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

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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