Art Theses and Dissertations

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Browsing Art Theses and Dissertations by Author "Lewis, Henry"

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    Terminal Project Report: A Series of Paintings
    (University of Oregon, 1955-06) Lewis, Henry
    Objective: a series of paintings employing forms derived from abstraction of details of nature. For a prolonged period after graduation I delved into symmetries, complicated planes, integration of detail, pictures using the grid system, paintings involving flat patterned, a mild form of Cubism, paintings using only varied intensities of similar color to denote depth or projection and other approaches. These investigations at the time appeared unrewarding and there was very little sense of satisfaction for the paths of investigation seemed to keep bending back upon themselves instead of leading me forward. Finally I realized that I must take inventory of myself. Why was I uninterested in the problems that the majority of the students around me were interested in? Why did I often find it difficult to understand constructive criticisms of the work on my easel at the moment? Why was I painting? In this final question I found my answer. I was painting for the pleasure of creating, a projection of self, be it good or bad. I was neither an accomplished colorist nor an orderly perceptionist and I hated to admit that many technical details escaped my understanding yet I found myself attempting to employ devices and means apparently useful to others but relatively meaningless to me. At times the frustration prior to this self-analysis established a wall between instructors and myself but I am sure the instructors were no more disturbed by what they found on my easel than I was with my lack of direction.