Thesis

Introduction

This thesis explores the devolution of the human spirit as influenced by external forces, represented through the symbolic forms of ghosts, bunny rabbits, and pigs. Each figure in this body of work serves as a metaphor for various aspects of our collective experience, highlighting the tension between innocence, corruption, and the pervasive influences that shape our lives.

Conceptual Framework

At the core of this series is the ghost, an iconic figure that embodies a spectrum of personas from playful and innocent to intimidating and corrupt. This duality allows the ghost to serve as a versatile symbol for various human conditions. By differentiating between innocent ghosts, characterized by larger, expressive features, and devolved ghosts with narrowed simplified forms, I explore the impact of external forces on the human spirit.

Bunny rabbits in my work symbolize innocence. They manifest in different forms—some fully bodied, representing preserved purity, and others flattened, symbolizing innocence crushed. These bunnies act as observers, akin to an all-seeing eye or divine presence, witnessing the interactions and transformations within the human condition. Their presence highlights humanity’s capacity to maintain innocence despite external pressures.

Pigs, depicted abstractly with three legs and disproportionately large eyes, act as scavengers in this narrative. They represent the pervasive, unseen forces that thrive on the degradation of innocence and spirit, similar to insects feeding on detritus. These figures underscore the insidious nature of corruption and the impact of societal decay on the human psyche.

Artistic Techniques

My training in Italy has greatly influenced my approach to form and technique. Utilizing a combination of traditional sculptural methods and contemporary practices, I create pieces that are both visually striking and deeply symbolic. The materials chosen for each figure—whether clay, metal, or mixed media—are selected to enhance their symbolic resonance and emotional impact.

The ghosts are crafted to highlight their ethereal and transient nature, often using translucent materials that play with light and shadow. Bunny rabbits, in their varying forms, are sculpted with a focus on texture and detail to evoke a tactile sense of innocence and vulnerability. The pigs, with their abstract form, are designed to provoke discomfort and reflection, encouraging viewers to contemplate the unseen forces at play in their own lives.

Broader Implications

This body of work challenges viewers to reflect on the pervasive influence of societal interactions and decisions on the human spirit. By using familiar yet symbolically rich figures, I aim to create a dialogue about the complexities of innocence, corruption, and the external forces that shape our existence. The interplay between these figures offers a lens through which to examine our own roles and responsibilities within society.

Ultimately, this series invites contemplation on the fragile nature of innocence and the powerful impact of external influences. It is a call to recognize the ghosts within our own lives and to question the forces that drive our actions and shape our spirits.

Conclusion

Through the sculptural forms of ghosts, bunny rabbits, and pigs, this body of work explores the devolution of the human spirit and the intricate dance between innocence and corruption. By inviting viewers to engage with these symbolic figures, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the societal influences that shape our collective and individual identities. This thesis aims to illuminate the silent dialogue between form and emotion, urging a reflection on the specters that inhabit our world and our own selves.