Finding Balance

Author

Quinn Maher, Utah State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

5-2019

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Art and Design

Committee Chair(s)

Dan Murphy

Committee

Dan Murphy

Committee

Kathy Puzey

Committee

John Neely

Abstract

Exhibition Statement

Finding Balance is my exploration into the relationship between form, firing, and utility.

In the studio I pay close attention the silhouette of each piece, looking for strong continuous lines in both the positive and negative space accentuating the volume created on the potter’s wheel. I spend time with each piece combing the surface to create texture and reveal the course particles below the surface. As I apply white slip to this textures surface, the high points allow the fluid slip to break and pool in recessed areas creating a layer of depth and variety. The white slip reacts in the firing process, to achieve results rarely expected.

I use both atmospheric and gas firings to mark the work in unpredictable ways. I use wood and soda kilns to create natural direction and movement on the surface of the wares. In the gas kiln I applied glaze and controlled cooling of the kiln to achieve blooms of colors through the surface. The works displayed are made with an iron rich clay with a white slip applied to the surface. The surfaces are achieved through the use of atmospheric firing processes; wood firing, soda firing, and gas firing with applied glaze. These wares are fired to cone 3 (about 2100 F).

Utility is strong motivation for me. I think about the objects that we surround ourselves with and more importantly the relationships we may or may not have with them. I hope to create useful objects that can actively participate in one’s life.

Recommended Citation

Maher, Quinn, "Finding Balance" (2019). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1392.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1392