Document Type
Thesis - campus only access
Date of Award
Spring 1997
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
Department
Art
Advisor
Linda Gangstrom
Abstract
The study of art history in graduate school exercises constant influence on my work and reinforced my desire to travel and experience various aspects of nature and culture. A major influence apparent in the works exhibited results from my residence in Hawaii where the natural elements of fire, water, earth and air are magnified and revered. The Hawaiians evolve methods of worship which mystically link heaven and earth by the belief that all of nature and the material world is animated by living spiritual ancestors or “Aumakua”. These spirits appear in the form of plants, animals, humans, cosmic forces, wind, mountains, and the sea. They relate to them as family or kin, offering assistance in the tasks of daily assistance. The idea of objects created of spirit and matter is central to the practice of sculpture. Hans and Shulamith Kreitler state, “Sculpture has often been regarded as an art which represents both concretely and symbolically the magic-laden combination of spirit and matter, meaning and material, which lies at the base of all culture”.
Recommended Citation
Coulter, Meg R., "Aumakua : Sacred Ancestors of Paradise" (1997). Master's Theses. 2618.
DOI: 10.58809/GYKW8231
Available at:
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/2618
Rights
© 1997 Meg R. Coulter
Comments
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