Master's Theses or Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Art

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Abstract

Having sprouted alongside the plants and animals of the Great Plains region, my work is

driven by my passion and appreciation for the natural world around me. I have had a lifelong interest in the intricacies of the cycle of life, the reliability of the food chain, and the

symbolic meaning that each living thing has. I define my work as expressive naturalism, meaning that while I recreate the animals in my work to a realistic and recognizable quality, I am using their symbolism to create a space to tell a story of my own life experience. The figures in my work often embody feelings of trauma, anxiety, and stress, as well as love, growth, and community. Clay allows me to recreate these feelings and moments in my life with its transformative adaptability and pliable nature. Clay highlights both the impermanence and delicacy of natural forms in a dying ecosystem, while ironically, being a medium that can last thousands of years and is historically associated with being a precious and high-status material. I appreciate the paradox of creating earthly natural forms from the earth’s materials itself. Before I begin each piece, I take a deep dive into symbolic meaning and anatomical research of each species. The partnership I have with the Sternberg Museum of Natural History grants me guided access to the museum’s collection of specimens. I take special care to accurately measure and photograph the species I am recreating. Once I am satisfied with my research, I begin to hand sculpt each work out of stoneware clay, often building a solid form and then hollowing it out. I will then finish the work by applying a cold finish with paints, or by an atmospheric soda firing. I enjoy the duality of each finished surface. The painted surface is controlled and exact, while the atmospheric firing always has an element of mystery and surprise that can only be accomplished by the kiln. Through these dedicated practices of study, development, and firing, I am able to express the thoughts, feelings, and concerns that I have not only for my personal life experiences, but also for the natural environment around me. I strive to share my fascination with the Earth, the complexities of interpersonal relationships, and the invisible connections we have with the plants and animals around us. I invite you to explore your relationship with the self, the world, and what you can do to better it.

Keywords

Ceramic, The Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Sculpture, Animal

Advisor

Linda Ganstrom

Date of Award

Summer 2026

Document Type

Thesis

Rights

© The Author

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