Publication Date
Summer 2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Art
First Advisor
Michael Hart, M.F.A.
Second Advisor
Carrie Ohm, M.F.A.
Third Advisor
Jerry Slowik, M.F.A.
Abstract
Sculpture is how I bring to life the dark corners of my mind. There have always been images of creatures, geology, and botanical life swirling around my head. Images that often include spires of exoskeleton, creeping tendrils searching for sustenance, or something that moves in an unnatural way. After years of envisioning and automatically sketching out these "things" it is beginning to get a bit crowded in there. It was time to excise this world in my mind and bring it into existence through my hands.
Using many different materials, including plaster, wire, paper mache, epoxy, urethane resins, many different kinds paint and stains, I have constructed these "objects." Each one is meant to be left to its' observer to decide where it belongs or what it is. I want my "things" available to inhabit everyone's dark corners, able to fill that creepy void that everyone shies away from. I feel my work has a similar relationship to that of an entomologist. They can find the beauty in an insect, while the rest of the world will recoil in disgust.
I have been inspired by many sources. For as long as I can remember I have been interested in monsters. I can remember watching Godzilla and The Creature from the Black Lagoon as a small child and being absolutely mesmerized. From then on the interest has only grown, to include more horror and sci-fi films, books, comics and art. I have spent much of the last twenty-five years building and painting figure models based on said material. The works of many fine artists have been influences as well, including and not limited to Calder, Hunt, Geiger, Giacometti. The natural world is also an influence. If you look hard enough you will see the insects, plants and sea life at the core of every sculpture.
Recommended Citation
Walker, Jason, "Taxidermy of Thought" (2012). All Student Theses and Dissertations. 37.
https://opus.govst.edu/theses/37
Images