Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2014

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

M.F.A. in Art

Department

Art and Art History

First Advisor

Philip Jackson

Second Advisor

Josh Brinlee

Third Advisor

Sheri Rieth

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

In our culture, a person's profession is often made evident by the apparel worn or the tools being used. On the surface, urban scenes may convey a gentle flow and constant motion, which are characteristics of an ordered society. Beneath the visible elements are relationships which may represent a vastly different perspective. The work of artists often outlives the artist just as the result of labor may outlive the laborer. Giza's great pyramids are ancient wonders that baffle modern engineers and scientists as to how they may have been built. Though the exact techniques used may not be known there is little doubt that human labor was central to the effort. My paintings represent my observations of working people at a transitional point in my own personal work history. Can I successfully transition into a new career? How and where will I fit in? The answers are yet to come but I believe pursuing the goal with a strong faith and a solid work ethic will ensure that I will arrive at the intended destination. My affinity for the working person is related to my personal and professional work history. I share comground with the city workers, the road crews, restaurant staff, and landscapers, shift workers at the manufacturing plant and anyone that ever worked an extra job or two just to make the ends meet. Often, there are unseen elements at work like the pressure in the earth's crust that converts coal to diamonds. The pressures of a working life have the capacity to change people over time. Working people seem to dissolve into their surroundings. It is as if the act of labor transforms them. Sometimes people get lost in their effort. Sometimes the creators are revealed in the art. Most times the product is all that remains of a working life.

Concentration/Emphasis

Emphasis: Painting

Included in

Painting Commons

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.