Joshua Woof

Abstract

The basis of this thesis is to create a visual body of work that explores the relationship between humans and nature. The imagery for this work is influenced by the nostalgic memories of nature's ephemeral qualities and natural phenomena. I want my work to reference places I have been, seen, and touched- places that had a profound impact on my spirit. By recreating these experiences, I am able to reflect and respond in new ways with my environment. I communicate these experiences using formal sculptural language, rather than recreating nature itself. I create organic, abstracted forms to represent nature through repeated shapes. I refer to these individual pieces as fractal cells. This is one way for me to visually represent and understand the randomness of nature. I want my viewers to recognize a quality that brings to mind a memorable reflection. The forms resemble bones, fish, water, etc.; yet, their beauty is in the ambiguity of the forms, as nature is endless in its inspiration.

In the current state of our existence, there is an apparent imbalance between humanity and the environment. What generally should be in harmony is in a constant state of conflict. How I relate to this chaotic order is something of interest to me. I want to represent a human presence within my work through the use of geometric shapes, forms, and materials. These forms are cold, heavy, and industrial in appearance. Using both organic and industrial forms together, I can represent the imbalance between humans and nature, and seek a new means of understanding this tension.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Ceramic sculpture--Themes, motives; Ceramic sculpture--Technique; Nature in art

Publication Date

5-15-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Ceramics (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School for American Crafts (CIAS)

Advisor

Jane Shellenbarger

Advisor/Committee Member

Peter Pincus

Advisor/Committee Member

Juan Carlos Caballero-Perez

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at NK4235 .W66 2015

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

CCER-MFA

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