cow.’ Embracing this spirit, Gandy expresses that a lack of resources should not restrict creativity or success. You just have to find alternative ways to accomplish your goals.
Inspired by this ideology, Gandy has found a unique medium to express her art – pottery inspired by Mississippi license plates.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gandy turned her idle time into an opportunity to start a new line of artwork. Each piece is reminiscent of a specific Mississippi license plate pattern she once found, creating an intersection of functional decor and nostalgic art.
Laying the Foundation
Just as unique as her Barbadian philosophy, her process of creating these designs is also distinctive. She starts by adjusting the pottery for a picture, setting the stage for her artistic endeavor. Then, she carefully imprints the license plate pattern onto the pottery, deliberately preserving the rustic charm of the old plate.
The end product is a piece of art that ingeniously merges the classic impression of Mississippi culture with modern artistic sensibilities.
A Melding of Cultures into Art
Whether it’s her childhood in Barbados or her experience as an art teacher in Starkville, Gandy’s work paints a vivid picture of her diverse cultural experiences. The pottery designs inspired by the Mississippi license plate not only reflect her adaptability but also showcase her ability to find beauty and creativity in the most unusual places.
As an art expert, her job does not end with creating these pieces. She extends her creativity and innovative ideas to her students at Starkville High School, inspiring them to explore their artistic sides.
Open Minds, Creative Hearts
Through her work, Gandy exemplifies the importance of open minds and creative hearts. She encourages her students to pursue their passions, teaching them that creativity is not confined within traditional boundaries and that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places.
Her story serves as a reminder that art is subjective and that artists have the liberty to define their style – even if it means riding a cow when you don’t have a horse.
Final Thoughts
Ashia Gandy’s pottery designs inspired by an old Mississippi license plate illustrate an unconventional yet inspirational journey in the world of art. Her pottery captures the essence of Mississippi culture, merging it with her Barbadian roots and presenting it in a modern, innovative form. Her work transcends traditional art boundaries and invites us to tap into our creativity regardless of our circumstances.
