Maddy Thompson: capstone

Abstract

The artist's statement: My work exists at the intersection of sculpture, painting, and photography, where I challenge conventional ideas of beauty. I recognize paired down beauty and the importance of appreciating it during the process. My big concern is when customary standards are removed, is there still intrinsic value in the form? Can we rest in our natural state and be genuinely admired, or are we constantly obliged to put on an aesthetic show? I incorporate found, discarded objects in my work, contrasting them with organic forms and materials to evoke unfamiliar moments and provoke reflection. By combining these elements, I create works that balance the raw and the refined, the familiar and the strange. My materials: dried flowers, worn fabrics, and industrial materials all serve as vessels for memory, fantasy, and sensory reflection. Through meticulous layering and sometimes overworking my pieces, I craft spaces that feel intimate. My process explores the tension between perfection and imperfection, inviting us to reexamine what we consider beautiful. I aim to build worlds where simplicity and quietness hold power. A place where the smallest details invite pause and the act of simply existing is enough.