Theses and Dissertations at Montana State University (MSU)
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Item Ceramic vessels(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 1982) O'Connell, James Edmound, III; Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Michael PeedThrough every pot thrown, glazed, and fired one is able to observe and understand the process towards reaching a complete idea. Thus the process becomes a documentation of my growth and maturity. My work has gone through many changes as I have grown and learned to understand myself, my limitations, and ceramics. My goal was once to have the perfectly thrown pot expressing symmetry and smoothness - which didn't satisfy - thus the pots looked lifeless and forced. Understanding this has led my work to incorporate my own personality and expression. My work has become less symmetrical, more gestural and primal, which expresses a self portrait of my inner feeling and an understanding of my abilities and limitations with the material. The forms are influenced by the straightforward quality of many Japanese forms such as Tomba, Bizen, and Shigaraki. The forms become my interpretation of the simplicity and beauty I see in Japanese ceramics. The pieces become three dimensional drawing by throwing the clay to the limit of its structure and strength thus creating a tension of the same essence as sculpture. The forms are thrown and fired, then lived with, in order to understand the elements which make the pot reach a complete idea. Once this communication is absorbed, the piece is thrown again applying that knowledge to achieve the best possible solution to that form. Subtle glazes, simply applied, are used to strengthen the perception of form and beauty. I use slip, gestural scraffito, and glazes which complement the clay. The work becomes a heightened expression of elegance, yet remains an intensive and serious study of straight forwardness. The simple, and natural forms combine as an expression of myself, and understanding of volume, space, color and form.Item Images of form(Montana State University - Bozeman, College of Arts & Architecture, 1983) Murer, Michael GerardMy background in ceramics has led me to an exploration of vessels, vessels that lose their function as a utilitarian object and develop into another level of consciousness. By eliminating the functional aspects of the vessel I am able to enhance the form, thus giving the interior and exterior surface a mystical quality. This metamorphosis takes place due to the plastic quality of clay and slips. I am interested in the intrinsic nature of clay that is maninpulated with a variety of surface textures and tensions. The organic forms I create have a gestural quality that suggests the human figure. I use this scale to confront the viewer on a one to one basis. Painting has given me a way of expressing my past. My experiences and feelings are integrated into each piece by the use of color and line which has become my personal vocabulary. My intention is to create a dialogue between the viewer and the work. My imagery is redefined by their own experiences. Hopefully this exchange of information gives the viewer an insight into my thinking. My work then becomes an inner reflection of my self.