Expression of Peer Loss Through Typography and Combined Media

Abstract

The purpose of this honors creative thesis is to gain a general understanding of the emotional consequences experiencing the loss of a peer can pose for an individual and then expressing these findings through a typographic and mixed media body of artwork. I conducted an anonymous survey that was distributed through social media, which asked various questions regarding the memory of those who have passed away and the changing perceptions of death. After conducting the survey, I compiled and sorted through the responses to create seven typographic posters, each focusing on poignant words or phrases extracted from a selection of the participants' answers. Subsequently, I experimented with and utilized an everyday material to hand create the letters in each of the prints. These posters will be installed in an art exhibit at the Cosmoart Studio on 4th Ave. Tucson, AZ on December 10th and 11th of 2015. In addition to the posters, I designed and bound a book that both literally and symbolically represents another selection of the survey responses through typographic and graphic experimentation. Lastly, I sculpted a series of silicone ears accompanied by a sound component to be installed within the art studio.