Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Connections: Life, Memories, And Metaphors Through The Window, Cindra Lyn Ross

MFA in Visual Arts Theses

Abstract

Photographic imagery can transport a person mentally and emotionally to another place or another time, and create connections to people, memories, or experiences. A photograph can also conjure emotions or serve as a metaphor for something wholly unrelated to the image but triggered in our minds by our own history and impression of the image. Photographs can capture transitions and expanses of time by showing the movement of light, or via comparison in a series of images taken over periods of time.

My work has evolved to incorporate a series of images that focus on windows. Throughout the history …

Three Strikes: The Evolution Of A Creative Practice Through Discovery, Connection, And Structure Or We Should All Be Artists, Anthropologists, And Feminists, Anne Barnes

MFA in Visual Arts Theses

By identifying the three areas that merge to form my artistic practice: discovery, connection, and structure; this thesis uses my creative process as a way to form the link between my intellectual and material impulses, and to identify the connections I make between what abstract painting means to me, my feminist ideals and how they are informed by the gender inequality persistent in the art world today, as well as thoughts I have around the concept of the “feminine” as viewed through the lens of art history. In this way, I demonstrate how these elements are woven together and the …

In Through The Outdoors: A Case For Rugged Femininity, Shana Martin

MFA in Visual Arts Theses

Starting from the day we are born, society bombards us with rules, ethics, roles, and stereotypes as socially constructed ideals; however, as children we are not as concerned with these constructs. Children want to feel included and loved, exploring their curiosity about the world through play. Does any of this change as we grow older? A large part of our quest in life revolves around finding comfort and belonging while being part of something bigger than ourselves. Regardless of where we see ourselves within society, our associations and actions create relatable feelings of belonging, connection, and purpose.

In my current …

Being In The Place Of Possibility, Laura Domencic

MFA in Visual Arts Theses

This paper explores my art practice as a phenomenological search for understanding how to be in the world. It begins with a description of my practice as a way to access the place of possibility that exists between faith and doubt. I examine materiality in art making to encourage consideration of both the physical and temporal nature of experience and to find balance with the increasingly incorporeal experience of the digital world. I discuss the materials and processes of drawing, sewing, and printmaking within their historical contexts. This paper connects my practice with artists who consider the act of perception …

The Freedom To Move: Dance/Movement Therapy And Survivors Of Trafficking - An Evolving Practice, Rebecca Richardson

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

Abstract

Human/Sex trafficking is the use of force or coercion for the purpose of exploiting humans (mainly women) for sex or labor. Consequences of being trafficked include psychological and physical symptoms that may hinder the survivors for the rest of their life if not treated. Survivors of human trafficking are infrequently researched and have limited evidence-based methods of treatment. Even fewer studies have been conducted involving the use of dance/movement therapy with survivors of trafficking. dance/movement therapy is vital to treatment because of its focus on integrating the body with the mind. In this literature review I discuss the effects …

Expressive Arts Therapy In Performance As Trauma Work For Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities: A Community Engagement Project, Lucy Farmer

Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses

People diagnosed with an intellectual disability (ID) are at a substantially higher risk of experiencing trauma than typically abled individuals. In addition, the nature of ID makes it especially difficult to cope and access treatment. The goal of this research was to examine how expressive arts therapy can support treating this population for trauma. Information was gathered on Trauma-Informed Care, Psychodrama, Drama Therapy, Interactive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and The Storytelling Method. This investigation led to a community engagement project between August 2019-February 2020 that involved the researcher meeting one-on-one with nine individuals diagnosed with ID. A …