Theses and Dissertations Collection

Abstract

More often than not, people pay constant attention to issues that are unsolvable, worry about issues caused by our own activities and pay less attention to, or take for granted, the minor things that surround us like intricate patterns in our natural environment. I have always had a keen interest in nature and I appreciate the beauty of it, especially trees. My work seeks to draw attention to the aesthetic beauty of our immediate environment and how marvelous the things are that we normally overlook, walk over and kick around. This thesis provides insight into my process of using mixed media to engage the viewer through the use of textures and abstract forms that reference trees and twigs. The ultimate goal is to draw attention to found objects that are usually ignored in our immediate environment through viewer interaction and experience. My hope is that at least some will acquire new appreciations and ways of seeing and thus choose to walk slowly with softer steps.