Judith Darliska Hubbard, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses Assignment

The Decay of the Living

Pen and ink on paper

11" x 14"

From the book A Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman:

“In University of Illinois primate experiments, researchers found that a lack of touch produced brain damage.” (p. 76)

“Some children who live in emotionally destructive homes just stop growing.” (p. 75).

“And people who aren't touched much as children don't touch much as adults, so the cycle continues” (p. 73).

Statement:

I wanted the viewer to immediately feel repulsed at the sight of this drawing.  What happens to someone when they are never touched?  Some become stunted in growth, others have mental disorders, and some may even wither to death.  The image represents a young woman who had potential, but was never held.  Someone who was never touched when a baby, that person would grow up to a problem child, and a cycle continues.  A cycle like the one behind the figure’s head.  However, the circle is not complete.  There is always a hope that society can change for the better.  And perhaps this change can come from love at an early age.

 

Josh Fuentes, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses Assignment

Phantoms of a Painful Past

Digital Artwork

“In the classic phenomenon of phantom limb pain, the brain gets faulty signals and continues to feel pain in a limb that has been amputated...” 

-Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, p. 104

Statement: 

The image explores a range of emotions related to amputation. The facial expression and grasping of the wrist communicate pain, a sense of begrudging familiarity and sadness. The dramatic lighting, portrayed with bright yellow and jagged marks, enhance the feeling of pain.  

 

Sierra Burton, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses Assignment

Frozen Fibers 

Frozen Yarn and Hair in an 8-ounce Glass

“Even though we can’t puff up our fur the way other animals do, either to look big and mean or to keep warm, we have tiny leftover erector pili muscles that cause some of our hairs to stand up when we’re cold or scared.” Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of the Senses, page 93. 

Statement: The idea behind this piece was to show the human delicacy that can come with fear. From afar, the hair seems to be soft and suspended in water. However, to the touch, the fibers are cold and frozen, formed into spikes. 

 

Michaela Rataiczak, Student Work, Natural History of the Senses

The Body is a Cage

Ink and Human Hair on Paper

8" x 8"

 

Alyssa Tibero, Student Work, A Natural History of The Senses Assignment

 

Touched

Digital Poster

"Language is steeped in metaphors of touch. We call our emotions feelings, and we care most deeply when something "touches" us." 

-Diane Ackerman, A Natural History of The Senses, Page 70

Statement: 

We are touched by things on a day to day basis. Whether it be being complimented on fashion and beauty, being rewarded for a job well done, or being ridiculed by society based on societal norms, spoken language plays a big role in "touching" people all over the world. Words have a lot of meaning behind them. They can cause happiness, grief, and depression. I represented the negative spoken language that is often heard in society today through graphic art. In my graphic design, I showed how negative words and phrases can affect a human being. Often times, negative language "touches" people with negative feelings, such as sadness or anger. Therefore, the emphasis on spreading "love" and not "hate" is what I believe the new societal norm should be. 

Student Work, Gregor's Room Assignment

Paper Sculpture

No adhesives. White copy paper and ink. 

In response to Franz Kafka's short story, The Metamorphosis.

Student Work, Figurative Bust Sculpture Assignment

Amaco Air-Dry Clay with other materials.