Date of Award
Spring 5-19-2016
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
The 1962 work of structural anthropology The Savage Mind by Clause Levi- Strauss argues the position of the bricoleur, a resourceful artisan who relies
primarily on mystical thought and constructs using whatever materials are available. In this thesis I argue how my modes of making are parallel to those of the bricoleur, exploring the notion that science and mystical thought are equivalent approaches to understanding the world around us. By exploring aspects of nature, time and space, I invocate the ancient past through my references to indigenous cultures and insert my own experiences through the lens of my IPhone documented during daily rituals. I connect with my geographical home by sourcing local materials, and rely on intuition by tapping into my connection to nature and the cosmos. By blending ritual with a sculptural approach to making I curate both found and fabricated objects into carefully considered assemblages.
Language
English (en)
Program Director
Patricia J. Olynyk
Program Director's Department
Graduate School of Art
Committee Member
Michael Byron
Committee Member
Michael Byron
Committee Member
Jessica Baran
Committee Member
Jeffrey Uslip
Committee Member
Andrea Stanislav
Recommended Citation
Weinberger, Julie, "The Science of the Concrete: A 21st Century Bricoleur" (2016). Graduate School of Art Theses. ETD 67. https://doi.org/10.7936/K7057D68.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/samfox_art_etds/67
Artist's Statement
The 1962 work of structural anthropology The Savage Mind by Clause Levi- Strauss argues the position of the bricoleur, a resourceful artisan who relies
primarily on mystical thought and constructs using whatever materials are available. In this thesis I argue how my modes of making are parallel to those of the bricoleur, exploring the notion that science and mystical thought are equivalent approaches to understanding the world around us. By exploring aspects of nature, time and space, I invocate the ancient past through my references to indigenous cultures and insert my own experiences through the lens of my IPhone documented during daily rituals. I connect with my geographical home by sourcing local materials, and rely on intuition by tapping into my connection to nature and the cosmos. By blending ritual with a sculptural approach to making I curate both found and fabricated objects into carefully considered assemblages.
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/K7057D68