Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Ceramics

Committee Chair

Robert Moore

Committee Co-Chair

Alison Helm

Committee Member

Dylan Collins

Committee Member

Jeffrey Moser

Abstract

This written thesis provides a description and analysis of my thesis exhibition, So There I Was, which presents a body of ceramic sculptures and paintings that explore themes of adventure, travel, and shared experiences. The work reimagines personal experiences through a cast of animal characters, with a rabbit acting as a stand-in for myself. These narratives are inspired by events from my own life and are transformed into imaginative scenes that emphasize playfulness, wonder, and storytelling.

The sculptures combine toy-like animal figures, pull carts, and miniature architectural structures to create playful environments that resemble playsets or staged scenes where the characters reenact adventures and encounters. Many of the architectural forms reference real places connected to the stories being depicted, while the animal characters represent companions who shared these experiences. In addition to the sculptural works, the exhibition includes ceramic “paintings” presented on cloud-like forms. These pieces function as visual memories, offering glimpses into the rabbit’s recollections of past adventures.

This thesis paper examines the ideas, influences, and processes behind the work, including the role of narrative, play, and personal experience in shaping the exhibition. Through playful reinterpretations of real adventures, the work celebrates the wonder of life and invites viewers to engage with the stories being told.

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