This paper discusses five works the author created and the thought process that went into the creation of these works. Helen Altman discusses the fascination with temporary or process pieces and the use of commonplace materials to depict a message.

My concerns relate to the process of imagery development and the process of utilizing suitable materials to execute my work. These concerns are dictated by the themes in a particular piece and revolve around an acute sense of loss. These themes are frequently presented with humor.

The problem of this investigation was to determine if there was a relationship between scale, forma and technique in the making of welded steel sculpture, and to determine the best method(s) of working on three size categories and in two basic categories of form. The size categories were two to four feet, four to eight feet and over eight feet in any dimension with the other dimensions such that the sculpture enclosed a volume of space. The two categories of form were geometric or inorganic (forms based on geometry or mathematics) and organic (forms found in, or resembling those in nature). The effects of scale, form, and technique(s) in the production of these sculptures were observed and a determination was made concerning which technique presented the most advantageous approach to the creation of welded steel sculpture in each category.

The purposes of this Problem in Lieu of Thesis are: 1. To explore the use of stretched fabric over constructed wire armatures to create sculptural forms that suggest the potential for flight; and 2. To evaluate the artistic merits of such forms as they relate to an interior architectural environment.

At the time of writing the proposal, one part of me wanted to move ahead and explore the new territory, while another part wanted to understand what I was leaving behind. I proposed to examine the following questions in order to resolve this dilemma: 1. What common personal themes or ideas are behind my work? How can I clarify and refine these themes to make them more manifest in my work? 2. Do I need to investigate new materials in order to express and explore my concerns? 3. Can I form a relation between my use of imagery and materials? Could new materials or objects replace this imagery? 4. Are new formal strategies needed that would link the use of my materials, objects, and imagery?