Stage 5

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

Watkins College of Art

Department

Art, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Thomas Sturgill

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

For many, grief is a cycle of discomfort, followed by soft, quiet moments, before you are plunged back into discomfort. This piece is for people who have not experienced this cycle, giving them a way to peek behind the curtain. This work was designed to induce discomfort, followed by release. In the design process, I kept visualizing an attic-like space as that release. After this release, I knew I wanted the viewer to have to go back into the discomfort (mirroring the cyclical nature of the grieving process). The viewer needs to know that they cannot stay in the comfortable space forever. I want the viewer to get the context of losing a loved one at the end, and if they are willing, to reflect on their experience, or go through it again. I want the viewer to see that the world keeps spinning. You go through this odd and sometimes frightening experience, and yet there is always someone waiting for you to move on to the next thing. Your release is not always as quiet and comfortable as the attic; sometimes it is going to work, or school, or just getting out of bed and going about your day. Yes, this was weird…but hey, let’s reflect on how weird it was together.

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