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

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

Work of art (variable dimensions) in paper (paper mache objects of visitor responses) 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) 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 (variable dimensions) in Porcelain, corn husk paper, wire, graphite, table (corn husk paper objects) 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 (side view) by artist Karla Garcia part of a 2019 MFA Exhibition, entitled "Uncertain Ground."

Work of art in Kodak Carousel, glass, corn husk paper shadows 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’ Table: Maple, steel pipes. 36” x 12” x 12”

Work of art in Corn husk paper, gesso, shadows 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”.

Artist Statement from the MFA Exhibition: "In my artwork I explore my concept of home in relation to my memories growing up in the border cities of Juarez, Chihuahua and El Paso, Texas. Being a young immigrant, the only constants in my life were my sense of home and the common landscape on both sides of the border. In order to create a connection of that time and place, I investigate materials that are symbolic to my Mexican heritage and my life in the United States through the combination of traditional handwork and digital fabrication. I utilize various materials such as clay and corn husks, unifying them through the formal elements of value, line, and shape. My work becomes abstracted to symbolize the passage of time and the way in which our memories are imperfect representations of events."

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

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

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

The purpose of this investigation is to explore the possibilities of manipulating clay in three distinct ways to effectively show that clay objects were at one time moist and pliable. The techniques used are faceting while wet, manipulating a variety of additions, applying different glazing techniques, and three separate firing methods. In addressing the problem, the following concerns were considered: (a) Which of the pieces made best expresses my aesthetic concerns? (b) Which firing method, oxidation, reduction or atmospheric, best illustrates these concerns? (c) Which glazing technique was most successful? In an attempt to explore and solve these problems, a series of twenty pieces were produced. A visual record of slides showing individual pieces were made to demonstrate the differences and similarities between firing methods.

Investigating the behavior, function and appearance of ceramic materials has proven an enduring point of interest throughout my education. In learning about the vast range of the earth-yielded materials and their physical manifestations in states ranging from wet to dry to fired, I have found myself excited and challenged to seek out ways to expand their presentation. My attention has been repeatedly drawn to the class of ceramic materials that frequently get classified as “glaze ingredients.” Understanding the structural and visual qualities of these minerals and compounds was an interest whether I was making tableware, tiles, or sculpture. For the purposes of this paper, I propose to deal expressly with the physical art-making considerations of material and process as they relate to my work in ceramics. By directing my focus as such, I hope to center my work on a concern that became evident to the art world upon the display of Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain: material equals content.

Works of art on ceramic and mixed media by artist Amy Henson as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "Maternalia" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 30 to April 2, 2022.

Works of art on ceramic and mixed media by artist Amy Henson as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "Maternalia" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 30 to April 2, 2022.

Works of art on ceramic and mixed media by artist Amy Henson as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "Maternalia" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 30 to April 2, 2022.

Works of art of ceramic and leather lace by artist Amy Henson.

Works of art on ceramic and mixed media by artist Amy Henson as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "Maternalia" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 30 to April 2, 2022.

Works of art (Close up of fountain basin and spout) on ceramic and mixed media by artist Amy Henson as part of a 2022 MFA exhibition, entitled "Maternalia" in the Cora Stafford Gallery South, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201, from March 30 to April 2, 2022.

Works of art of ceramic, pearls, and silk by artist Amy Henson.