Degree Name
MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
Program
Art
Date of Award
12-2014
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
David Dixon
Committee Members
M. Wayne Dyer, Ralph Slatton
Abstract
Points of Contention, an MFA exhibit, features fifteen works of relief-printed images from carved linoleum and layers of type printed with antique letterpress wood type. The work constitutes a visual exploration of dissatisfaction and disenchantment presented through the context of odd stories in the news and major current events, such as election politics and the closing of Hostess bakeries, as well as, NSA data collection and gun violence.
This supporting thesis explores the conceptual and physical processes of creating the pieces, including researching other artists who have wrestled with similar topics and produced their own unique reaction and resolution through art. The paper also discusses the technical and mechanical side of the artistic process, especially the anachronistic attraction to the methods of letterpress and printmaking in a digital age. Finally, this thesis chronicles the artist’s sources of inspiration from cartoon monsters and brand mascots during childhood to letterpress printmaking.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Brown, Arthur T., "Points of Contention: Oddities, Delicacies, & Monstrosities" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2440. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2440
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.