abstract

Language—both spoken and written—has, is, and always will be susceptible to spin, manipulation, obfuscation, and misinterpretation. This paper explores how communication's inherent vulnerability has long formed the core of my conceptual inquiry. As a visual artist, I am a tireless experimenter—with both ideas and materials. The foundation of my interdisciplinary practice is my artist's books, which have been referred to as "patchwork quilts of the subconscious." Projects related to my book practice include performance videos along with text-based drawings, paintings, and sculpture that may be characterized as both personal and social critiques. As the inherent nature of humans remains impulsive and fallible, these works may illuminate our unconscious reluctance to convert rational awareness into a more positive and sustainable life practice. My final thesis project will demonstrate emboldened approaches to these facets of my practice. I will present up to thirty new artist's book entries, a dozen new hand-sculpted UNBOUND book prints (up to 7 x 10 feet), five new text-based works on paper and canvas, and one new wall sculpture fabricated in mirrored stainless steel.

This thesis—Beyond Screens—uses form, type, motion, and coding to enable the audience to see and play with typographic elements in both abstract and applied form by creating dynamic and interactive environments. To engage people in various ways, this thesis is designed as a system to be used across various media. It includes two components—four posters and a website. Rather than relying simply on 2D or 3D, it is a more complicated dimensional space; I am creating enjoyment for the audience beyond the screen, both digital and print, by inviting them into a multidimensional space. For the website, I created five pages based on rhythm; point, line, and play; form and counter-form; color words; and color in space. All the form in the poster design were inspired from the web design. As a designer, I understand the need for legibility, but I am more concerned with communicating something more visceral, expressive, and imaginative. Instead of drawing conclusions, Beyond Screens seeks a field of discovery, one that requires inquiry as opposed to conclusions.