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OU graduate student Simphiwe Mbunyuza presents his Master of Fine Arts thesis based on ceramic sculptures he made that represent South African ancestors.
Doug Hill / For The Transcript featured
Doug Hill for The Transcript May 14, 2021
May 14, 2021
OU graduate student Simphiwe Mbunyuza presents his Master of Fine Arts thesis based on ceramic sculptures he made that represent South African ancestors. Doug Hill / For The Transcript
North of the University of Oklahomaâs ceramics studio, the prairie-like terrain is flat as a perfect soccer field.
It was the ideal setting for Master of Fine Arts candidate Simphiwe Mbunyuzaâs thesis presentation in late March.
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As Casebeer sat hunched over the potter’s wheel, he proceeded to wet a clay ball and shape a cup with his hands.
This is Casebeer’s “moment of bliss,” when the clay is soft and supple. Because at that point, it has the potential to be made into anything.
He views this time he spends in the ceramics studio as a gift.
“Our time on the planet is actually very short and the older you get, you begin to realize that,” Casebeer said. “‘How much longer do I really have to do this?’ It better be good. Everyday is a special day if you get to be with your art and work in the studio. Not everybody finds that in life.”