The object of this problem in lieu of thesis has been the exploration and identification of the retained two dimensional design idiom in the sculptural format of my work. (By this, I am referring to the lateral, planar quality which often continues as part of my designs.)

For the problem in lieu of thesis, a series of ten works were created in which a male image replaced the female image; I continued to utilize the same materials, format, and centralized frontal figure. A record of the work was accomplished by maintaining a written and visual journal on progress and outcome. Some research was made into topics related to the work, and the findings from the literature comprise chapter two of the paper. In executing this body of work and researching related topics, I hoped to better understand my conscious and unconscious processes and motivations in creating both the self-portrait series and the new series.

The goal of this problem was to incorporate clear nylon monofilamnet in a series of weaves traditionally chosen for their absorbent virtues that in these cases would achieve interesting textural effects and light-reflective qualities in addition to varying degrees of transparency.

Just as packaging in its most mundane, pragmatic sense refers to the commercial and traditional aspects of jewelry, so also does display. In addition to being a mere vehicle for presentation, the idea of display creates an intriguing set of design and conceptual problems which seem to be a natural extension of my current and ongoing concerns.

I intended to create a body of work using a variety of media and a combination of imagery that is both subjective and objective in regards to representation. I incorporated into the work, words and phrases which are not related to the imagery. This has allowed the work to be variously interpreted. I wanted certain elements of the work to appear simultaneously very old and very new.

For a year I have tried to be as far away from painting (painting in a strict sense, i.e., two-dimensional, canvas, glazes, washes, etc., as possible. I successfully built a quality body of work that was formally sound and conceptually sophisticated, far surpassing my original "fiddler crab period." Now, having grown my other claw I wanted to approach painting in a comparative relation to my other body of work. Specifically, I wanted to show the valuable visual possibilities ready to be investigated in my paintings. For this reason I did not want to completely abandon painting, nor did I consider halting production of my three-dimensional pieces.

In order to become more aware of valuable characteristics that may be unique to the paintings and/or the books, I proposed to execute a body of work consisting of four sets, each set containing one painting and one book. I continued using religious icons as subject matter and the motif of the layered pentimento of the fresco as a metaphor for self-investigation.

There are three recurrent themes in my work: 1) environmental installations utilizing ecologically unsound materials 2) incorporating air space with plastics 3) conceptual inspiration derived from dreams. I proposed to address these three themes by employing materials traditionally used for industrial applications (as in plumbing supplies and dry-cleaning bags) as fine arts media using fiber related techniques in environmental sculptural pieces.

The purpose for this study was to investigate the effect of painting and drawing when used as an integral part of sculptural form. The following questions are addressed in this study: 1. Does color increase or decrease the three-dimensionality of a form? 2. When used, is color an integral part of the sculptural form or a superficial decoration? 3. Can drawn line (on the sculpture's surface) be used to flatten or deny the sculptural form? 4. Can drawn line be useful in describing or enhancing sculptural forms?

For my problem-in-lieu-of-thesis, I proposed to do a collaborative installation involving three or four spaces which incorporate multi-media and audience participation. My intent was to focus on the decision-making process for creating an installation.