Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MFA

College

College of Creative Arts

Department

Printmaking

Committee Chair

Joseph Lupo

Committee Member

Anne McFarland

Committee Member

Michael Sherwin

Abstract

This written document is the accompanying thesis for my Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, Botanical Folktales, shown in the Laura Mesaros Gallery at West Virginia University (displayed March 20-23, 2023). It documents the research, motivations, and processes presented in the artwork displayed throughout the gallery. Through prints and artist’s books this body of work represents my pursuit to connect, understand and share gratitude for native plants of Appalachia. Plants are my muse to reconnect and learn about the living environment. Not only do plants hold stories and signify different meanings in every culture, but also nourish our bodies and bring people together. This work strives to elevate the importance of specific native species by presenting different avenues for understanding. Nostalgic and sweet, I chose to focus on native wildflowers because of their aesthetic beauty, role in human culture, and the stories they carry. In the end, the work in this exhibition is intended to celebrate native plant species of Appalachia and educate about their stories.

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