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Degree Name
MFA (Master of Fine Arts)
Program
Art
Date of Award
12-2002
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Anita DeAngelis
Committee Members
Peter H. Pawlowicz, Ralph D. Slatton
Abstract
Personages from my past and present have spoken to me in a familiar language that demanded a translation of their own ‘essence’ into visual form. Using the methods exampled by Cézanne and Matisse, I have sought to create portraits that are revelations of both the sitters and myself.
The totality of an individual’s being is ineffable. Thus, the task of the portrait artist is limited to an evocation. ‘Essence’, attributes that identify a unique entity provide the necessary links to this act of re-creation. While some subjects depict strangers, the majority have developed from physiological and psychological investigations of individuals I have known.
Drawing delivers form to a portrait. While the likeness of a sitter initially resides in the eye and the mind of the artist, conversion of this mental image into a visible representation requires the physical engagement of the artist and her medium.
Document Type
Thesis - restricted
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Paula Spangler, "Essence of Portraiture." (2002). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 725. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/725
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.