Date of Award
Spring 5-30-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Furniture
First Advisor
Megan Callahan
Second Advisor
Maya Krinsky
Third Advisor
Simon Hass
Abstract
Over time, our connection with materials has changed. Centuries ago, artists interacted with just one material for years, gradually integrating the knowledge of its different properties into their existing expertise. They were learning processes which were acquired through the sum of different personal experiences and the reciprocal action between artist and material. Now, times run fast; we are exposed to a wide range of materials, and knowledge is indirect. We learn through books or by copying established industry processes, replacing our practical experiences. New potentialities of material are not sought frequently, and we end up validating only what has already been discovered.
Through this thesis I investigate materials using unconventional means. Across two exercises with 30 different materials (leather, resins, clay, mycelium, wax, etc..) I emphasizes the relevance of process as a mechanism to trigger new content and create new material connections that were previously unknown. At the same time, I delve into the relationship between the creative and production processes with the studio business model. This relationship (creation - production - sale) is addressed as an integral part of the narrative and spirit of an object.
This thesis exposes the creative process as the center of the work of art and design. Deep research, disorganized ritual and spontaneous performance lead to new potential projects.
Recommended Citation
García, Juan Pablo Gutiérrez, "Stepping aside" (2019). Masters Theses. 397.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/397
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.