Abstract

Through the use of wearable objects, the topic of human skin is explored in its various states to give audiences a different outlook on beauty in society and the ways skin can map the human experience. Various materials and techniques were used to create jewelry and wearable sculptures to facilitate this discussion. Metal, silicone rubber, plastics, and fibers were used to explore this topic of our perceptions of ourselves and what our appearances project onto the world. Three different approaches were used to talk about skin and scarring. First, silicone rubber and copper and silver wire frames were utilized to create body sculptures that were celebrating the beauty of skin in different states other than the state most often associated with human beauty (young, clean, unscarred skin). The second approach used plastics and fibers to create personal narrative pieces about individual’s stories of their scars and birthmarks. Visual cues from their stories and the shapes of their marks were used for visual inspiration. Finally, a more general approach to the variations of textures human skin can take on through daily life were explored in precious metals, such as silver and gold.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Artist-designed jewelry--Themes, motives; Art metal-work--Themes, motives; Metal sculpture--Themes, motives; Skin in art

Publication Date

7-23-2017

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Metals and Jewelry Design (MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

School for American Crafts (CIAS)

Advisor

Juan Carlos Caballero-Perez

Advisor/Committee Member

Leonard Urso

Advisor/Committee Member

Peter Pincus

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

METAL-MFA

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