Common Objective

Author

Josh Scott, Utah State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

8-2021

Degree Type

Creative Project

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Art and Design

Committee Chair(s)

John Neely (Committee Chair)

Committee

John Neely

Committee

Dan Murphy

Committee

Todd Hayes

Committee

Dave Smellie

Abstract

Pots are like people. Gestural qualities can make pots appear to move like people. They form groups in ways that people might. Repeated forms on a pedestal can appear to be in formation like a military unit. More importantly, pots perform specific jobs or tasks in ways similar to people.

Inherently, the job someone holds or the function of a pot will have an effect on perceived importance. A funerary urn may seem to be a more important form than a coffee mug, yet both are committed to specific tasks. This can be likened to a lineman and a doctor. One may seem more respected than the other, but they both perform functions critical to modern society.

This body of work echoes social hierarchies. Juxtaposition, scale, and quantity aid in relaying messages of supposed importance. In this exhibition, I present pots that are made for daily use alongside pots whose functions and display orientation seem to take them out of the everyday realm. Not all of the works are meant to be handled the same or to perform the same task, yet they all accomplish the jobs they were designed for. A ewer pours liquid, a vase displays flowers and a lidded form provides containment.

I find satisfaction in knowing that the effort put into making a functional pot is rewarded when the pot functions well. A quiet surface paired with innate utility might be my truest aspiration, but a form imbued with capability and confidence elevates the pot even further. This is a difficult standard to be held to, and even more difficult to articulate. Nonetheless, this aspiration draws me in and holds me accountable.

Comments

Here is a link to a virtual tour of the exhibition as well.

https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=HsGRoNX5afd

Recommended Citation

Scott, Josh, "Common Objective" (2021). All Graduate Plan B and other Reports, Spring 1920 to Spring 2023. 1564.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports/1564