Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Hamilton Final Thesis.pdf (35.11 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

From Soil to Self

hamilton, shannon kelly
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1511355450216635

Abstract Details

2017, MFA, Kent State University, College of the Arts / School of Art.
“From Soil to Self” will be an exhibition that presents the combination of two opposing materials coexisting as one entity; as a metaphor for the atmosphere and environment that surrounds me. Using soil, epoxy resin, and natural elements from my surrounding landscape, I will create a narrative between synthetic and natural materials to showcase why they work with one another while being diametrically opposed. Imagery of landscape is reflected in the forms created through the soil and resin mixture, which plays on the notion of the natural environment intersecting with industry common to this region. Pulling from methods of planting strategies and Gestalt Theory, I will show the concept of myself through organized layers, uniformity, and aesthetics. The resin is used as a binding agent that holds and encases the natural objects in time, petrifying the process of growth and creating the ability to reflect. The element of reflection is structured through resin, gaining a clearer view of oneself through the action of making sense of passed moments and their meanings. The resin and soil casts freeze experiences and moments of growth present on a macro/micro level and simultaneously and symbolically speak to notions of preservation and decay. The soil is used as a symbol of beginning, where all life has started physically and metaphorically. The natural elements reflect evolution through the course of one's growth, which is then isolated and compartmentalized to bring symbolism to each stage. The exhibition will consist of multiple wall and floor sculptures made with soil, resin, steel and wood. The intention of the work is to create a timeless narrative as the viewer walks through the space. The displays will alter the viewer’s ideas of what they know, how they view, and how they react to ordinary materials they encounter each day. Pushing the eye to move through space, the isolated moments of growth give the ability to react for a longer moment than we are accustomed to. Through growth, we miss and overlook moments of time; here in this show I am able to freeze these overlooked chapters and shed new light.
Isabel Farnsworth (Advisor)
20 p.
Fine Arts

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • hamilton, S. K. (2017). From Soil to Self [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1511355450216635

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • hamilton, shannon. From Soil to Self. 2017. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1511355450216635.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • hamilton, shannon. "From Soil to Self." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1511355450216635

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1511355450216635
105
© 2017, some rights reserved.Creative Commons License From Soil to Self by shannon kelly hamilton is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Based on a work at etd.ohiolink.edu.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.