Theses and Dissertations Collection

This thesis describes the intention and development of the thesis exhibition body of work by Theresa Rushing for the fulfillment of her Master of Fine Arts Degree. Her drawings are each a small installment describing facets of wisdom as presented in the Bible, using dead foliage as its physical analogy.

Wisdom, as presented in the Bible, describes generalities that bridge finite situations and also provides perspective for life in its entirety. These perspectives guide the short phrases that accompany the dead foliage renderings.

The phrases through, quote, paraphrase, or general idea connect Theresa’s lived experience with her understanding of the Bible.

Through the medium of watercolor and ink, in understated and simple compositions, Theresa constructs highly detailed replicas of familiar and small pieces of foliage, accompanied by a few words.

This body of work directs the viewer towards an interpretation of wisdom as familiar, simple, and small in delivery, but complex, ancient, and encompassing once it is understood.