Date of Award
Spring 6-2-2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Glass
First Advisor
Rachel Berwick
Second Advisor
Bruce Chao
Third Advisor
Rafael Attias
Abstract
I started planning this book at the end of last year, because I had to write it for my thesis, and also because I saw this as an opportunity to create, like making artwork. But the difference is that this does not look like my usual art, being only a book comprised of words and images.
From the end of last year to the beginning of this year, I experienced a terrible spiritual disillusionment and was caught in a cycle of depression and anxiety. Even though I was prepared to write this book last fall, I only really started in February this year. On one hand I knew what I wanted to write, but on the other I didn't know where to start. What I wanted to write about was too broad, yet I did not know what logic to use to turn my thoughts into a cohesive book. My earliest writing was basically an autobiography. Following the advice of my teachers and friends, I continued to cut and edit what I had already written, going from hundreds of thousands of words to a few ten thousands, then taking that down to ten thousand, then starting all over again. The volume you are holding in your hand may not be what I had originally envisioned, but it is the best version that I have decided on.
I have divided this book into four sections - Fable, Poetry, Thinker, Art. In each section I introduce the history and growth of my thinking, my understanding of poetry, how my thinking has been nurtured, and my own development in art. I have titled this book Journey through the wasteland. This is my own feeling - every person will experience such a journey in their own wilderness, the lonely journey of life. In this book, I no longer simply talk about art, philosophy, poetry, and life. Because in my opinion these are all one and the same, that is, my own life journey, what I have experienced, what I am experiencing, and what I have yet to experience.
Recommended Citation
Li, Songlin, "Journey through the wasteland" (2018). Masters Theses. 286.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/286
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