Date of Award
5-2026
Degree Type
Creative Project
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Art and Design
Committee Chair(s)
Dan Murphy
Committee
Dan Murphy
Committee
Todd Hayes
Committee
Ryochi Suzuki
Abstract
Grit is the pursuit of intuition and sustained attention in the search for expression. My work aims to create a sense of both familiarity and mystery by operating between the framework of utility and abstraction. I investigate the liminal space between what is known and unknown, creating surfaces and forms that challenge our perceptions of beauty.
Working gesturally and swiftly invites the clay to reveal indicators of its character, leaving evidence of the forces involved in the creation of each form. Textured and scorched surfaces, produced through the firing process, reflect the transformation of malleable material into a state of permanence.
The momentary application of pressure, motion, and heat remains embedded in the surface and captured in the form. Irregularities in form and surface—marks and distortions left by my hands and tools—speak to ceramics’ capacity to hold time, movement, and energy within objects that are physically at rest.
Recommended Citation
Nenashev, Nikita, "Grit" (2026). All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present. 148.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/gradreports2023/148
Additional Files
Overview1.jpg (3494 kB)Overview2.jpg (3520 kB)
overview3.jpg (4778 kB)
overview4.jpg (4374 kB)
overview6.jpg (3789 kB)
basket detail.jpg (4733 kB)
Constructed Bottles.jpg (6714 kB)
figure structure.jpg (4765 kB)
Platter detail.jpg (5242 kB)
Stair Tile.jpg (5302 kB)
Wave form.jpg (4203 kB)
(2) Spirit Cups.jpg (1995 kB)
(9) Orb Jar.jpg (2765 kB)
Carved box.jpg (2589 kB)
(6) Jar.jpg (3167 kB)
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