Defense Date

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Craft/Material Studies

First Advisor

Susie Ganch

Second Advisor

Bohyun Yoon

Third Advisor

Annie Evelyn

Abstract

Through the exploration of the personal and social impacts of prescription medications on the human condition, I have discovered that the side effects of prescription medications on myself and others are much greater than I had ever anticipated. The deeper I dig into my subconscious, the further back I find that the impact was created. Most of us are taught at a young age to take medicine when we don’t feel well. Stomach ache, headache, sore throat, fever, even the imaginary boo boo is given a pill to cure. As we age we begin to reach for pills due to other ailments, or what may be deemed as an ailment: weight, concentration, emotional stability, beauty, etc. In these teachings, we have created habits. Habits that we don’t even realize that we have become accustomed to. So, while you may be taking only one pill a day for the occasional headache, or a 30-day treatment, customizing yourself to reach for the bottle, open it, insert it into the mouth, and swallow is an instinct that you have now developed for life.

From personal experiences, social interactions, media, and cultural influences, I create, I write, I perform, I question, and I repeat. The statements included in this writing are my opinions alone. I have been forever changed by the side effects that come with taking pills.

Rights

© Shannon Kurzyniec

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

4-27-2024

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