Use of the personal symbol
by Mary Ann Kelly
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts
Montana State University
© Copyright by Mary Ann Kelly (1980)
Abstract:
no abstract found in this volume USE OF THE PERSONAL SYMBOL
by
-Tv''
M a r y A n n Kelly
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the degree
•of
Master of Fine Arts
Approved:
raduate Committee
Head, Major
Graduate Dean
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Bozeman, Montana
J u n e , 1980
STATEMENT OF PERMISSION TO COPY
In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for an advanced degree at Montana State
University, I agree that the Library shall make it freely
available for inspection.
I further, agree that permission
for extensive copying of this thesis for scholarly purposes
may be granted by my major professor, or, in his absence, by
the Director of Libraries.
It is understood that any copying
or publication of this thesis for financial gain shall not be
allowed without my written permission.
Signature
Date
/
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A R T I S T ’S'STATEMENT.
•
.
M y w o r k is an ongoing dialogue concerning my searchings and .
discoveries.
language.
'
■
The process combines the concept and object into a visual
Direct and intimate contact with materials records the activ­
ity and t h o u g h t .
Although I think technical ability may facilitate
.
expression, I believe it is equally important to have an openness in
responding to materials.
Formal concerns gain significance when they,
operate on a personal symbolic level that is integrated with the visual.A personal symbol in visual form has a multilevel of functions.
triggers a recall of relationships and mean i n g s .
is often an esoteric metaphor.
It
The personal symbol
The individual must encounter the
symbol and allow for ap open response to it just as the artist allowed
when searching for it.
It is not important t h a t .all people always agree-
on the meanings, rather that the encounter with it is evocative.
The w o r k reflects m y life in terms that are concealed within the
forms, so that marks, colors and images are symbols and signs that
speak on an internal l e v e l .
transformed in vision.
Through use of intuition, knowledge is
M y intuition includes a subconscious order of
responses, ideas,, sensibilities and instincts acting collectively in a
conscious movement.
Searching for and clarifying my sense of order is
a concern that has repeatedly surfaced in my work.
The marks, struc­
tural elements and colors often refer to counting.
For example certain
pieces involve aspects of repetition and the process refers to the
iv
number system that has been established to express a specific concern.
Working and the w o r k .connect me with order and visual language.
V
TITLES
1.
Seduction (side one)
2.
Seduction (side two)
3.
Seduction (detail)
4.
Journey
5.
Red River of Tears .
6.
Red River of Tears (detail)
7.
Catching Forbidden Wishes
8.
Not Just Now-.
9.
Count me in. Count me- out, Clickity Clack
. .
10.
Count me in (detail)
11.
Count me in (detail)
12.
Blind Fan
13.
Broken Mirror
14.
Code:
15.
Secret Fragments Found in a Dream
16.
Secret Fragments Found in a Dream
Enchantment and Deception
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