the space in which we exist
Session Title
Design and Fine Arts
College
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Department
Fine Arts
Faculty Mentor
Claudia O'Steen, M.F.A.
Abstract
"If you were to die today, what items would make you up as a person?" This question was asked of twenty different individuals in order to dive deeply into how people think, feel, and perceive the world that we live in. After selecting their items, participants were told to put the pieces into provided mason jars. They then were asked to explain who they were in their own writing. These written statements could involve their objects, stories about themselves, jokes—anything they could think of. I allowed their replies to be flexible and open. After receiving the jars and statements, I considered my own relationships with the participants by creating word association lists. These words were turned into sketches of simple objects that represented each of the individuals. One sketch for each person was chosen and turned into a soft sculpture. When displayed, the soft sculptures are placed in an environment that mimics a living room to give the viewers a safe and warm place to connect with the work. This placement coincides with the photographs on the walls so the viewers can hold the soft sculptures and see the photos simultaneously. This is a documentary project based on people, their perspectives of themselves, and of the way that I, as an artist, see them. The metamorphosis of these ideas leads to how we as humans change and grow due to our relationships and connections with others.
Previously Presented/Performed?
What Was and What Will Be – BFA Senior Exhibition, Rutledge Gallery, Winthrop University, April 2020; Sixth Annual Showcase of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE), Winthrop University, April 2020
Start Date
24-4-2020 12:00 AM
the space in which we exist
"If you were to die today, what items would make you up as a person?" This question was asked of twenty different individuals in order to dive deeply into how people think, feel, and perceive the world that we live in. After selecting their items, participants were told to put the pieces into provided mason jars. They then were asked to explain who they were in their own writing. These written statements could involve their objects, stories about themselves, jokes—anything they could think of. I allowed their replies to be flexible and open. After receiving the jars and statements, I considered my own relationships with the participants by creating word association lists. These words were turned into sketches of simple objects that represented each of the individuals. One sketch for each person was chosen and turned into a soft sculpture. When displayed, the soft sculptures are placed in an environment that mimics a living room to give the viewers a safe and warm place to connect with the work. This placement coincides with the photographs on the walls so the viewers can hold the soft sculptures and see the photos simultaneously. This is a documentary project based on people, their perspectives of themselves, and of the way that I, as an artist, see them. The metamorphosis of these ideas leads to how we as humans change and grow due to our relationships and connections with others.
