Coutee Cottage

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Christophe D.

• Artist Statement

  Title: Coûtée Cottage (#5)

  Medium: Mixed-media - clay and glass

  Harry Potter-style cottages in Northern California! That was my thought when I first visited Carmel-by-the-Sea in 2014. Since that time I have embarked on an artistic and architectural exploration sparked by American architect, Hugh Comstock’s storybook architectural style. My submission, Coûtée Cottage, is fifth in a series of 5 cottages.

  My use of clay mimics Comstock's utilization of native materials such as Carmel Valley Chalk Rock, plaster, and adobe. Each hand-molded tile is fashioned after Comstock’s use of redwood shingles. My hand-scraped doorframe emulates Comstock’s use of hand-carved natural wood planks, commonly seen in Tudor-style architecture. Steep gables can be found on many of his cottages as well as on my cottage.

  During my architectural exploration, I have become aware of a startling statistic: Black females comprise less than 1% of architects in the United States*. My plan is to become an architect and inspire other young Black women to pursue careers in architecture.

  *National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

• Creative Statement

  In a school setting, participating in art class is the highlight of my school day. It offers a calm and inspiring space for me to recharge after engaging in other more stressful subjects. It also helps me explore my interest in geometry and architecture.