Art and Design Commons^™

Witness: An Artist’S Journey Into The Past, Quanuquanei Alfred Karmue

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis as a social documentary, using images to provoke awareness of the emotions of children, their lives during the 15-year old Civil War that was in Liberia, West Africa. This thesis will visually explore different timelines, the past, the present and the future of children depicted. In depicting the past, the images capturing specific moment of what a child had to witness during the war. In depicting the present images showcase the aftermath of the war for children who have survived, and finally, for the future, images showcasing how the lives of some of the children have changed because …

Surface, Sherry M. Murphy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis paper supports the Master of Fine Arts exhibition at the Tipton Gallery, East Tennessee State University, from January 28th through February 8th, 2013. The exhibit is comprised of two hundred fifty-three porcelain objects and lines created with naturally colored porcelain slips used as paint. SURFACE presents my exploration of the natural world; the experiences and memories created during this process compelled this exhibition. Topics discussed are the influences, concepts, techniques, and methods used to create the work. Included are process images, detail images, and images of selected works from the exhibition.

A House Not Of Our Choosing, Melisa D. Cadell Ms

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores our existence through the confinement of the human body. The exhibition of “A House Not of Our Choosing,” was presented at the Tipton Gallery, 126 Spring Street Johnson City, Tennessee, from March 1, 2013, to March 8, 2013. It will visually describe Cadell’s thoughts regarding the figure as a fragile vessel. The installation is designed to require the viewer to closely examine the work from multiple perspectives.

The exhibition consists of sculpted paper, etched, painted, manipulated glass slides, and projection. Research discusses the work produced over a three-year period. Exploration and reflection in the areas of religion, …

The Secret Life Of Things, Maja Savic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The artist discusses the work presented in The Secret Life of Things, her Master of Fine Arts exhibition held at Slocumb Galleries, East Tennessee State University, from March 18th through 22nd, 2013. The exhibition consists of sixteen illustrations (four of these are digitally enhanced photographs) and one animation that show the artist’s interest in bringing household objects to life. Pieces in the exhibition can be characterized as humorous with a strong narrative and attention to details. Savić’s ideas are based on traditional education with contemporary influences. All printed work is twenty inches wide, sixteen inches tall, framed, and hung in …

Home Sweet Home: An Infinite Grid Of Memory And Repressed Abuse Trauma, Melissa Bush

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Incorporating traditional craft mediums of crochet and embroidery, I use digital technology to experiment with wording to graphically represent my abuse trauma. Due to the severity of the subject matter and the work ethic I employ in my art practice, using my hands and being completely involved is a form of masochistic pleasure. My process takes on a Sisyphean approach of penance for the sins of others in my work. During my studio practice, my process reaches a meditative state where my mind is clear and free of the burden. Once I've completed a panel of trauma, the burden is …

Hidden Scars: The Art Of Ptsd, Gabriel Gonzalez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Through the use of mixed media, I explore imagery that reveals the trauma of returning combat veterans, of which I am one, as we try to reintegrate into a society that does not understand the war that still lingers within us. In my work, I depict emotional disturbances that are related to my personal encounters with war. My working process starts by referencing mainstream media imagery, which I juxtapose against harsh images inspired by veterans' drug and alcohol use, trauma and death. My black-and-white pixelated paintings feature the fragmented memories of a hostile combat environment, and although "Out of My …

Transient Motel, Bryce Hammond

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

"Transient Motel" is an exhibition that investigates the interactions of people and physical environments in low-income areas of Daytona Beach, Florida. The purpose of the exhibition is to raise social awareness of low-income communities among the public through visual art. Interactions between motel guests were documented as first-hand sound recordings of conversations, interviews and other activities. These recordings are projected through speakers within a constructed life-sized replica of the motel rooms in which they were recorded. Found and appropriated furniture and fixtures from the actual rooms are arranged within the replica as objects of art to familiarize the public with …

For Alexander: An Exploration Of Good Ole Boy Identity And Mortality., Chad Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

"For Alexander" is an exhibition about masculinity as it is exhibited by Southern "good ole boys". I rely on original and appropriated imagery, as well as memories of loss and humor from my childhood in Alabama. Combining mixed media and sculptural elements has allowed me to investigate the subjects that interest me. I explore and artistically comment on these subjects through a mix of personal and culturally loaded imagery that records what I have either experienced or researched, and which I realize through the ironic use of non-traditional materials, such as sequins and rhinestones. My work examines stereotypes and my …

Living Between Two Worlds: Conflict, Investigation And The Change, Noura Abdulhameed Shuqair

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Beginning with my exploration of art as an aesthetic object, this paper shows the growth of my work and concept. Through my practice, I have been able to understand the contradictions in my traditional society and western modernity. It has helped me grapple with my own beliefs, and begin to confront those I don't agree with.

Offerings, Norma Acord

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As people we learn through observation. I observed at a young age the importance of using food as a means of celebration, gatherings, and comfort. At a young age, I saw that roles were given to the family members: my grandmother and mother were accepting of their roles as providers of food and my grandfather and father accepted their roles as providing through work. I made a conscious decision about the role I wanted to play. The role of providing through food and serving was more appealing to me. I have a lot of the same views on domesticity as …

Encounters, Judy Knowles Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

[ ] (Making Sense Of What Is Known And What Is Unknown, Jake Weigel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The ontological curiosity of how "things" work and how our perceptions are shaped are two of the most innate and difficult questions to answer as there is a vast amount of information that is unknowable. The great void of this unknown is the driving force behind all mystical, alchemical and religious endeavors throughout human history, which seek to alleviate the discomfort of such nature. The art that I create is from a complex development of research and experience into this area of philosophy. It seeks to visualize the immaterial in order to have a better grasp on the difficult questions. …

Muted Resistance, Wesley Harris Ortiz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

"And what if thou withdraw in silence from the living, and no friend take note of thou departure? All that breathe will share thy destiny." Thanatopsis, William Cullen Bryant. My paintings represent the voice of silenced negative human emotion. The works are expressions of negativity, despondency, confusion, anxiety, subjugation, and the loss of identity. They are examples of internal reactions to external tension. Each piece presents a fragile state of vulnerability and the act of fighting against or succumbing to the overwhelming distress. Together, they represent our human psyche and physical tolerance to the many degrees of agony. The forceful …

Memory Scapes, Michael Lee Mccarty

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Through use, pots can become an intimate part of daily ritual, special celebrations, or moments of stillness. Not only can they can act as vehicles that connect the user to the greater meanings of life, but they do so "under the radar," below conscious awareness. They perform their task, waiting to be noticed and enrich their user's life. I make pots in an attempt to connect to others through quiet, useful forms with beautiful, subdued surfaces. Part of my goal in making pots is to elevate moments of daily life, to augment the time spent consuming coffee, eating, or having …

Narrowing The Margin: The Role Of The Black Superhero, Julian S. Strayhorn Ii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Comic books can be understood as a visualization of popular culture in the U.S. For a long time these tales were formed by a white power fantasy, circulating in mainstream culture as over-exaggerated narrations. To give an example of white power fantasy, Dwayne McDuffie, a prolific writer in popular entertainment states:

“…if I write, as I have many times, a story where Daredevil, who doesn’t have powers, gets the drop on Thor, who has unbelievable powers, people go Oh, that was so cool! Daredevil was so clever! If I have Black Panther do the same thing that’s impossible! It’s like, …

Earthbound: Celebrating The Natural World Enjoying Good Food And Company, Virginia Russell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Earthbound is a body of utilitarian work created as a tribute to regional plants and animals, to beloved family members, to revered masters of ceramic art, and to the enjoyment of good food and conversation.

Earthbound explores the role of flora and fauna found throughout Southeast Georgia. These handmade functional objects celebrate aspects of nature I encounter on a daily basis. Each place setting is crafted to enhance the pleasure of eating and drinking while fostering a connection to the natural world.

I have long held an interest in the human connection to nature, which was fostered by both my …