Meandering progression: MFA Thesis - Drawing & Painting

Abstract

Observation of interior organic forms and microscopic environments inspired my interest the correlation between macro and microstructures in the universe. The flow of movement and material in natural settings, whether large or small, develop similar patterns over time. How can we identify regularities caused by liquid moving through matter? Using a methodology inspired by organic shapes and systems of growth, the intrinsic properties of encaustic medium and steel allow for the paint and construction to reflect patterns of natural progress. Patterns found in nature that are visible in everyday life informs my intellectual and creative process. I consistently look for ways to make complex structures out of simple building blocks. This search has led me to peer through a microscope and observe the small shapes that coalesce to construct the world as we know it. An integral part of my studio practice is not only the physical creation of art, or its formal properties, but the intellectual stimulation that comes from broadening my understanding of the universe. Consistently I am overwhelmed by the breadth of the knowledge and information available to aid our understanding of life. Through my research on growth patterns in the natural world, I have discovered exciting visuals that recently have been captured by modern scientific instruments. Looking through a microscope, I have been intrigued by the ability of a lens to reveal environments invisible to the naked eye. Depending on the lens we can observe a vast landscape of the growth patterns.