Beyond the surface : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

It was the encounter with a mythical tribal object that inspired me to test sculpture as a process for transformation. Not everyone trusts that material things contain an inherent spirit of substance, yet most of us are familiar with some kind of folk belief about mythical objects. To explore modern semblances of the mythical object, I work with keepsakes, found objects and paraphernalia and their emotive potential. Backing away from the ‘everlasting monumental’ approach of having to leave a colossal impression for the cultural visitant, I affirm the capacity of sculpture to operate as a transitory social practice.