Chapter I describes the purpose of the project, which was to develop a body of work that exhibits all that I am at this point in time. The questions I presented to myself were the following: 1. A successful piece is defined by what parameters? 2. What visual qualities indicate my passion for clay and my enthusiasm for life? Chapter II lists and explains the five parameters of a successful piece, which are composition, firing, mark making, color contrast, and movement. Furthermore there is an explanation on how these parameters visually display my passion for clay and my enthusiasm for life. Chapter III is a summary concluding that by discovering my five parameters of a successful piece I now understand the elements that I am searching for in my work. My work will grow from this understanding as long as I have the same passion for clay and enthusiasm for life.

I want the viewers of my work to participate with me in a common experience. How I choose to communicate an experience in the work is intended to effect the viewer's level of understanding and participation. Toward this end, an exploration of nontraditional self-portraiture involving the viewer in a relationship with the artist will be used to maintain the visual dialogue imparted through the work. Utilization of recognizable symbols and icons within the work is meant to increase the clarity of my communication enhancing the viewer's involvement in the common experience. Color, as a concern will relate to the increased access and interest of the work to the viewer's experience and understanding.

A craftsman’s work evolves with time, new forms arise and old forms become more refined. This research attempts to study the evolution of pots over a designated period of time. The key findings include that the approach to glazing was relatively unchanged by the evolution in the work. However,the refinements that occurred in the work allowed the glazes to impart wonderful characteristics to the forms on which they are used.

The nature of clay's physical attributes and the application of these characteristics to an expression of gestural movement in utilitarian ceramics.

Art work ( Circle pedestals created using CNC Router) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work (Hanging Cups, Flower Vases, Mugs, and Cups shown) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023. The tall, elegant Delphinium Cup stands at attention. A single row of rings flares out around the belly of the cup, accentuating the narrow stem beneath. A scallop design is echoed throughout the vessel, from the lip of the cup to the foot. Each regimented undulation highlights the femininity of the form by its association with flower petals. A deep pool of glaze is found within the crevice above the rings' attachment, accentuating the ornamentation. On the lip of the vessel, there is a lighter break in color, showcasing the effects of gravity as it pulls the glaze down the surface. When using this cup, the hand wraps around the narrow stem, nestling beneath the ornamental belt. Each ring brushes against the holder's knuckles, a reminder of their malleability and playful nature. The luxurious design implies a vessel to be appreciated occasionally on a special day.

Art work ( Shelf created using CNC Router) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work ( Shelf created using CNC Router) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work (Cups suspended from the ceiling) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023. Defying gravity, the intricate walls of Flower Vase stand frozen. The thin walls and delicate floral network create an aura of vulnerability as they stand exposed. The glossy sheen of the glaze highlights every arch and curve, and the deepening pool of its color accentuates every connection and texture. The floral network encases the vessel that sits inside, its matte surface allowing the woven components to stand out. Every connection point made by the maker is left on display, balancing the ornament of the object with the beauty and order of the flowers within the vase.

Art work (Pedestal created using CNC Router) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work (in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain), twenty seconds video of installation to show movement of Hanging Cups by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work (installetion) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

Art work ( Hanging Cup: 16"x12"x12" and Tapestry: 21"x 21"x 3") in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023. From a distance, the ordered structure on Hanging Cup?s exterior consumes it. Upon closer inspection, the silhouette of a vessel becomes apparent within the chaotic mass of rings. Extending the hand around the top of the vessel and lifting it produces a soft tinkling as the woven system shifts. It stretches upward as it is lifted, the interlinking rings growing and spreading wider apart, creating windows to peer through to the interior. After it is fully expanded, an opening is revealed at the bottom. Sliding the arm underneath this exterior system causes the weaving to respond and fall, like a veil, over the top of the arm. Every movement of the fingers or arm is responded to with the shifting of interlinking rings. The ever-present tinkle of the high-fired ceramic fills the air creating a heightened sensory interaction drawing the holder's attention. The hand forms around the undulating walls of …

Art work (shelf created using CNC Router) in ceramic and cone 10 porcelain by artist Segrest, Courtney, as part of 2023 MFA exhibition entitled: "Inside, Outside, Under" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, Texas, from April 26 - April 29, 2023.

The body of work created during this exploration indicates that painting approach can actively integrate with the clay element. The main point is the surface manipulation during this process. There are four factors relate to this manipulation: timing, action, style, and size. Overall, the painting approach can be modified to create a truly active relationship with clay element. The final touch by the fire and glazing techniques reflect paintings approach may be used in a variety way to decorate the clay element without any limits. Moreover, the painting approach need not be subordinate to the clay element. It can be used not only to complement the clay, but also to enhance any given clay pieces no matter what the shape is.