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Gum-Bichromate Photographic Printing as Applicable to the Ceramic Process
The questions answered by this investigation were as follows: 1. Will a clay surface accept multiple emulsions and multiple development processes with little or no loss of detail? 2. Can a gum-bichromate print be accomplished using a normal 35 millimeter negative in an enlarger? 3. What is the effect of different oxides and fluxes on the emulsion? and 4. What is the effect of firing on the experimental emulsions?
An Analysis of Spontaneous and Premeditated Working Methods
For my problem, I proposed to document and analyze the relationships of the spontaneous and premeditated approaches in my work. The pieces that I began during the Spring and Summer 1979 were to be my primary sources of data. Two means were used to document these works and my approaches to them. I photographed the pieces as they progressed up to and including the finished product, and a sketchbook-diary was used to compile ideas and responses.
Ikat: The Combination and Rearrangement of Simple Individual Dyed Patterns into Complex Designs
Ikat is a technique used throughout the world for the surface enrichment of textiles. In Ikat, patterns are dyed into the warp, weft, or both by the use of various resists such as twine or plastic wrapped tightly around a group of yarns. The dyed yarns are then unwrapped and woven into fabric. Instead of stretching an entire warp or weft on a frame to apply resist, yarn can also be measured into small groups for tying and dyeing. These small groups of yarn can be dyed with simple patterns and later rearranged and combined to create more complex designs. In order to investigate the possibilities of the above mentioned methods, a series of Ikat fabrics was developed.
The Imagery of "Man": An Analysis of Ten Paintings and Their Related Imagery
The Isle of Man and Southeast Texas both display unique aspects of their geographical localities. In many ways they share similar attributes. I feel strongly that we are a product of our past and of our surroundings. So what type of imagery can be dealt with as a personal icon to link the two diverse places of my past and present?
One-Sitting Paintings
Even Though I already did paint fairly rapidly, I felt I had a tendency to let the painting in progress sit too long in between times spent working on it. I also felt that I was spending too much time stepping back away from the work to look at it and was milling around the studio sometimes needlessly. Thus I became intrigued with the idea of doing a painting in one block of time. The purpose of this investigation was to explore and study the possibilities generated by a series of "one-sitting" paintings. I defined one-sitting painting as a painting which proceeded from beginning to end without a significant break, meaning that it could take anywhere from four to sixteen hours to complete.
A Study Combining Stoneware and Found Objects
The intention of this study is to examine the relationship between fired clay and certain found objects. Working from the assumption that clay, being a natural substance, shares a common ground with certain other natural substances, such as wood, hemp, rock, etc., a primary aspect of the investigation consists of discovering successful combinations of these materials. In each design two subordinate problems were encountered. These were (1) determining the best means of combining and preserving objects in a semi-permanent state and (2) ascertaining whether the thrown form is by itself visually satisfying or if it would be improved by distortion.
A Series of Self-Portraits Made In Jewelry Form
The problem consisted of creating a series of jewelry pieces in metal which embody the concept of a self-portrait. Each piece in the series has a physical outside and an inside area in its structure which together form a conceptual self-portrait. Each piece was partly preplanned in detail and partly spontaneously executed. The spontaneously executed parts of the individual pieces serve to include the presence of the subconscious self-image. The series when viewed as a whole or as individual parts will give an insight to my self-image.
Masks and Nature
The intention of my mask-making was to present a body of work that visually captured my many encounters with spiritual presences in nature. From my perspective, these spiritual presences can be described most effectively as Platonic ideals, or the blueprints from which all physical forms are derived. These spirits are, therefore, the life breath and animating force behind the material world. I wanted to transcend the mere physical manifestations of nature and create in the masks a primary vehicle or conduit for the spiritual presences that I sensed in nature.
The Fractal Object: Towards a Soluable Space
In this investigation the possibility of a "soluable" type of space and its formal properties was explored. The project took the form of four objects, ranging in size from three to eight feet in total length. The investigation was based on the following questions: 1. How does the form suggest extensions of itself in space? 2. How does color alter the viewer's response to the form? 3. How do color and form work together in suggesting additional elements? 4. In what manner do materials and/or patterns affect the form? 5. What new avenues of investigation does the work suggest?
The Use of Monoprint Techniques and Sequential Viewing Devices with Spontaneous Landscape Imagery
For the last few years my work has been concerned with an exploration of the landscape image through the use of the traditional printmaking techniques of intaglio and lithography. The images which were produced during this time became increasingly flat and at the same time increasingly spontaneous. At the onset of this project, the images were the result of feelings about and memories of landscape, rather than studies taken directly from nature or from secondary sources. As the desire for spontaneity within the image increased, I felt the need to alter my method of working in order to accommodate additional flexibility. I concluded that this would exclude the traditional print methods.
The Compositional Application of the Photograph in the Production of My Prints and Drawings
My work is based upon the photographic image and deals with the juxtaposition of abstract elements within a figurative format. The camera and the photograph have become my sketch book and, as such, seem to influence the manner in which I approach and compose my prints and drawings.
Building a Personal History With Layered Symbolic Images
Since I was a young child, I have had a deep interest in all facets of the cultures of early humans and more modern primitive peoples-- in particular, their art and their mythology. It was my proposal, therefore, to combine these interests with the styles of my earlier works by using images drawn from the various aspects of my ancestry in several pieces of work in which the layering of those images-- similar to the layers of my heritage-- was used. My choices were limited to a set number of images listed in a "dictionary of symbols." I continued to engage in on-going research of these symbols to determine if there were relationships in their meanings between the various cultural elements of my ancestry.
Developing an Efficient One-Man Potter's Studio
The problem I proposed to explore involved making changes in personal work practices in the studio as well as studio organization. Using advice and practices that I have gleaned over the past few years, I made changes in the areas of studio organization, wheel production, and the glaze decoration process with the goal of adapting to a limited studio space and becoming more productive.
As Thought is to Speech
This problem tries to bring together a comprehensive array of themes. There has been a duality between painterly techniques, recognizable images and disjunctive imagery. The subtractive painting technique used has created smooth transitions between images and made these hybrid realities more convincing.
Bernhardt/Campbell: A Collaboration
The idea for this creative project evolved as the result of communication between myself and Cathie Bernhardt during the first half of 1977. Both of us had been dealing with similar concepts such as reliquary-like containers and the objects contained within them. We also had a congruent approach concerning the use of materials and the manner in which they can be fabricated. These two things resulted in a mutual respect for each other's forms and imagery. We, therefore, decided to explore and combine specific aspects of our talent and, in collaboration, produce a series of pieces. Our project became one of collaborative art, and we defined that as follows: One, the process of discussing ideas for pieces; Two, the act of working on pieces together, Three, the completion of pieces wherein both artists have contributed significantly to the final products.
The Evolution of Symbols Generated In a Body of Work
In order to discover more about the nature of my work, I conducted an investigation of the evolution of symbols generated in a body of work. For the purpose of this study the term symbol was defined as something that represents the term symbol was defined as something that represents another entity by association, resemblance, or convention, specifically, a material object or image used to represent an idea.
Six Works-- A Discussion of Subject Matter in My Work
Three intaglio prints and three drawings will be investigated to answer three specific questions. The questions are: 1. Is it possible to isolate the source of subject matter in my work? 2. What effect do media and subject matter have on each other during image development? and 3. Does my subject matter contained in an entire work contribute to the subject matter of my later works?
The Interpretation of Facial Expressions by Drawings: Problem 1
This study deals with an analysis of facial characteristics and expressions and their interpretation through drawings. Through the past several years of teaching in a Dallas school where so many nationalities are represented and where the various peoples of the lowest privileged groups are segregated, the writer has become deeply interested in what is to be seen in the faces of children. The second problem of the study features an analysis of facial characteristics and expressions and their interpretation through drawings, modeling in clay, and papier mache.
An Illustrative Documentation of Afro-American Vernacular Dancers From the 1900's to 1945
It was impossible to document all of the important dancers of the era; however, certain individuals were notably exceptional. The purpose of this study was to document and illustrate some of those dancers who impacted and influenced the development of American vernacular dance during the early twentieth century through the mid-1940's. The individuals chosen were as follows: Dewey "Pigmeat" Markham, John Bubbles, Bill Robinson, Earl "Snakeships" Tucker, James Walker and Charles Green (Chuck and Chuckles), Katherine Dunham, Honi Coles and Cholly Akins (Coles and Akins) Josephine Baker, The Derry Brothers (Ananias, Jimmy and Warren), Eddie Rector, Willa Mae Ricker and Leon James. Emphasis was concentrated on capturing an accurate likeness of the individuals as well as on establishing a specific mood. Since all of the above-mentioned individuals were dancers, a special effort was made to recreate the lighting and aura of the stage.
Between Seeing and Knowing
I intended to create a body of work using a variety of media and a combination of imagery that is both subjective and objective in regards to representation. I incorporated into the work, words and phrases which are not related to the imagery. This has allowed the work to be variously interpreted. I wanted certain elements of the work to appear simultaneously very old and very new.
The Microcomputer as a Tool for Pattern Generation in Fabric Design
After practicing Interior Design professionally for ten years and concurrently watching the rapid expansion of the use of computers in the business world, the problem of incorporating the use of computers into the field of interior design became increasingly important to me. Many designers seem to be rather leery of "the computer" and they are reluctant to accept it as a valuable tool in their design process. One aspect of applying the use of the computer to the interior design field is in the area of pattern generation for fabrics and wallcoverings. It is this area that will be explored in the following project.
Revolutionary Traditionalism
My intent in this creative project has been to further explore the transcendence of reality in my work in seven still lifes. The body of work done for this problem was reviewed and analyzed after completion rather than during the process.
An Investigation of Mexican Gravesites in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and Laredo, Texas
My work already shared some of the characteristics of the gravesites that I proposed to study. They were similar in that they both attempted to integrate sacred and profane imagery. Both called attention to personal events and related these events to a larger scheme. Finally, both were involved with the creation of objects of veneration according to personal edicts, but in relation to already established mythologies. I proposed to create a body of work based on the information gathered from the investigation of three predominantly Mexican graveyards-- one in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and two outside of Laredo, Texas.
Non-Heat Joining of Metals
The concern in this project was the utilization of metal joining processes which used no heat in the construction of sculpture. The problem area was motivated by an attempt to avoid some of the inherent problems and limitations incurred when welding, brazing soldering are employed. Specifically, the following questions were considered: 1) Can the non-heat joining process be utilized as a design element? 2) Does non-heat joining allow the use of lighter (30-16) gauge metal? 3) Are distortion and bracing problems reduced by use of non-heat joining processes? 4) Can more diverse metals such as aluminum, copper, brass and bronze be utilized in these processes? 5) Do these non-heat processes make allowances for manipulation of the metal prior to the construction of the sculpture?
Images as Metaphors for Desire
To determine the effectiveness of the combinations of images as metaphors for desire I asked the following questions during the course of my exploration: 1. On what basis were the objects chosen? 2. What are the relationships between and among the images in the paintings? 3. How do these relationships constitute a metaphor for desire? 4. What visual devices influence the relationships between the images?
The Amalgamation of Three-Dimensional and Two-Dimensional Processes
Although drawing had offered me many avenues for image exploration and mark making, it lacked the actual physical relief surface that was a natural part of the printmaking plate process (i.e., intaglio plates or relief surfaces). Sculpture allowed the images and marks to be realized dimensionally in the round; therefore, the images became objects.
Order and Disorder in my Sculpture and Painting
For this project, I explored the relationship of order and disorder within ten pieces of mixed media works. For the purpose of this paper, "order" is defined as the unity of all parts and details of a whole, standing in their proper relationship, each playing its own role without interfering with the functions of any other part. "Disorder is a force or combination of forces that unsettles or disarranges.
Printmaking Experimentations: A Personal Approach
Experimentations with overlays of color within my imagery have developed an interest in surface embellishment resulting from the juxtaposition of overlapping hues, integration of collage, and extended use of mixed-media as a printed visual statement. Past printmaking experiences include exploration of a variety of procedures including lithography, intaglio, and serigraphy. Prints have been executed in edition and monoprints, singular techniques and in combination. Individual techniques were expanded through the use of collage and linear application of graphite.
The Artbook: A Synthesis of Literary and Visual Imagery
In order to more fully explore this problem and to uncover important aspects of my work and work processes, I posed these questions to be answered after the completion of the five books: 1. In what ways am I able to synthesize the traditional concerns of the literary and visual image into an Artbook format? 2. To what extent am I able to develop this synthesis into an aesthetically valid and personally satisfying expression of my own artistic philosophy? 3. In what ways does this development represent and/or reflect what appears to be another major shift in my art, toward a more conceptual, two-dimensional or cognitive expression? 4. What does this attempt and the resultant image symbolize for me?
The Role of Implied Texture in Figural Imagery
This study explored how implied texture was used to give meaning to figural imagery. Several questions were answered in proceeding with the creative project: 1. Did implied texture abstract the figurative image? If so, how was content affected? 2. Did implied texture act as an obstruction to content? 3. Did implied texture act as an integral part of content? 4. Did implied texture exist as a separate entity from content?
Establishing a Nexus of Form and Content in Creating Mysterious Narrative Predicated on Duality and Transformation
The original proposal was altered for the sake of clarity. In contrast, the new introduction offers a stronger and tighter definition of intent without changing the concept of my concerns. Working through the beginning stages of analysis I began to understand the significance of asking specific questions as a means of focusing my intent. I proposed to continue to explore the evolution of imagery in my work through the creation of seven to ten "pieces." I remained open to and involved with the uses of painting, drawing, photography, installation and combinations thereof.
A Study of the Decision-Making Process During the Creative Act
The purpose of this thesis project was to explore my decision-making process as it took place during the act of painting. I was interested in how my paintings evolved, either naturally or through a critical stage. Resolving a work which was in a crisis between success and failure was an important part of the creative process and required definite purposive action on my part. In this connection, I explored the nature of the decisions which either redirected my work toward a successful conclusion, or toward its abandonment.
A Survey of Passementerie With Instructions For Weaving Ribbons
The purpose of this investigation has been to review the various forms of passementerie in order to provide a background for weaving narrow bands and ribbons. While the basic fabric structures, plain weave, twill, and satin are used in the production of ribbons, some problems occur in adapting them to the narrow form.
Encounters: Traditional Oriental Theme Paintings with Western Influences
My proposal involved gathering and analyzing both visual and written information. The following steps were specifically considered: 1. Exhibition catalogues and related information on Robert Rauschenberg and Zao Wou-Ki were reviewed. Those artists deal with cross-cultural ideas in their work. 2. A sketchbook and an artistic journal were kept, as well as a record of my creative processes. 3. A body of work was done in a consistent matter. I employed a spontaneous/intuitive strategy in my creative activity. I kept myself flexible in order to approach the idea in a loose manner by simultaneously making several paintings with the same content.
Strength of Fragility and its Relationship to My Sculpture
For this project, I explored traditions and relationships of materials both past and present: oriental kites and their linear structures and materials (fragile yet able to fly the strongest winds), Japanese washi (materials and hand processes), Eskimo gut work (sails and parkas). My interest has been in pushing these relationships further and exploring three-dimensional space with my linear panels.
Small Embellished Paintings
Throughout history man has decorated paintings and art objects with materials as diverse as shells, seeds, beans, horns, seedpods, hair, feathers, ostrich eggs, coral and nuts. I proposed to explore the potential of using such materials to embellish framing devices for small paintings. Any material could be included in this exploration. The embellished frames have become a part of the total painting and are not removable. The solution included not only the practical, physical aspects of presentation, but also dealt with the purely visual aesthetic ones as well.
The Mutation of a Fiddler Crab
For a year I have tried to be as far away from painting (painting in a strict sense, i.e., two-dimensional, canvas, glazes, washes, etc., as possible. I successfully built a quality body of work that was formally sound and conceptually sophisticated, far surpassing my original "fiddler crab period." Now, having grown my other claw I wanted to approach painting in a comparative relation to my other body of work. Specifically, I wanted to show the valuable visual possibilities ready to be investigated in my paintings. For this reason I did not want to completely abandon painting, nor did I consider halting production of my three-dimensional pieces.
Selected Objects and Their Effectiveness as Fired Decorative Additions
It was the intention of this project to test selected objects to determine which ones could be used for decoration. If an object became a stable, aesthetically pleasing, part of the glazed piece, then it was considered successful. Two firing temperatures are important to my work; they are 1796 degrees Fahrenheit, oxidation (which is cone 06), and 2372 degrees Fahrenheit, reduction (which is cone 10). I expected some of these objects I chose to work better at the lower temperature, and some to work better at the higher temperature. All objects were test-fired on small plate-tiles at both temperatures. After testing, I decided which items were successful as decorative additions. With these successful objects, I was concerned about what methods of attachment were possible and what surfaces were appropriate.
A Problem of Embarrassing Red Pimpled Bang Caps, Among Others
At the time of writing the proposal, one part of me wanted to move ahead and explore the new territory, while another part wanted to understand what I was leaving behind. I proposed to examine the following questions in order to resolve this dilemma: 1. What common personal themes or ideas are behind my work? How can I clarify and refine these themes to make them more manifest in my work? 2. Do I need to investigate new materials in order to express and explore my concerns? 3. Can I form a relation between my use of imagery and materials? Could new materials or objects replace this imagery? 4. Are new formal strategies needed that would link the use of my materials, objects, and imagery?
A View of the Sensually Suggestive Feminine Imagery in My Work
In the past few years it has come to my attention, via comments and overt responses, that sensual suggestiveness is present in the imagery of my work. My interest in the female figure goes back to the initial years of my undergraduate work and the anatomical study of the female image. I have since found that adding certain types of feminine attire to specific and idealized female attributes has, in turn, increased the sensual, rather Pavlovian responses of the spectator. This is accomplished by creating commonplace images such as the stockinged leg, the slit-skirted waist and thigh, and the female foot in a high-heeled shoe. My problem was to investigate the fetishism and iconography of selected popular cultural images of the feminine-sensual type in order to discover how i could make my images more sensually suggestive.
The Use of Horizontal, Vertical, and Contour Lamination to the Sculptural Form
The purpose of this problem was to investigate the advantages and possible limitations of horizontal, vertical, and contour laminating to the sculptural form. Specific questions were set forth to help determine the different aspects of these types of lamination. The specific questions for which answers were sought are as follow. 1. How complex a design can be executed by the laminating process? 2. How close to the design will the initial lamination be? 3. What are the best methods of lamination for each process: types of clamps, types of wood, types of glue, dowels and weights? 4. How successful may these lamination techniques be combined? 5. As the work was in progress, which became more important-- the surface quality or the form? 6. Will laminated forms remain stable?
An Analysis of Verticality and Architectural Reference in the Presentation of Figurative Sculpture
The purpose of this study was to analyze the physical issues of verticality and architectural reference in the presentation of my figurative sculpture and to determine how these issues affect me as viewer. In this analysis, the term architectural reference refers to the fundamental structural elements historically associated with architecture, such as column, pylon, pilaster, pyramid, elevated platform, and bilateral symmetry. The term does not address broader architectural concepts such as spatial organization, circulation, or shelter.
Utiliizing Low-Life Base Glazes with Added Organic Materials as a Form of Ceramic
The objective of my creative project was to decorate vertical and horizontal shapes using low-fire glazes with added organic materials. I experimented with the materials as introduced into the glaze formula, applied to the forms, and fired at low temperatures to obtain useful decoration for the ceramic medium.
The Creation of New Metaphors Out of Symbols From the Past
In order to become more aware of valuable characteristics that may be unique to the paintings and/or the books, I proposed to execute a body of work consisting of four sets, each set containing one painting and one book. I continued using religious icons as subject matter and the motif of the layered pentimento of the fresco as a metaphor for self-investigation.
Mixed-Media Installation Concerns
As I proceeded with my work within this format, I encountered some concerns that dealt with value judgement involving the presentation of an effective installation of this type. The challenge for me was to form a union between the images in my mind and the combination of materials that I chose to use. I wanted the viewer to be conscious of the entire space, as one experience made up of numerous elements.
Imagery Contexts: The Effect on Painting Format
As a result of my interests I became concerned with 1. The invention of eccentric imagery for use in painting formats. These images were intended to subtly allude to archaic and archetypal objects of forms (artifact reference) yet remain anonymous in terms of absolute identity. 2. Random and ambiguous placement of the imagery on a surface resulting in a mapping or diagramming of a possible 'place,' with a broadly interpreted landscape orientation to space. 3. Paintings having the characteristics of the objects in terms of materials and processes used, surface tactile qualities, irregular shape. These three ideas formed the basis of the problem.
A Creative Investigation of Sprays in Drying Oil Paint
The reason for this paper is to present a study of several commercial clear sprays used to affect drying of artists' oil paint. A number of tests were conducted in order to discover which spray might achieve optimum drying without inhibiting creative efforts. After the initial experiments, or "test panels," the information derived was used to complete the remaining panels required for the creative project.
Adding and Subtracting Color in the Painting and Serigraphic Processes: A Development of Consistency in Two Art Media
This is a method in which designs as a whole are not pre-planned or pre-arranged, but are developed by applying layers of color. This is an additive method for obvious reasons, and it is subtractive because shapes can be covered with opaque paint or very intense stain. Transparent layers of color applied over existing colors cause hue changes, and the process creates subtleties resulting from one color showing through another.
The Production of Large Scale Ceramic Pieces and its Affect on the Working Methods of the Artist
This problem concerns the production of large scale ceramic sculpture and its affect on the working method of the artist. Traditionally, western ceramics deals with functional pieces of a personal scale, that is smaller ceramic works which serve specific utilitarian purposes. The concepts of clay as an art medium and the studio-potter have developed over only the last 125 years of western ceramic history.
An Interpretation of Various Aspects of Dualism as Found in the Art of Africa and China
The purpose of this study is to endeavor to interpret these various aspects of dualism through an analysis of selected examples of art from two cultural areas, Africa and China.
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