Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MA
College
College of Creative Arts
Committee Chair
Michael Sherwin, MFA
Committee Member
Anne McFarland, MS, ATR-BC
Committee Member
Dylan Collins, MFA
Committee Member
Nichole Van Beek, MFA
Abstract
This document outlines my artistic research on building a symbiotic relationship with land throughout life and death, eco-philosophy, and the significance of natural decomposition. It explores green burial practices in Western society, delves into the history of basketry, and draws inspiration from the mutualistic effort of returning our organic energy to the Earth. The recontextualization of what “death” is and reciprocal outlooks are central to this work. My aim is to honor this cycle through creations that incorporate plant matter in hopes that, one day, I can create artwork with completely compostable materials.
My art embodies these themes and is rooted in ethical plant foraging and primitive artistic craft, such as weaving, symbolizing our kinship with the environment in both life and death. The ultimate goal is for the ephemeral artwork to embrace decay and decompose in a manner that feeds the soil and the microorganisms it will inevitably encounter, much like ourselves.
Recommended Citation
McCarty, Lindsay Jo, "Return to Soil" (2024). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 12658.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12658
Included in
Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts Commons, Interdisciplinary Arts and Media Commons, Photography Commons, Sculpture Commons