Art and Design Commons^™

Exploration In Design, Graphic Communications And The Creative Process, Starla A. Stensaas

Masters Theses

In lieu of the traditional thesis, I have chosen to culminate the Master of Arts in Related Arts program with a creative project and a paper that describes and evaluates the completion of the project. The project involved a personal aesthetic and technical development of the aesthetic in graphic design and communications. Documentation of the creative arts project is presented in a portfolio which includes graphic designs, publications, and news feature stories. The project is interdisciplinary in that it involves skills in art (design) and English (writing) as well as effective interdisciplinary communication skills necessary to produce interdepartmental publications.

Included …

An Approach To Metalsmithing And Its Correlation To Specific Drawings, Susan Isabel Randall

Masters Theses

The paper is concerned with my approach to metalsmithing which is directly correlated to my drawings; developing the two-dimensional plane and evolving into three-dimensional metal pieces. The lines of my drawings have become stimulus for my metal work; resolving into strong, linear, textural elements. I discuss three pieces which I have created and some drawings relating the transitions from paper to metal and metal to paper.

My references for these creatures are usually drawn from specific areas which have captured my interest. I have been considerably influenced by Early Irish, Celtic art and the Medieval French Grotesque art. The Celtic …

Photo Realism, Maureen A. Howe

Masters Theses

Photo Realism is the principal term used throughout this paper. I use this specific terminology, Photo Realism, so as not to confuse it with Super Realism, Sharp Focus Realism or Hard Edge Realism. True, many of these Realisms all mean the impecable clarity of subject matter, but, for my purpose, I am continually using Photo Realism to make it evident that a photograph was rendered to achieve an end result.

Using predominantly contemporary Photo Realists' beliefs and opinions as my main resource material, comparisons were made of their unique styles so as to present the various uses of the photograph …

Expressionism For Painting Sports, John T. Graves

Masters Theses

This thesis is an attempt to show that the Expressionistic style of painting lends itself to the Sports figure. The action and dynamic movement of the athlete can be easily portrayed by the slashing strokes and boldly suggested forms of Expressionism. By painting in this style the "feelings and emotions" of an event may be sensed. Sometimes the form is obviously exaggerated to emphasize this emotional quality or mood.

This paper discusses and illustrates the work of several sports artists who use Expressionism for their style of work. Leroy Neiman is probably the most famous of these, having worked for …

Surface Treatment Of Metals, Dorothy Dunkirk-Bennett

Masters Theses

The purpose or this thesis is to relate to others my experimentation of various types of metals, and the methods employed to decorate the surfaces of these particular metals. The differences, and similarities in means of working with and decorating each type of metal used is also discussed.

The first part of the paper is devoted to a brief history of metal techniques. This gives a better understanding as to when the particular techniques were first employed and how many of them were almost lost with the arrival of nineteeth century industralization.

Techniques which I used, and the various means …

Two Sculptural Fabrications That Utilize Tension, David Robert Olson

Masters Theses

The problem chosen is one which utilizes the fabrication of parts to be constructed into a unified sculptural whole. The documentation of the fabrication of two sculptural statements is presented in this paper. A personal process of finalizing a finished piece will be presented. The works in the following pages are from similar ideas, yet different in their approach because of the two separate materials utilized--mild steel and quarter-sawed white oak. The first documented piece discussed is in steel; the second, in wood. What guides the approach to the works as sculptural ideas will first be encountered.

I am involved …

Low-Fire Salt-Glazing, Rhonda M. Cearlock

Masters Theses

The purpose for this research was to investigate the feasibility of using rock salt for glazing a clay body at pyromatric cone 04 (1940°F). Four clay bodies were used to see which reacted best with salt at cone 04. Experimentation with additions of borax to the salt were used to see how they effect the covering qualities of each body, as well as how they effect body color.

Engobes used in the tests had different amounts of coloring oxides mixed with clay body number one and water. Colors ranging from light blue, green, and different hues of brown were achieved. …

Woman, A Vehicle Of Visual Expression In Contemporary Times, Tamara C. Bogue

Masters Theses

This paper is a discussion of a woman as a vehicle of visual expression in contemporary times. Certain artists have been selected for the discussion of woman as subject matter and as symbol. An overview is given concerning some trends that have an influence on contemporary society, women in that society, and consequently affect how women have been portrayed. The selected artists were chosen as representatives of "directional types" or "theme types" and some of the implications of their female imagery is discussed. The concept of woman as symbol in her historically recorded debut as fertility figurine ("Willendorf Venus") sets …

Fundamental Aspects Of A Metalsmithing Career, James Walter Johnson

Masters Theses

The intent of this paper is to ease the trauma encountered in the difficult transition from novice metalsmith to producing craftsperson. The major areas of discourse are as follows: 1) What is the most beneficial time for mental orientation toward one's career? 2) What actual steps should be taken along with this orientation? 3) How can the artist go about preparing himself financially for the burdens to be encountered in a craft business? 4) What comprise the major forces in the organization of a metalsmithing studio? 5) What kinds of equipment will the artist need to efficiently ply his trade? …

The Ritual Of Torero, Harbert J. Jones

Masters Theses

The thesis project is to describe the art of bullfighting as a ritual. I discuss term and principles which are pertinent to me, and as a means of artistic self-analysis. The thesis project is to allow an exploration into a traditional form of painting which is a challenge and of practical value to me. In part, the reasoning and mechanics are to be solved. Beginning with the origin of the bullfight I describe the evolutionary state of human courage against animal force. The Spanish had a tremendous influence on the modern art of bullfighting on foot. The difficult thing is …

The Photograph As A Model In Painting, Denise Dale Plumlee

Masters Theses

No abstract provided by author.

Technician-Potter Versus Artist-Potter, Diann Marie O'Brien

Masters Theses

It is the intention of this paper to bring to the pottery student an awareness of the concept of technician-potter versus artist-potter.

The introduction defines the technician-potter as one who learns the technical skills involved in pottery making without going further into the creative, artistic aspects of his craft. An artist-potter is described as one who not only masters the technical skills, but also strives to be creative and make personal artistic statements in clay.

A thorough discussion follows concerning technique and the relevance of technical skills to the potter. It is concluded that the potter must master the technical …

Influences On The Collage Of Ken Brewer, Ken Brewer

Masters Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to analyze influences exerted on the collage of Ken Brewer by Kurt Schwitters, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alberto Burri, to explain the evolution of Brewer's work, and to serve as a source of ideas for others attempting to work in collage.

In the first three sections of the thesis brief overviews of the work of Schwitters, Rauschenberg, and Burri are presented. Schwitters, a member of the dada school of art, was a pioneer in the use of collage as an art form. He, like other dada artists, rejected the social and artistic values of post …

Investigations On The Altered Plane As A Creative Element In The Visual Arts, Stephen J.T. Powell

Masters Theses

This is primarily a report of personal investigation by the author though some relevant references are used.

The work is divided into two parts representing two conceptions of the altered image bearing plane.

Essential to both conceptions is the use of the image bearing plane for its creative potential, rather than as a passive image support.

The modulated plane as image producer is discussed in part one with reference to its use for literal imagery and self derived imagery. Also mentioned are related printmaking, papermaking, plastic forming, and additive low relief techniques.

Part two deals with spatially related planes as …

Cone 5 - 6 Crystalline Glazes, Barry W. Kishpaugh

Masters Theses

The purpose for this research was to develop cone 5-6 crystalline glazes which will provide the potter with well-formed and large-sized crystals.

This firing range was selected for two reasons. First, very little information is available on crystalline glazes at this temperature range; and secondly, an attempt at conserving energy is being made by firing at this lower temperature.

Data obtained through this crystal research was gained via a series of 10 test firings. The kiln used for the testings and developing of the firing schedule for the Cones 5-6 crystal glazes was a Unique Kilns Model 2430, having a …

Personal Experimentation In Drawing, Bennie L. Drake Jr.

Masters Theses

In order to have a true understanding of art there must first be some knowledge of the development as well as of the artist himself. The artist and his work are one but must be looked at from different angles; beginning with the work itself and realizing that the artist creates to satisfy some need or desire which stems from some religious or social beliefs.

When doing comparative resource study, I attemped to combine the drawing skills of extablished artist; such as Walter Campbell, Herbert Railton, Willy Pogany and Aubrey Breadsley in order to improve and express my inner thoughts. …

One Artist’S Experimental Approach To Sculpture, John J. Smith Iv

Masters Theses

This paper is intended to reflect the creative sensibilities of one artist-scientist as he experiments with media and his perceptions of nature as an approach to growth. His philosophy revolves around the relationship of his experience, his natural instinctive sensibilities, their affection upon his intuition, and the resulting creative process. The stimuli for the process are found in the natural realm around him whether perceived scientifically or artistically. Due to the intrinsic nature of the creative phenomenon, it is very difficult for the artist to separate the scientific and artistic modes from the naturalistic or experiential stimuli. So he goes …

Objectivity And New Realist Painting, Jacky Palman

Masters Theses

This thesis describes the methods of New Realist painting ( also known as Sharp-Focus Realism, Photo-Realism, Super Realism and Hyper-Realism ) and its philosophy of objectivity behind the photographic approach and the choice of subject-matter. It also points out that this aim for total objectivity is ultimately unattainable.

A definition of New Realism in painting follows in Chapter One, which also deals with the factors separating it from other photographically realistic styles - the primary distinction being the constant striving of New Realism for complete objectivity.

Chapter Two deals with the influences responsible for the emergence of New Realism. Pop …

A Philosophy Of Art, Robert Erickson

Masters Theses

There is no universally accepted concept of the nature of art. Many are contented in believing that it is just some mystical quality. However, I believe that art is a basic human trait which has evolved over millions of years. This paper shall explain my own belief as to the evolution of art and how it is used by myself and other artists.

That which we believe to be true is a product of our individual experiences. In technology, religion, and in art there are no universal truths. All human beings percieve the world in different ways.

Two billion years …

Cold Connections As Used By The Metalsmith And Sculptor, Deborah A. Rohr

Masters Theses

Metal may be joined to metal and non-metal materials by many techniques. It is my intent to discuss one group of such techniques--that of cold connections, and illustrate them with art works. Although there are many types of cold connections, this study will concentrate on the use of rivets, screws, bolts, adhesives, nails and wire as cold connectors.

A proper definition for cold connection is attachment of one piece of material to another piece of material without use of heat.

Historical reference of the uses of cold connections by prehistoric man, early civilizations of man, through modern times is included …

Paint Application: Theories And Techniques, Nancy King Mertz

Masters Theses

Is art an inborn source of power or do daily experiences create artistic drives? I am strongly convinced there are biological forces creating these urges in all of us. Many of us, however, are denied the free expression of artistic impulse because of our compulsion toward the social concept of normality; the creative impulses are ignored until, finally, the ability and urge completely diminish.

However, states Joyce Cary, "Those of us who obtain solitude in thought, create freedom of mind; each of us is compelled to form our own ideas of things." If we wish to convey these ideas or …

Selected Poems Of Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim, Abdul Ghafar Ibrahim

Masters Theses

Is poetry art or is art poetry? Or what is poetry? What is art? There is art in creating poetry. And there are the poetic elements in creating painting/any form of art.

I have been involved in writing poetry since I was in high school. My first poem was published in 1965. During that time I also received formal training in art. Writing poetry to me then was only putting together words and phrases into ideas and stories. And painting to me at that time was selecting and juxtaposing colors into beautiful pictures on canvas.

Man changes in ideas, ideals …

The Three-Dimensional Image Of Chance, Calvin Alexander Mcfarlane

Masters Theses

In order to create a work of art that has, for an unknown observer, as great a variety of meanings and interpretations as possible; the work must be of the sort that will allow any random observer to project their own experience into the work as its meaning and/or interpretation. The work of art created must present to the viewer a rich experience of mutually exclusive associations. For the work to be unlimited in associations, it must be free from any intentionally representative imagery on the part of the artist. In other words, the work should be abstract to the …

Three American Women Artists, Cynthia Lenore Stansil

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Ruth Twigg Carr: A Visual Interpretation, Belinda Carr Beccue

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Fibers And Fabrics In Stuffed Sculpture, Carol Ann Haskell Kessler

Masters Theses

This thesis is a report of my experiences with fibers and fabrics in producing sculptural forms. They begin with my use of fibers in unstuffed sculpture and proceed to the use of stuffing materials in many varieties. To give an historical perspective, included are a number of related works, both primitive and recent. For the purpose of critical analysis, each sculptural form is pictorially presented and discussed.

The Use Of Fiber To Create Sculptural Forms, Christine Danner

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Collagraphy: A Synthesis Of Color And Texture, Maralyn Mencarini

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Steel Sketch In Monumental Scale, Ronald James Gregoire

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Metal As A Decorative And Structural Element In Wood Sculpture, Gordon F. Disharoon

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.