Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Ceramics

Committee Chair

Shoji Satake

Committee Member

Robert Moore

Committee Member

Shalya Marsh

Committee Member

Jason Lee

Committee Member

Alison Helm

Abstract

This written thesis accompanies and addresses work shown in my Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, Floral Alchemy: Decorative Porcelain Tableware, at West Virginia University. Within this document, I address my research, inspiration, and process as I created the body of work shown in my thesis exhibition. My personal fascination with plants and flowers stimulates my research in the relationship between flora and humankind. Throughout history, plants have consistently had a deep impact on human culture as seen in mythology, language, ritual, art, and medicine. With an understanding of this historical context, I analyze my personal connection with flowers in relation to the contemporary world. My love of plants fuels my search for beauty, interest in utility, promotes personal well-being, and strengthens my connection with nature. I am also fascinated by the physical properties of flowers including their form, surface, color, pattern, and movement. In addition, their ephemerality and sense of preciousness enhance their seemingly magical existence. As a ceramic artist, I create porcelain serving sets that preserve the essence of the flowers I reference, while functioning as both decorative and utilitarian objects within the domestic space.

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