This thesis explains the stories and concepts behind each piece that was discussed on the opening night of my MFA Exhibition. The works, entitled Film Noir, Brains, Trains, and Beer, The Boy Next Door, Peterbuilt, and 10-50, H-1, was discussed more specifically and in greater detail. Speaking in public has always been a difficult task, especially on the subject of my art. My images deal with the highly intense subject matter of violence inflicted onto others as a result of human social behaviors. These vile social behaviors are translated into colorful and humorous lithographs, etchings, and drawings. These images are displayed to the public for individual interpretation. This thesis discusses audience interpretation before the literal meaning is revealed, how much information should be revealed to the viewer, and how this information manipulates the aesthetics of the piece.

I have been working with horses as imagery for about seven years and my problem in lieu of thesis continued along this vein by researching the roles of the horse in history, specifically mobility, and developing work that creates visual links between the past and present roles of horses. I am a printmaker and the work involved in the project consists of prints that use layers of related images and juxtaposition of unrelated images to accomplish my goals of cohesion between horses and the machinery that has replaced them. As the project developed the links between past and present society became my impetus rather the horse and mobility, and my future work will respond to this.

My creative intent is to connect with viewers at an emotional level. My chosen metaphor is “Peeling the Onion.” The implication of the metaphor is that understanding is achieved after one looks below the surface and views the underlying “layers.” The challenge is to find images that are personally interesting and also connect with the viewer. At times the creative process proceeds in linear manner and at other times it seems to take on a life of its own. During my search for a balance between the literal and ambiguous, I explored the circle, the spiral and the sphere. Printmaking offers unique opportunities to produce evocative imagery. Drawing is the basic tool I employ to define form and my use of printmaking processes allows for evolving the image over time. The immediacy and spontaneity of my drawings is combined with a methodical approach to image development. Exploring the spiral, sphere, circles and the metaphor “Peeling the Onion” has provided me a means of giving a form to my concepts and hopefully a connection with the viewer.

This thesis covers a series of etchings created between 1998 and 2000 in completion of the requirements for graduation. The paper covers the origins and implications of the symbology within the artwork as well as the natural settings displayed. It also speaks of the mythos of art and symbols, as well as my strategy in Art making.

Document that details the conception, evolution and conclusions of a body of work consisting of seven prints executed in the printmaking technique of intaglio printing in the manner of the state print. The work is discussed by explaining the visual and conceptual associations that occur in an "Alice In Wonderland" manner, where the initial idea is paired with seemingly unrelated topics to establish a progressive visual language. This language is further supported by discussing a comparative of the state print with the idea of the sketchbook as a tool of thought generation and elaboration. The technical aspects of intaglio and the choice of techniques utilized are discussed to support this comparison. How the quality of the prints reflects the quality of the sketchbook and how these techniques combine with the conceptual reasoning, which result in the body of work. Findings for the work are based on three questions that deal with the progression of conceptual reasoning, predictability of recurring ideas and the intentions of the technical choices made.

Static Bustle is a gradute work that explores relationships between visual art and sound through experiments with new and traditional media, including sound, video, digital images prints and fibers. Through strategic processes of layering and repetition, the researcher seamlessly unifies this remarkable range of media into an accessible and cohesive vision. Overall, this research shows visual and sonic pattern achieved through repetitive processes.

In an effort to continue the conceptual and aesthetic growth started in graduate school, I have produced a body of work dealing with the relation between the fragmentation of the figure and the self-perception of beauty. I produced twelve prints that have been exhibited at Cora Stafford Gallery. I have analyzed the body of work conceptually and formally and chose to discuss six pieces in a problem- in lieu-of-thesis. My work and book references informed the content of the paper. I divided it into three chapters; Introduction, Description of the Work, and the Conclusion. Within the body of the paper the paragraphs are sectioned into descriptions, methodology and intent of the six pieces. I went into detail of the process and content and addressed the questions posted in the Statement of Problem.

I believe that the ability to change and freely rearrange a drawing or painting by erasing or painting over a mistake allowed me the freedom of spontaneity, whereas the perceived finality of printmaking hindered a freer approach. I began to start thinking of my prints as if they were my paintings or drawings. Fully freeing myself from planning any of my work has led to some unforeseen consequences. I have begun to realize that the work creates a life of its own. Some works have a greater influence over me and tend to live longer in my work. These pieces, whether they are drawings, paintings or prints, start a chain of ideas that push me to investigate new areas of conceptual and formal application related somehow to these first influential works.

Titled after a poem by Edgar Allan Poe, From Every Depth of Good and Ill, is an exhibition composed of vignettes created with ceramic sculpture, ephemeral installation works, and printmaking. The work primarily references domesticity and antiquated subjects to illustrate the process of coping with past trauma and the resultant feelings of shame, inadequacy, and incompleteness. Marked by a palette of warm rust and sepia, aged patterning, and worn textures, the tableau of objects presented within the space mimic old familial photographs. Each resulting work serves as a dirty looking-glass for the viewer to peer through.

An artwork titled "Detail of Prayer Room" by artist Sunil Lama, entitled "Prayer Room – “पूजा कोठा”" in the Cora Stafford Gallery, South, UNT Art Building, 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX 76201 from April 24 to April 27, 2024. "Prayer Room – “पूजा कोठा”" explores the realms of self-awareness of being through my dual identities Buddhist and Nepali. This exhibition aims to create an environment where one is invited to become aware of the present moment through the senses and find a profound sense of quiet and freedom.

A Show title of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An installation view (No. 1) of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An installation view (No. 2) of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An installation view (No. 3) of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Thank You Neighbor Guy" as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "I carry it with me wherever I go" (No. 1) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "I carry it with me wherever I go" (No. 2) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Comfort Object" (No. 1) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Comfort Object" (No. 2) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Big Softie" (No. 1) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Big Softie" (No. 2) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

An artwork titled "Big Softie" (No. 3) as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Caroline Wilson, entitled "Touched and Loved and Worn" in the Paul Voertman Gallery North, North 1201 Mulberry St. Denton, TX from April 24 to April 27, 2024. Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, artist assesses how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects.

Touched and Loved and Worn is an exhibition that explores the meanings embedded in contemporary material culture. Using clutter, craft materials, and the aesthetics of kitsch, I assess how cultural identity and personal memory are established through the production and dissemination of objects. I embrace the self-referential nature of kitsch by drawing attention to the materiality of objects and their market saturation. Through the collection, curation, and construction of mundane objects, I invite the viewer to reconsider the cultural paradigms within Americana. These pieces are explorations of how materials embody culture and memory.

A collection of artworks as part of 2024 MFA exhibition by artist Kristin Boyer, entitled "OK to Play" in the North Cora Stafford Gallery 1201 W Mulberry St, Denton, TX from April 3 to April 6, 2024. OK to Play is an exhibition that explores the development of communication skills through objects and imagery related to play. Invented symbols inspired by English and Japanese letters along with animal characters form the basis of two- and three-dimensional artwork that conveys the joys and struggles of connecting with other people.