Artistic pursuits make way for studying physics

Vincent Tamplain has a keen eye on his life adventure, which will soon take him to the University of Denver in Colorado.

“I’m going into physics,” Tamplain said. “Growing up, I’ve always had a scientific and artistic mind. In terms of studying physics, it’s always been something I desire. The pottery, I’ve always used as a creative outlet.”

His senior project of developing ceramic glazes turned out to be a place where he could make both work.

As recipient of the $5,000 Mason Dupre’ entrepreneur scholarship, Tamplain is on his way to see other places and new things that he anticipates will give him the footing to decide his next steps in his journey.

“I’ve always known I wanted to see new things, new people and new cultures that I might fit into better,” said the Luling native and resident. “It’s going to be hard, even tough, to see new things, but it’s what I’ve always known I wanted to do and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from doing that.”

Tamplain’s building on a multitude of accomplishments, including being an American Red Cross certified instructor and working for SELA Aquatics, as well as is a Naui Advanced certified scuba driver.

Four years ago, a shoulder injury from swimming slowed him down his freshman year at HHS. His art teacher recommended pottery as a diversion, but Tamplain said he hated it at first.

“It was extremely tough so I took a break and tried hand building (ceramics without the wheel) and then went back to it, buying a wheel and kiln,” he said.

This time, he stayed with it.

“The reason I love it so much is there is always something more to learn,” Tamplain said.

From there, he learned to love the craft, particularly when it drew his interest in clay and glazes.

“There’s a lot of science also with the need to learn how it works on a more potter-to-clay level,” he said. “So, I guess, it’s also developing that relationship with the clay.

A lot of kids try it out and realize it’s hard, but going on to developing a relationship with the clay is, ultimately, what makes you good with the pottery.”

Along with fellow potters, Tamplain started working on hand mixing chemicals and reformulating existing glaze recipes to create his own desired effects.

“A lot of that was understanding chemical properties, like what chemicals would do what at high temperatures and using that information to develop something beautiful,” he said.Taking what is known and exploring its expansiveness into the unknown fascinates Tamplain.

Ceramics is the outlet he hopes will represent the renaissance side of himself that helps him become good at multiple things.

“I’ve always wanted to study the universe and understand how it works,” he said. “A lot of my work would be Theoretics or astronomy. I’ve always just desired to understand the world on the most complex level that I can.”

Asked which character he identified with on the television show, “Big Bang Theory,” Tamplain replied, “Leonard” because he is a good scientist, but he’s also relaxed and a general all-around good guy.

“I always want to maintain my social, artistic balance,” he said. “I don’t want to be an antisocial recluse living in a little bubble because of my research. I still want things outside my research and that’s where my art comes into play.”

 

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