What makes a cup, a cup? A simple question that guides my creation process to the point where critical thought intersects with ceramics. My current body of work aims to engage viewers in a rapidly declining skill in America, critical thinking, through the deconstruction of functional forms. Americans have become so deeply entrenched in their respective ideologies, especially in the political realm, where facts have become subjective, perceptions have become reality, and many have found an echo chamber to fulfill their need for vindication. Every habit previously listed ultimately subverts the need to think critically, and my work seeks to combat that subversion by challenging people to answer fundamental questions regarding neutral, functional forms. So, to whomever is taking the time to view this statement and its accompanying work, I have three simple questions. What makes a cup a cup? When is a vase no longer a vase? And lastly, how many bankruptcies does it take to be considered bad at business?