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Theses and Dissertations

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An Indecent Obsession, Aaron Mcintosh May 2010

An Indecent Obsession, Aaron Mcintosh

Theses and Dissertations

The title of my thesis is appropriately borrowed from a romance novel title, as my work proposes to mine the content, design and culture of romance novels and other erotic texts in order to excavate my own queer romance narrative. The body of work includes large-scale drawings of “stand-in boyfriends” stolen from romance novel covers, pieced fabric text works based on the titles of erotic texts, and a couch covered in erotic reading material. Drawing attention to the ubiquity of heterosexualized images and texts by deconstructing them, my work critically questions larger social constructions of normality and deviance, pleasure and …


Visualizing Cultural Impermanence Through Entropic Design, Clifford Meena Khalili May 2010

Visualizing Cultural Impermanence Through Entropic Design, Clifford Meena Khalili

Theses and Dissertations

Entropy is a process of gradual decline as a system loses the strength to maintain itself. It begins with disorder and results in complete transformation. As a multi-cultural American, it has been my experience that the maintenance of my Iranian heritage parallels this concept. A method of visual communication that incorporates entropy is able to express notions of impermanence, disorder and transformation. This project is focused on employing entropy in the process of design and image making by using the transformation of my cultural identity as primary content.


Geologic Typography, Eric Karnes May 2010

Geologic Typography, Eric Karnes

Theses and Dissertations

In this project, I explore how the processes and structures of non-design disciplines can influence typographic form. Using the field of geology as a test case, I apply geologic processes to typographic form in order to create dimensional structures that speak to a wide audience.


Sweet Briar, 1800-1900: Palladian Plantation House, Italianate Villa, Aesthetic Retreat, Harriet Christian Carr May 2010

Sweet Briar, 1800-1900: Palladian Plantation House, Italianate Villa, Aesthetic Retreat, Harriet Christian Carr

Theses and Dissertations

Sweet Briar House is one of the best documented sites in Virginia, with sources ranging from architectural drawings and extensive archives to original furnishings. Sweet Briar House was purchased by Elijah Fletcher, a prominent figure in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1830. Thirty years later it passed into the possession of his daughter Indiana Fletcher Williams, and remained her home until her death in 1900. In her will, Williams left instructions for the founding of Sweet Briar Institute, an educational institution for women that exists today as Sweet Briar College. This dissertation examines Sweet Briar House in three distinct phases, while advancing …


Typography: From Internal Conflict To External Content, Ernest F. Bernhardi Iii May 2010

Typography: From Internal Conflict To External Content, Ernest F. Bernhardi Iii

Theses and Dissertations

This body of work represents a celebration and pursuit of realizing an alternative language, one capable of expressing internal conflict through process and response to external typographic form and content.


Awesome, Hannah Walsh May 2010

Awesome, Hannah Walsh

Theses and Dissertations

Opinions about Linguistics and Phonetics extrapolated to think about art and object-making, followed by an exposition of titles of recent work, including discussions about: stunting in All Star Cheerleading, rainbows, offset halo patterns, the common corn disease Crazy Top, failure, humility and the profound.


Eighteen Hundred And Froze To Death, Cognets Nicholas Des May 2010

Eighteen Hundred And Froze To Death, Cognets Nicholas Des

Theses and Dissertations

Essay to accompany MFA thesis exhibition for the Department of Sculpture and Extended Media.


Eternal September, Benjamin Jurgensen May 2010

Eternal September, Benjamin Jurgensen

Theses and Dissertations

A series of digitally inflected texts – September that never ends, some French belles, 1950/1986/1996, Ted Turner, being SO FUCKING FUTURE, The Gilmore Girls, Fic, FanFic, Sapphic, ctrl-c/v, “falsehood”, memes, Robert Gober, INTP, thought control, a “line of flight”, speed, and light refracting on all of it


"Freedom Wears A Cap": The Law, Liberty, And Opportunity For British Convict Servants In Virginia, 1718-1788, Daniel Brown May 2010

"Freedom Wears A Cap": The Law, Liberty, And Opportunity For British Convict Servants In Virginia, 1718-1788, Daniel Brown

Theses and Dissertations

Great Britain’s passage of the Transportation Act of 1718 was intended to relieve Great Britain of an unwanted criminal element while at the same time providing much needed labor for her North American colonies. This thesis argues that the legislative body of Virginia initially responded by passing legislation intended to limit the dangers presented by the introduction of convict servants into the colony. However, the significant demand for labor in Virginia resulted in the colony receiving a substantial share of those convicts transported to North America. Contemporaries argued that the importation of convict servants led to an increase in crime. …


The Fourth Level Of Theatrical Awareness, Gregory Scurria May 2010

The Fourth Level Of Theatrical Awareness, Gregory Scurria

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract The Fourth Level of Theatrical Awareness By Greg Scurria, MFA A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Pedagogy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Pedagogy Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Dr. Noreen C. Barnes, Director of Graduate Studies, Theatre Department This text is a partial record and narrative of the production of John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men that opened on May 1st 2009 for a three day run ending May 3rd 2009 and Shel, a collection of Shel …


Psycho Beach Party: A Vocal And Physical Exploration Of Gender, Megan Persinger May 2010

Psycho Beach Party: A Vocal And Physical Exploration Of Gender, Megan Persinger

Theses and Dissertations

On September 24, 2009, Theatre VCU opened its production of Psycho Beach Party, written by Charles Busch and directed by Steve Perigard. In our production, two male actors, Tommy Callan and Kyle Cornell, were cross-sex cast to play female characters, Chicklet and Marvel Ann respectively. In addition to serving as vocal coach for the production, I was to help Callan and Cornell vocally transform into female characters. I have documented our exploration of gender, specifically the vocal transformation from male to female, in Theatre VCU’s production of Psycho Beach Party. Neither actor had played a female character onstage before, and …


Giving Voice To The Hero Within: The Combination Of Two Methodologies For Training The Actor/Performer-- The Use Of Ritual Poetic Drama Within The African Continuum And Archetypes For The Actor/Singer As Explored In The Performances Of A Thousand Faces: Every Day Heroes A Deconstruction Of The Hero With A Thousand Faces By Joseph Campbell, Olisa-Mequella F. Enrico-Johnson May 2010

Giving Voice To The Hero Within: The Combination Of Two Methodologies For Training The Actor/Performer-- The Use Of Ritual Poetic Drama Within The African Continuum And Archetypes For The Actor/Singer As Explored In The Performances Of A Thousand Faces: Every Day Heroes A Deconstruction Of The Hero With A Thousand Faces By Joseph Campbell, Olisa-Mequella F. Enrico-Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

Joseph Campbell tells us that if you look closely at all cultures you find the story of “The Hero's Journey”, the vehicle for my thesis project, a devised theatre piece titled A Thousand Faces: Everyday Heroes. Though the subject of A Thousand Faces is the exploration of “The Hero's Journey” the foundation of the work is the application of the pedagogical principles of Ritual Poetic Drama Within the African Continuum (RPDWAC) as outlined in the practices of my mentor Dr. Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Assistant Professor of Performance at Virginia Commonwealth University Theatre (VCU). I apply RPDWAC pedagogical principles to Archetypes for …


For The Love Of God?! Is There A Place For Gay Christians Between Faith And Fundamentalism?, Apryl D. Prentiss May 2010

For The Love Of God?! Is There A Place For Gay Christians Between Faith And Fundamentalism?, Apryl D. Prentiss

Theses and Dissertations

Drawing from observation, autoethnography, ethnographic research and audio-taped interviews, this thesis explores the complicated and emotionally charged relationship between homosexuality and Christianity. The current culture war being waged in the media between the Religious Right and members of the LGBT community often results in the isolation and rejection of those who would define themselves as gay Christians. This thesis explores the role of the Bible as it informs and catalyzes this war and other foundational beliefs used as weapons in this rhetorical conflict. Additionally, this thesis analyzes the current battle between the church and the social movement for change in …


The Michael Chekhov Technique: In The Classroom And On Stage, Josh Chenard May 2010

The Michael Chekhov Technique: In The Classroom And On Stage, Josh Chenard

Theses and Dissertations

Referred to by Constantin Stanislavski as “My most brilliant pupil,” Michael Chekhov’s approach to acting is founded in an understanding of the artist as a whole being whose thoughts, feelings, desires, voice, and physical body are intimately interwoven. The Michael Chekhov technique trains these aspects jointly while encouraging the actor to fully explore and utilize his or her unlimited, rich, and fertile imagination. I have seen the powerful benefits of this technique as an actor (which I have been utilizing for 13 years) and as a teacher and director (for almost 10 years). In my thesis, I will firstly describe …


An Analytical And Educational Survey Of Howard Hanson's Dies Natalis For Band, Emily Anne Spradley May 2010

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of Howard Hanson's Dies Natalis For Band, Emily Anne Spradley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine Howard Hanson's composition, Dies Natalis for Band, from both an analytical and an educational perspective. To accomplish this objective, research on Hanson's personal and professional development as a composer, teacher, advocator, and otherwise contributor to the field of music was executed, information on and within Dies Natalis for Band was investigated, and suggestions were made for educational techniques to employ when teaching this composition. The author suggests that more analysis using Hanson's own theoretical system on intervallic relationships may yield additional information on his thought processes in composition. Biographical information on Howard …


An Analytical And Educational Survey Of The Sacred Harp By David Liptak, Joshua Payne Howard May 2010

An Analytical And Educational Survey Of The Sacred Harp By David Liptak, Joshua Payne Howard

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will explore analytical and educational domains of The Sacred Harp by David Liptak. Influenced by the history and compositional techniques of shape note singing, the composition is a tribute to the past and current Sacred Harp singing conventions nationwide and the exuberance expressed within the shape note tradition. The structure and unique style of The Sacred Harp will be examined within the history of shape note singing. Part I of this thesis addresses the history of the Sacred Harp tune book and the shape note singing schools; Part II is a formal analysis of the composition and Part …


Constructs: Truth, Lies, And Humanity, Nathan Hansen Apr 2010

Constructs: Truth, Lies, And Humanity, Nathan Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a discussion of my ideas, struggles and outcomes experienced during the making of my two bodies of work, Devices and Relics. These two bodies of work explore fleeting moments, the intrinsic values of labor and imagination with reference to sedentary living and labor in contemporary American society.


Museum Design: Art, Wonder & Discovery, Christy Addis-Gutierrez Apr 2010

Museum Design: Art, Wonder & Discovery, Christy Addis-Gutierrez

Theses and Dissertations

Christy Addis-Gutierrez MUSEUM DESIGN: art, wonder & discovery Some art institutions create such an elitist atmosphere that the average person might feel intimidated. But for the artists to be the most effective in expressing their ideas, their feelings, and their point of view, more people need to experience it. If the audience for art is limited to a relatively small group of art lovers, how does that serve the art process? A broader audience could enrich the art that is produced, allowing artists to engage in more daring work. A contemporary art museum that also incorporates spaces for gathering and …


Shockoe Provisions, Lauren Martin Apr 2010

Shockoe Provisions, Lauren Martin

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the blurring of interior and exterior spaces involving indoor farmer’s market design. The goal of the work is to retain the vibrancy and energy of an outdoor market, while providing access to fresh food, produce, and social gathering year round in an indoor setting.


Urban Country Club, Scott Grooms Apr 2010

Urban Country Club, Scott Grooms

Theses and Dissertations

The program of the interior spaces of an urban country club is similar to that of an actual country club. The apparent differences between the two entities, independent of the interior, are primarily the location followed by the amenities offered. This club is set in a vastly urban location, where there is no alluring green space to be allocated to outdoor activities. The urban club must rely on social, indoor recreational spaces for its vitality. The urban club will be located in Riverfront Plaza West Tower, with views of the downtown and river, and will attract the urbanites of the …


You're Gonna Be Ok: A System To Control The Uncontrollable, John Hendershot Apr 2010

You're Gonna Be Ok: A System To Control The Uncontrollable, John Hendershot

Theses and Dissertations

This is a written defense to accompany the MFA Thesis Exhibition You’re Gonna Be Ok, an installation encompassing video, and other sensory components. This defense provides background for the artist’s motivation to make this work, along with a theoretical framework used to construct the installation. Accompanying photos, video, and PowerPoint are also included to give reference and documentation of the installation event.


Duality Of A Cage, Younseal Eum Apr 2010

Duality Of A Cage, Younseal Eum

Theses and Dissertations

My thesis is about the dualistic connotation of the cage. The original intention of a cage is to create a boundary to enclose a target. However, a cage has a positive intent for protection. With this idea, I created kinetic sculpture and installation pieces referencing cages. While I understand the negative association of cages, I made them seductive through the careful consideration of lightness, fragility, and sheen. I have been exploring forms and material qualities to express the contradictory connotation of cages. Most of my work is made of wire because I have a great interest in the delicate nature …


Mind, Body, And Handwoven Cloth, Andrea Donnelly Apr 2010

Mind, Body, And Handwoven Cloth, Andrea Donnelly

Theses and Dissertations

My work explores the nature of individual perception, and the side of our lives lived entirely within our minds. I do this through the lens of self-reflection, examining the images of my own mental life and translating them into delicately handwoven cloth. These images and their structures become sensory experiences of the intangible, and a meeting place for my internal life and that of my viewer. The cloth I weave is simultaneously familiar and strange. Through woven surface and imbedded imagery, I attempt to illuminate the deep emotions that necessarily isolate us from each other, and the shared experiences of …


Voice On The Skin, Sarah Turner Apr 2010

Voice On The Skin, Sarah Turner

Theses and Dissertations

“The body can write on the skin from the inside—the soul, the mind, and the passions rise to the surface in boils, blushes, and rashes, and the invisible inside speaks by writing from the other side of the page”. -James Elkins Skin not only covers but reveals what is behind it. I utilize its language as indicator of flaws and pathologies. I depict and manipulate this, not just as it already exists with the human body, but as projections of my psychological states onto inanimate objects. Proposing that sight is a kind of touch, we touch with our minds, through …


An Affordable Living Community, Erin Richardson Apr 2010

An Affordable Living Community, Erin Richardson

Theses and Dissertations

Beginning with a former grocery store building, “An Affordable Living Community,” explores the possibilities of redesigning big box buildings. Here, the building is transformed into an affordable living community - a place for people to live, work, learn, and interact. The renovation creates a place for not only its residents, but also the surrounding neighborhoods. The building provides the challenges of breaking the generic, window-less facade, as well as bringing light into the building. This model would encourage the health, learning, and support of its community.


Rose Herbert Community Center, Jeannie Jones Apr 2010

Rose Herbert Community Center, Jeannie Jones

Theses and Dissertations

The “Rose Herbert Community Center” is the culmination of a project questioning how a building can be restored to its original integrity when its initial function has become extinct. This thesis considers the Broad Street Station in Richmond, Virginia and explores the options and implications of returning the building to a hub of interaction within the community. Concepts such as functionally malleable spaces, the transition from a very public environment to a more private area, and the creation of intentional interaction versus coexistence are explored.


Fabricating Womanhood, Emily Fox Apr 2010

Fabricating Womanhood, Emily Fox

Theses and Dissertations

The exhibit, Fabricating Womanhood, was an attempt to explore the construction of gender and identity. While the artwork addressed well researched and documented feminist themes the artwork also stemmed from personal experiences and my coming-of-age process. The resulting installation included video, prints, painting, ceramics and found objects arranged in a set-like house construction of life-size proportions.


The Audsleys, The Blackies And The Practical Decorator And Ornamentist, Gay Acompañado Apr 2010

The Audsleys, The Blackies And The Practical Decorator And Ornamentist, Gay Acompañado

Theses and Dissertations

The Practical Decorator and Ornamentist (Glasgow, 1892), one of the jewels in James Branch Cabell Library, embodies the work of the distinguished British designers George Ashdown Audsley and Maurice A. Audsley; the eminent Scottish publishing firm of Blackie & Son; and the illustrious French printing house of Didot. The thesis argues that the Decorator is one of the great nineteenth-century design books. Chapter one focuses on G. A. Audsley’s five masterworks and illustrates the contributions of a distinguished family of architects. There has not been a study of the Audsleys in ten years, and the present study goes further than …


Movement Without Motion: The Rhetoric Of Conservative Counter-Claims To Global Warming Theory, William Edwards Apr 2010

Movement Without Motion: The Rhetoric Of Conservative Counter-Claims To Global Warming Theory, William Edwards

Theses and Dissertations

Many U.S. conservatives view government mandates to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as a threat to the economy of the developed world. Conservative think tanks have adopted a common rhetoric to instill doubt about proposed mandates in the minds of elected officials, the media, and the public. Using a survey of the websites of 14 conservative think tanks, this thesis analyzes counter-claims to global warming theory to identify rhetorical artifacts that typically characterize conservative responses to issues, and to show how rhetorical theory can help anticipate the nature of such responses. The research identifies unifying speech codes – such as …


The Grapes Of Wrath; A Costume Design Thesis, Kenann Quander Apr 2010

The Grapes Of Wrath; A Costume Design Thesis, Kenann Quander

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, I intend to present an original costume design for John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. This production is the first full collaboration of its kind between Virginia Commonwealth University’s Theatre Department and Barksdale Theatre. This thesis will be a complete account of my entire design process from the design concept to the finished, realized production. I will be examining my design choices and finished production photos, including color photographs of my original renderings, fabric swatches and research. Throughout my thesis, I will be researching ways to accurately represent the millions of exploited itinerant farm laborers who survived …