Growth and Deterioration

I use porcelain clay because it allows me to focus on the subtle color shifts between white, beige, and gray. The forms I make in clay are associated with tangled roots, naked tree branches, hollow logs, and bones. I reveal this with a dense mass of curvilinear hollow forms that stack into a rhythmic linkage. They twist and turn, relying on gravity to dictate their structure within the installation. The ends of some are closed while others remain open to expose their interior. The tearing and perforations on the surface of each piece are employed to emphasize deterioration. In opposition to the tearing and perforations, I also add concave lines to the surface creating a flowing moving force. The surface is both visually active and smooth, allowing the eye to roam and focus on specific areas. I'm also working with the accumulation of pieces to communicate growth. The individual pieces rest on one another, growing into an interlocking structure. The pedestal is a formal presentation that is specific to the space. For this installation, I wanted to make the work monumental by elevating an accumulation of pieces. When walking around the artwork, there's an opening in the platform for one person to walk in and be surrounded by the two sides of the piece. The work is above eye level and surrounds the viewer at both sides. I want people to view the mass from the outside, but to also have an experience from the inside.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Fine Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Crafts

Year dc:date.available

2004

Author dc:creator

• Hine, Brooke A.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Dr. Allan Rosenbaum

• roots
• trees
• life cycle
• monumental
• deterioration
• sculpture
• symbolism
• porcelain clay
• Arts and Humanities
• Fine Arts

Statement dc:rights

• © The Author

Identifier

https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/929

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-1928