Working from the body : subjectivity and the artistic process

This paper is about the subjectivity of the body, and what this means in terms of my artistic practice. Composed in two sections, the first section addresses issues of personal history as content, the use of language in relationship to visual art, and experimental language as a tool to communicate visceral knowledge. I discuss the feminist critique of cultural, artistic and academic hierarchies, and explore how these themes inform my work. The second section examines the body of work I have developed within the MFA program. I explain the artists who have influenced my development, and give specific examples, whenever possible, of formal and conceptual influences. I use images of my own paintings, studio, and exhibitions to illustrate the progression of my practice. In conclusion, I contemplate the upcoming thesis exhibition, and explain my intentions regarding its completion.