Kenzie Nelson: capstone
Date
2020
Authors
Nelson, Kenzie, artist
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Abstract
The artist's statement: My work focuses on crafting objects that are difficult to interact with, to express my fears related to intimacy and vulnerability as a woman. Interactions that have robbed me of feelings of safety and personal space have left me with the desire to defend and protect my body. Creating something untouchable or sharp speaks to this protective stance, visually and physically deterring the viewer from overstepping boundaries. Power associations applied to objects is also something that interests me, particularly within objects that are gendered. These objects can be in place to hold power over external things/people or give power to the wearer. Objects like belt buckles are essentially trophies on display at the waist aim to exude male dominance in an effort intimidate others and demonstrate strength. Incorporating traditionally feminine image and symbol into masculine objects is something I explore in my work as a source of self-empowerment and to provoke conversation about gender dynamics. I am fascinated by the way our society deems certain places, objects, or people worthy of protecting and neglects others. Religious sites reveal a variety of ways that these messages can be communicated. It can be more straightforward in the form of spiked decorative fences around a cemetery or more coded with symbols such as quatrefoils integrated into the decoration of churches. Relating these themes of protecting structures and the physical body continues to be a source of inspiration as I am creating these objects.
Description
Colorado State University Art and Art History Department capstone project.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
Capstone contains the artist's statement, a list of works, and images of works.
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Subject
metalsmithing