Date of Award
Spring 5-30-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Ceramics
First Advisor
David Katz
Second Advisor
Seqouia Miller
Third Advisor
Lawrence Bush
Abstract
My work explores the empathy existing between humans and animals. It is possible for humans and animals commune empathically by staring at one another. With empathy, human and animal connection can be built; comfort and healing can be found through this form of exchange. Non-verbal communication with animals may not often be thought about seriously. I aim to share the experience of empathy, comfort and power of healing through communication with animals I have felt, and to awake people with similar experiences in their memory through my works.
As a child, I thought I could not be truly understood by others. I felt isolated. I found comfort through contact with animals, and continued to observe them. I lose my sense of isolation when I see the response of animals to me. I heal psychologically. But we do not (need to) talk.
My works suggest empathy is also possible between humans by non-verbal communication. I suggest to viewers the possibility to connect through the senses; vision, touch, and sound. I hope their sensibility and receptivity is extended by my work and it allows people to open to a greater experience of one another.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Yu-Jung, "Empathic exchange" (2016). Masters Theses. 57.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/57
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.