Katrina's crescendo

Abstract

<p>This thesis explores sculptures that are directly dependant on my life experience before, during and after Hurricane Katrina. This event has changed not only the way I look at life, but also the way I create art. Prior to the hurricane, my artwork was much more formalist. I tried to let the natural beauty of the material take front seat and rarely dealt with the conceptual side. Post Katrina, I find political undertones in just about everything I create. The storm has opened my eyes to the fact that nothing is neutral and that politics surround everything we do in America. I now feel that as an artist, it is my job to express my opinions through my artwork. The opinions that I have formed in order to bring me to these conclusions may not be agreeable to everyone, but I believe in them deeply. These feelings have created the first sense of emotional certainty I have felt since the onset of Hurricane Katrina.</p>