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The Vessel: The Connection of Pottery and Earth Consciousness

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Date Issued:
2007
Abstract/Description:
The Vessel: The Connection o f Pottery and Earth Consciousness, addresses the topic of Earth Consciousness through an exploration of the crafting and use of clay vessels among three indigenous cultures, from parts of the Southwest United States, and those from parts of India and Africa. Earth Consciousness is the awareness that the Earth is a conscious living being and that one is connected to the Earth through every cycle of one’s life. Myths of creation describing the existence of clay and pottery before the origin of human beings are present in these cultures, some of who also believe that they were created out of clay. Thereby, their connection to the Earth, strengthened by this belief, is deep and it is exhibited through the use of clay vessels in ritual ceremonies and daily activities. The potters in these cultures express their realization of clay as a gift of the Earth, whom they conceptualize as Mother Earth, in the ceremonies they perform prior to collecting clay, crafting the vessels, and firing them. Among contemporary ceramists, one also finds works meant to remind the viewers of their physical, spiritual, and political connection to the Earth. In my dissertation, I explore the works of four such ceramists, Sadashi Inuzuka, Gabrielle Koch, Joseph Lonewolf, and Denise Romecki. I also discussed the philosophy behind my own artwork, which I have created as part of requirement for graduation and exhibited at the university galleries. This dissertation clarifies my concepts of Earth Consciousness bringing attention to the urgent need for individual action in the form of personal behavioral change and worldview towards the Earth and other living beings. My ideas are derived from various sources including indigenous spirituality, Hinduism, and Buddhism. My hope is that the words of this dissertation and the ceramic work I am presenting will stir in the reader and the viewer a desire to strengthen their relationship to the Earth. It is my belief that individual action can be a powerful tool in countering further destruction of the planet.
Title: The Vessel: The Connection of Pottery and Earth Consciousness.
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Name(s): Turnbull, Maltiben Dave
Caputi, Jane, Thesis advisor
Florida Atlantic University, Degree grantor
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Electronic Thesis Or Dissertation
Date Created: 2007
Date Issued: 2007
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Fla.
Physical Form: application/pdf
Extent: 262 p.
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: The Vessel: The Connection o f Pottery and Earth Consciousness, addresses the topic of Earth Consciousness through an exploration of the crafting and use of clay vessels among three indigenous cultures, from parts of the Southwest United States, and those from parts of India and Africa. Earth Consciousness is the awareness that the Earth is a conscious living being and that one is connected to the Earth through every cycle of one’s life. Myths of creation describing the existence of clay and pottery before the origin of human beings are present in these cultures, some of who also believe that they were created out of clay. Thereby, their connection to the Earth, strengthened by this belief, is deep and it is exhibited through the use of clay vessels in ritual ceremonies and daily activities. The potters in these cultures express their realization of clay as a gift of the Earth, whom they conceptualize as Mother Earth, in the ceremonies they perform prior to collecting clay, crafting the vessels, and firing them. Among contemporary ceramists, one also finds works meant to remind the viewers of their physical, spiritual, and political connection to the Earth. In my dissertation, I explore the works of four such ceramists, Sadashi Inuzuka, Gabrielle Koch, Joseph Lonewolf, and Denise Romecki. I also discussed the philosophy behind my own artwork, which I have created as part of requirement for graduation and exhibited at the university galleries. This dissertation clarifies my concepts of Earth Consciousness bringing attention to the urgent need for individual action in the form of personal behavioral change and worldview towards the Earth and other living beings. My ideas are derived from various sources including indigenous spirituality, Hinduism, and Buddhism. My hope is that the words of this dissertation and the ceramic work I am presenting will stir in the reader and the viewer a desire to strengthen their relationship to the Earth. It is my belief that individual action can be a powerful tool in countering further destruction of the planet.
Identifier: FA00000998 (IID)
Degree granted: Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2007.
Collection: FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection
Note(s): Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters
Subject(s): Pottery--Symbolism
Human ecology--Religious aspects
Environmental ethics
Ecology--Philosophy
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000998
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Use and Reproduction: http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Host Institution: FAU
Is Part of Series: Florida Atlantic University Digital Library Collections.