Abstract

This thesis investigates the construction of a visual language illuminating the Biblical theme of duality-union. Section 1 provides an overview of duality-union across Scripture, investigates the portrayal of duality-union in the Biblical theme of Heaven and Earth, and summarizes criteria for a successful visual language surrounding this concept. Section 2 outlines and justifies the building blocks of this visual language, which include clay, neon, a gestural building process, arboreal imagery, references to the mandorla shape, an optimistic aesthetic influenced by midcentury children's book illustration, and found objects. Section 3 provides a description and assessment of the seven pieces that make up the body of thesis work, entitled Into the Arms of Earth. The completed body of work responds to themes of connection and reproduction across Biblical texts to present duality-union as the source of life.

Publication Date

11-20-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Ceramics (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

American Crafts, School for

College

College of Art and Design

Advisor

Jane Shellenbarger

Advisor/Committee Member

David Schnuckel

Advisor/Committee Member

John Aäsp

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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