In this project, we stretch our minds and creativity by creating a free-standing sculpture made of soap and air-dry clay. The sculpture should combine the mediums to address the abstract idea of inside/outside.

I started this piece with a bar of A La Maison Sweet Almond bar soap and my X-Acto knife. I didn’t allow myself to form a plan and allowed the shape to be created organically. I started carving off pieces of the soap to break its original shape.

Once I saw the shape emerge, I started carving more intentionally, adding texture and holes to bring out the inside/outside feeling. The results reminded me of a rock formation and I immediately thought of all the things that lurk in the openings of rock formations. I decided to create a long-legged monster.

This project was enjoyable and meditative for me. I will be doing more carving projects on my own.