Johnson, Lydia Ann2016-07-152016-07-152016http://hdl.handle.net/10829/7262Thesis completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Fine Arts degree in the School of Art and Design at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, Alfred, NY.Dirt records civilization. We build our homes on it, grow our food from it and bury our dead beneath it. It is our domain, our sustainer, our sanctuary. Engaging with this bodily earth reminds us of our presence. To it, we are grounded, connected and mortal. Wheel-thrown, earthenware pottery is the foundation of my work. Gritty, rich, robust terra cotta impresses raw, primitive, necessity. Coarse grog rips and tears through soft clay, leaving a rough, worn surface, suggesting unrefined wild earth.13 pagesen-USThe author has granted Alfred University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other rights.MFA thesisPotteryDecoration and ornamentFunctional potteryCeramics, hand builtFolk artCeramic ArtThesis