Frustration

Kasey Specian

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: Fine Arts

Faculty Research Mentor: Julie Harris

Abstract:

Self portrait using charcoal and graphite on archival paper, size 22x30". A dark and heavy bottom suggests the sinking in this emotion of frustration. With quick marks of highlights above to indicate light, hoping for better days but does not seem assured. Aggressive markings on the arms and shoulders add to this feeling of wanting to get out of a dark situation. The face is sheltered to hide from embarrassment yet visible tattoos that indicate who she is. Tight knuckled fingers lets the viewer feel the intensity of these emotions.I created this piece during an independent study with the influence of German Expressionism as a tool of therapy. My marriage was blissful yet dark, promising but hopeless, loving and heartbreaking. All these emotions left me with a myriad amount of frustration; enough to peel my face off. I still wonder today, did I make the right choice? A new kind of frustration.