Senior art student Lily Bramucci had a series of 16 breathtaking ceramic sculptures displayed in the Brindle Gallery. The series was named “Waxing Gibbous,” a phase in the moon cycle that occurs between the first quarter and full moon. This phase also stands as a direct representation of Bramucci moving into the next phase of her life.
Bramucci, 27, has taken an incredible hardworking 10 years to earn her bachelor’s degree in art education.
“The way I connect with ceramics, aligns with my own path,” Bramucci said, “It helps keep me in the mindset, I think, to stay dedicated to it.”
Bramucci has managed to work three jobs, complete schoolwork and set aside time to work on her craft — a journey that has prepared her for her future and has allowed her to flourish as an individual.
A piece that reflects this is “Burnout,” which is of a rabbit jumping down. She described that the feeling of having too much on her plate can have her on edge at times — a literal burnout.
A sculpture that was originally intended as a candle holder, “Goat Head.”
“Goat Head” was an eye-catching centerpiece to the gallery that Bramucci originally intended to sculpt as a candle-set, but it broke off in the making. Much like “Goat Head,” most of the ceramic vases displayed were a result of the unexpected — pieces that exploded during the process or were experiments.
“Emasculated,” portrayed the feeling of anxiety and overthinking. Bramucci described the thought process as trying to capture when “your head is about to explode.” She correlated her likeness to deer to help bring the idea together, after finding a picture of a deer skull.
Art has played a huge role in Bramucci’s life, starting from a young age. She would use drawing as her medium, specifically cats.
“Through each phase of my life, I used art as a way to express myself,” she said. “I wanted art to always be a part of my life, and that’s why I chose teaching…it will force me to be creative.”
She expressed hopes for the future to be able to teach at all levels of students from K-12.
Senior student artist, Lily Bramucci, shaping wet clay on the pottery wheel.
A major motivating factor for Bramucci is the encouragement she receives from the people around her.
“If I wasn’t surrounded by supportive people, I could definitely see myself falling off of it,” she said. This is also another reason as to why she wants to be a teacher — to be a supportive figure for others.
Bramucci’s gallery was on display from Feb. 27-Mar. 9. SU can look forward to more artwork displayed from Bramucci in the future at Group Two’s Senior Art Exhibit that will open to the public in the Kauffman Gallery on April 13 and will last until April 30. The opening reception will take place on April 23 from 4–6 p.m.
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