The Chemistry of My Affections

• Main Author: Smith, David Scott
• Other Authors: Robert S. Silverman
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: LSU 2005
• Subjects: Art
• Online Access: http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-06132005-160237/

Although I have always been interested in the origins of my thought processes and the methods and compulsions that motivate my work, in past work I have avoided self portraiture, or blatant explorations into my own sense of self. With my thesis project I wanted to conduct an express exploration into the psychology of my motivations. My initial goal was to create an environment, a sense of place, where both the viewer and myself are drawn into the work, and confronted with a unique experience of personal expression. The focal point is a bath enclosed within a grotto, which symbolizes a wide range of personal issues: spirituality, sexuality, sensuality, privacy, cleansing, honesty, shame, health, taboo, perversity . . . all things that embody my sense of self and self-esteem. The bath is the center of a triptych, and each piece is embellished with imagery that reflects a system of personal mythologies. These tableaus will further expand the nature of the Chemistry of My Affections and their importance to my artistic exploration.