Exploring organic pattern through surface design

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dawn Michelle Behling (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Erin Tapley

Abstract: My work in the MFA program has explored the use of organic, abstract images that are taken from nature and recreated and repeated in two-dimensional, mixed media work. My thesis will further explain this process. My process involves photographing various patterns in nature such as roots, tree branches, and animal patterns. The images are then enlarged or reduced to make them more abstract. I also use organic patterns in marbled papers or fabric textures. The man-made patterns mesh well with the natural images, creating more visual interest. The images are then prepared to be screen printed. These “invented” images are then printed in various layers on various papers and/or fabric surfaces. The visual texture of the piece is built up through this process. The visual texture of organic imagery is explored through the formal elements of screen printing and painting. I use screen printing in my work for the instant, repetitive results that it gives. However, I use screen printing in a painterly way, rather than the more traditional, graphic style for which it is known. My process involves building layers of screen print, paint, and papers in an improvisational manner, so the end result has visual depth and interest. My background is in surface design, so the use of surface texture, layering, and color is apparent in my current works on paper and canvas.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
color, mixed-media, nature, surface design, texture
Subjects
Screen process printing
Nature in art

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