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