Defense Date
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Craft/Material Studies
First Advisor
Annie Evelyn
Second Advisor
Jack Wax
Third Advisor
Blair Clemo
Fourth Advisor
Susie Ganch
Abstract
I began by making what I called "furniture": finding discarded logs and using a chainsaw, I milled out slabs of wood far larger than any normal board or beam, and gave them the function of chair, table, shelf. Sometimes it was a "shelf" in name only, and was commentary on furniture. In my practice, using discarded wood is necessary for the sake of the earth; making original pieces is necessary for the sake of my soul. I am reminded of megaliths when I erect these enormous forms in wood. I make intuitively, and like the meaning of megaliths, obscured by distant time, I am often unaware of what exactly drives me to create, or what my pieces mean. Only after they are made can I make sense of them. But I think it unnecessary and impossible to completely understand making in an intellectual or rational way. Sometimes the use of metaphor is more illuminating, and this thesis makes use of much metaphor. The fourth chapter deals specifically with my thesis exhibition, there is a puddle in stonehenge. It is an inner exploration of my understanding of, and motivation for, what I have created. For what I will create.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-30-2026