Here is a short poem I wrote in my notebook during class:
I am an artist so I can teach.
I am human because I teach.
Teaching is my being.
Teaching is me being.
Teaching is why being.
Teaching is how being.
Teaching is being.
The artistic decisions are executed with intention:
- The plates are ceramic because once clay is fired it becomes permanent—just as information becomes knowledge if introduced successfully.
- The process of decorating the surfaces was intuitive and natural, because acquiring knowledge should be a natural experience.
- The objects decorated are functional vessels—plates—because if information becomes knowledge it serves a function in life.
Finally, - The plates are hexagonal in order to link together as one complete unit to represent that all acquired knowledge builds upon itself, unifying as a body of knowledge, rather than scattered fragments.
- Geometry and pattern: Geometry was the only ‘academic’ subject in school during which I felt intelligent. This positive association permits geometric imagery to present me with comfort and confidence.
- Crystallizations: Dispersed throughout the piece, crystallizations represent clarity reached through continuous reflexivity—taking a moment to stop and smell the roses.
- Brains: There are a few brains scattered throughout the piece to demonstrate the rhizomatic nature of knowledge production.
- Pansies: To me, the pansy represents that which cannot be adequately explained. Particularly by a symmetrical, geometric pattern. I have studied the geometry of flowers for over two years in my artistic practice, and the pansy is one curiosity I cannot locate a proven geometry for, without the assistance of a computer algorithm. So, a pansy defies the idea that all biological structures can be simply explained via geometry. It—juxtaposed with other flora, which contain much simpler geometry—showcases that geometry is a man-made means to explain the surrounding world. The thing is, the world cannot be completely and simply explained. We are driven mad by our exhausting efforts to explain and understand; we need to accept that, sometimes, some things cannot be explained, and it is important to be at peace with that.
- Tools and construction equipment: These details speak to experiences helping my father with various construction and carpentry projects throughout childhood. Reflecting on these memories, understanding that my father and I have incredibly similar functionalities, has helped me understand that those were the times I strengthened my spatial understanding, permitting such a close comfort with the spatial relationships present in the arts.
- Black “trail”: The seemingly random black lines—or, black “trail”—represents the chaotic pathways which take up significant time on most mornings. Although it seems abstract to the viewer, I look at it and see the rooms filled with furniture, creating obstacles, and I visualize myself pacing the trail over and over, back and forth, while attempting to locate my keys, books, shoes, and everything else in between.
Thesis Abstract:
If you would like to read Trekking Through, reach out to me via email to have a pdf sent to you.