The first chapter of this descriptive paper outlines a problem, proposes a solution and poses three questions for me to answer after completion of research. The problem was to bring an emerging ceramic style into all of my pieces rather than just the few I have mastered. The solution was to create three sets of new forms and make them repeatedly until they boasted the sought-after style. Chapter 2 chronicles the research of creating, morphing, detailing and finally mastering these new forms. Chapter 3 summarizes the experience and answers the three aforementioned questions: (1) What is my personal definition of a successful pot? (2) How does the undulating style affect the functionality of the pot? (3) How does the Campbell tartan glazing complement or detract from the pot's form?

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.

Through my art I seek to communicate the continuing cycle of change that unites all life forms. I had to find methods of presentation and surface that would enhance my sculptural statements that I had begun to address. Utilizing salt, wood and low temperature sagger firing, resulted in softer, more natural appearing surfaces. These surfaces complimented and completed the organic forms with which I was working. The problems encountered in presentation were rectified by alternately contrasting the surfaces of the presentation with the surfaces of the pieces, while utilizing forms that echoed the natural forms of the pieces. The opposite approach also worked well, using natural presentation materials to create a sense of unity, and geometric bases for contrast. These methods resulted in an increased sense of energy, unity and completion in the work presented.

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.

Work of art in Charred corn husks by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in stoneware, underglaze, acrylic, resin by artist Teresa Larrabee as part of her 2019 MFA Portfolio.

Work of art in stoneware, slip, underglaze, wool, beads by artist Teresa Larrabee as part of her 2019 MFA Portfolio.

Work of art in stoneware, cone 7 oxidation by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in MDF, pine, paper (Paper mache of museum visitor responses on paper) by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art (variable dimensions) in Porcelain, corn husk paper, wire, graphite, table (burnout porcelain objects fired to cone 10 in soda atmosphere and in oxidation) by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in stoneware, cone 7 oxidation, MDF, glitter, resin by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art (variable dimensions) in Paper, cart, wire by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in stoneware, cone 7 oxidation, MDF, glitter, resin by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in stoneware, cone 7 oxidation, MDF, glitter, resin by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in stoneware, acrylic by artist Teresa Larrabee as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Potty Talk".

Work of art in laser etched corn husks, wire, direct light by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in Kodak Carousel, glass, corn husk paper on panel by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground." They have variable dimensions: Kodak Carousel, laser etched glass (Slide: 2” x 4” and 2” x 3”) Panel: corn husks paper and gesso on plywood. 4’ x 4’, and Table: Maple, steel pipes. 36” x 12” x 12”.

Work of art in Stoneware, cone 7 oxidation, glitter, resin by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in Red stoneware, rug, bucket, matboard, pedestal by artist Teresa Larrabee as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Potty Talk".

Work of art in stoneware, cone 7 oxidation by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in Stoneware, cone 7 oxidation, glitter, resin by artist Lyndee Deal as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Live With It!"

Work of art in graphite by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in stoneware, oxides, glaze, PVC, paint, lead solder By artist Teresa Larrabee as part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Potty Talk". Water from the faucets of my former studio, photo lab, and visiting print press artist's apartment fill the toilet bowls.