Capstones

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These digital collections contain Department of Art and Art History capstone projects from 2012 to present, organized into themes by studio art concentration.

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Now showing 1 - 20 of 873

Open Access
Aaron Cooper: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Cooper, Aaron, artist
The artist's statement: As a designer, I am a firm believer in creating a bold statement. In order to create a clean design, you must also "un-design," removing any elements that are unnecessary. With design I am able to form an underlying grid, where every element finds itself aligned with another element or shape on the page. I often simplify objects into their most basic elements in order to create an interesting, uncluttered design. I utilize type in a large amount of my work. I enjoy typography as an art as well as a means of communication. By contrasting bold type with thinner alternatives one can lead the viewer's eye throughout the page. Highlighting important information in a contrasting font can create an interesting design element to designate a bold focal point on the page to draw the viewer into the piece. I begin a piece by sketching out some basic layouts by hand. This helps me to get an idea of the best way to align the information in an eye- catching way while remaining legible and easy for the viewer to follow and it also allows me to get out all of my ideas while building off of others. After I have worked out these ideas manually, I bring them to life on the computer. During this process I will often find that my original idea on paper does not perfectly translate when the exact proportions are presented. The layouts are adjusted to the needs of the design. My favorite software is Photoshop because it allows for alignment as well as many tools such as filters and effects in order to achieve the perfect project allowing for endless inspiration and possibilities. When creating my designs I begin with establishing which piece of information should be the focal point of the piece. I then place the other elements on the page asymmetrically aligning with specific points on the focal point, as well as aligning with the other images and text used throughout the piece. I believe that the best designs appear to have their components distributed randomly throughout the page; but one finds that every element is specifically aligned to another found in the piece. My work describes me as an artist as well as a person. As a stubborn perfectionist, my designs reflect my personality by carefully placing components in relation to one another while maintaining an edginess that makes them unique. I have always attempted to add an element of my eccentricity into my work to show a piece of myself through my designs. In something as simple as my magazine spread, although it is extremely precise and technical, I tried to use bold and colorful photos to liven the design and show my personality. However, I believe that a design must ultimately speak for its self to be considered truly successful. If I have done a good job on my work, my personality should be able to shine through the typography and reflect me as a designer.
Open Access
Abbie Downes: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Downes, Abbie, artist
The artist's statement: Within this body of work I aim to touch on the idea of anonymity: the lack of individual features. I express this idea quite literally with the removal of facial features from my models. Yet, each of them is like a book, complex with their own unique story. We are told as children to never judge a book by its cover, yet as time goes on that idea seems to wear off. My work deals with the trouble we all face when it comes to relating to others and the initial stages of all relationships we form throughout our lives.
Open Access
Abbie Downes: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Downes, Abbie, artist
The artist's statement: My work deals with how I perceive the world around me, as most art does for artists. When it comes to printmaking I find I represent the natural world around me using two different methods. As a travel junkie I am always longing for my next trip and studying the world I live in. A section of this body of work includes simple, bright designs that represent specific landscapes around the world from warm desert lands to harsh cool mountains. I also explore the style of maps and create my representation of countries around the world using fine lines and bold color blocks. Both styles depict how I view the natural world and the constant beauty that existed long before us.
Open Access
Abigail Cohen: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2018) Cohen, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: Graphic Design provides diversity in product and content. It asks you to solve a problem creatively and to communicate visually and effectively. In my work I strive to create design solutions that are both clear in function and are aesthetically pleasing. I like to employ my skills of illustration and hand lettering to create unique pieces.
Open Access
Abigail Curran: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Curran, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: I have never had a personal connection to the label "graphic design" because that does not eloquently describe how I create. I have always been very passionate and caring about other people no matter how familiar I am with them and I like to approach my designs in a similar way. I listen to what is generally expected and I add my own sense of personality to that conversation through bold color, playful typography, and composition that really activates the space it consumes. My goal with design is not only functionality but also personality, to create an experience that surprises people like a great plot twist in a novel. I want people to look at something that may seem ordinary and appreciate the joy of surprise. My illustration style is a mixture of surrealistic whimsy and stylized realism that I create both digitally and traditionally. My typography is compartmentalized, bold, and playful like me. My work is me; quirky, elegant, humorous, quick witted, intellectual and adaptive. The interpersonal relationship I aim to create between type and imagery is a conversation that I treat with the same attention and care that I would with people I talk to. My current work focuses primarily on how my arrangement of type and image evoke different emotion and elements of surprise. My intent is to communicate my passion and personality through my design by stimulating people's curiosity in what could have been mundane. I want to elevate the ordinary objects people use every day and give them personality not just functionality.
Open Access
Abigail Flitton: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Flitton, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: As an illustrator and designer, I strive to use my skills in drawing and storytelling to create compelling and functional work. Hand-drawn type is a common feature within my work. I also explore the ways in which traditional art media can be melded within the digital world, in order to build off of the foundations of vector illustration and inorganic typography. My work is diverse, showcasing my whimsical illustration style when appropriate, yet utilizing essential design elements of typography and hierarchy to function as a communication tool.
Open Access
Abigail Flitton: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2021) Flitton, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: I am a photographer who focuses on analog materials and processes within my work. I feel that the process and medium in which the work is created inform the conceptual aspect of the work immensely. Through re3the use of film capture and alternative processes such as cyanotype, I often discuss issues of memory and other intangible emotional conditions. Artists such as Todd Hido and Ruth Thorne-Thomsen inform my practice in how I express these intangible conditions through color, light, and composition. Currently, I am exploring memory through photographing houses and manipulating the negative to print cyanotypes to create soft-focus images. The ethereal and evocative result is heightened by the hand-torn printing paper, brush strokes, and toning processes.
Open Access
Abigail Galvin: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Galvin, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: Through documentation or metaphor, I seek to understand how both our sense of agency and our sense of restriction are deeply tied to an awareness of our own bodies. The result of this process is two interrelated series of work. On one hand, I use abject elements of the body to analyze issues of identity and control. On the other hand, motion and interaction explore an ecstatic sense of freedom and connection. In all of the work, the human body is focused on as an interface where these conflicting senses merge and create tension.
Open Access
Abigail Howshar: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2023) Howshar, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: As a graphic designer, I am passionate about creating visually compelling designs that effectively communicate a message or tell a story. Being born and raised in Colorado my work is deeply influenced by the natural beauty and the environment. I am constantly inspired by the colors, textures, and patterns found in the mountains and cities that surround me. My goal is to create designs that not only look beautiful but also serve a functional purpose. Whether it's a logo, a website, or a print advertisement, I strive to create designs that capture the essence of a brand or project and resonate with its intended audience. I believe that design is about connecting people on another level. I approach each project with attention to detail and a deep understanding of the principles of design. I first begin my process by researching trends and topics as well as the target audience. Then I define my project by sketching and creating mood boards. Next, I create, refine, and present my final production while leaving room for review and evaluation. Each project and client are unique, and it is my job to ensure that their vision is brought to life. Ultimately, my goal as a graphic designer is to create designs that inspire and engage people, while also helping clients and businesses achieve their goals. Whether it's through typography, color, or composition, I strive to create designs that leave a lasting impression and make a positive impact. I am constantly exploring new techniques and always learning. No matter where my work takes me, I will always be rooted in my love of nature that Colorado has raised me with.
Open Access
Abigail Sanford: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Sanford, Abigail, artist
The artist's statement: For my recent body of work I have been using photos and memories from my four month study abroad experience in Florence, Italy. I was influenced deeply by the work of the Renaissance masters as well as the architecture and general appreciation of art throughout the entire culture. This series is a visual re-creation of several unique and beautiful scenes from my trip. I've wanted to create a body of work that not only captures my time abroad, but also expresses the meaning and growth I experienced while away from home. My work explores the idea of how our memories can be changed by our emotions in order to know our true selves. Our emotional selves are such an important facet of our humanity. Being able to understand our feelings and manage them well is vital in being a healthy person. Suppressing and ignoring our feelings can be as unhealthy as mismanaging our emotions. Through personal reflection, I have come to understand and see the benefit of our emotional lives. We can choose to lean into that part of our existence which will create a richer and more meaningful experience of life. I have designed images of my personal sketches and photos by laser printing them onto acrylic plastic. Each color is overlapped or embedded into the design to exude a mood or emotion associated with each image. This comparison shows how memories can lose detail over time and the memories associated with rich emotions fade less. My goal is for the viewer to be able to identify with the changes in their own memory about an experience and reflect on how their emotions influence that memory. Through this series, I would encourage the audience to get in touch with their emotions, the color of life, and explore the impact that feelings can have as they experience all of what it means to be human.
Open Access
Abril Maranon: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Maranon, Abril, artist
The artist's statement: Contaminated is a video installation that explores the issue of gun violence and access to guns, how gun culture has impacted today's incidents of gun violence on civilians. Informed by the Columbine massacre, this work focuses more specifically on the effect the resulting legislation surrounding the culture has had on children as the continued target of shootings. There seems to be a disconnect at the legislative level between what politicians are saying and what is happening outside the white house. This inaction appears to be spreading to the civilian level as school shootings and shootings in public spaces have become commonplace. Contaminated is a multichannel video installation in which video is projected onto a screen made of thin fabric and a columbine flower that sits on the ground. The video starts with an undisturbed flower projected on a screen and on the ground. Stock footage of idealized school environments fade into the flower imagery while the second amendment and politicians begin to appear on the screen hanging from the ceiling. This installation looks at the legislative side of this issue, with video of the second amendment being the topmost video followed by three screens of politicians giving their speeches on the matter of guns. A recording of web searches surrounding the amendment begins to invade the first screen and slowly leaks into the other screens until it finally manages to invade the shape of the flower below. The screen recording of google searches starts with research on the second amendment and its implications but soon turns into a search about buying guns and reveals where one might find them. Once the screen recording has contaminated all the screens, the search moves to Walmart, showing that one has access to guns even here. As the other four screens begin to fade under the screen recording, the stock footage in the flower shifts into and begins to play footage from a documentary discussing the Columbine massacre. The juxtaposition of past and present upon one symbol is meant to highlight what we stand to lose through continued inaction both at the government level and the individual level. How have we come to accept the killing of children as something that happens in a school? How have we allowed continued access to guns? Moreover, how could we do nothing about it when the same thing continues to happen? This installation focuses on the political aspects of this issue as video of Cruz, Pence, and Randpaul begin to glitch. Parts of their dialogue can be heard in direct contrast to the reality of easy access to guns being demonstrated in their backgrounds. These politicians are shown defending a culture that holds on tightly to the second amendment despite its impact on the safety of civilians and children across the nation. This project tries to hit refresh on the issue and wake the viewer up to the gravity of the situation.
Open Access
Abril Maranon: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Maranon, Abril, artist
The artist's statement: My work as an undergraduate student has consistently explored sociopolitical issues and gradually shifted towards making politics less intimidating to the viewer. This has created a body of work that attempts to interact and open conversations about real problems in our community. Unfortunately, as the political environment stands now, what we consider true is so easily manipulated, and the distribution of information is not equal. When a hesitance to talk about politics with others is added to the issue and we use our stance to attack, this creates hostility and prolongs the problems we are trying to solve. Through optical effects and illusions, my works explore issues like human rights, censorship, and the current political environment. Using mixed media, watercolors, gel sheets, and other materials, this body of work aims to invite both sides of the political spectrum to talk to each other. My current project is my Perspectives series, a watercolor series and installation that uses optical effects and illusions to explore politics. This is a two-part series, with each part exploring a different facet of American and international sociopolitical issues. The first part explores Either/or arguments concerning human life. It uses stereoscopic anaglyphs to explore how one political alignment is used to shut down another. Part two discusses censorship and international parallels concerning how we are allowed to talk about politics. The Ishihara color blindness test is applied to this part of the series, speaking to varying degrees of censorship in supposed democracies, including the US. In their base forms, these methods are fun and encourage interaction. However, the principle of these effects was also a source of inspiration for me. These methods can describe what is going on in politics right now without necessarily being intimidating to viewers. I am interested in exploring how we come to understand the truth and how this understanding can be blocked or distorted based on the information we consume. The way these works are installed is also meaningful in that it gives the viewer a sense of choice and responsibility. Throughout the series, the viewer is offered gel lenses from which they can view the works. These either enhance or delete details rendered on each canvas. Each piece always ties back to the presence of media and how that frames our opinion on the subject. The source images used for each project have been pulled from the news or articles with specific political views. The thought in mind that media creates the frame and forms public opinion. Whether you see your own beliefs or are open to receiving opposing viewpoints is entirely up to you. Ultimately, this body of work is meant to open conversation, one’s own willingness to listen to others is a deciding factor in how this work impacts the viewer’s perspective.
Open Access
Adam Maxwell: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Maxwell, Adam, artist
The artist's statement: As an artist I've always felt like I walk a fine line between art and business, and I have been trying to resolve that for most of my college career. Then I came across a quote from the famous designer Henrik Fiskar, "If design isn't profitable then it's art" and this really managed to sum up my thoughts. I am an artist and creative type, but my context isn't some social or political issue, its business. I used to joke about being a mercenary artist, but as time goes on this playful jibe has become closer to the truth. I am always trying to push artistic boundaries, find new trends, and try new ideas, but in a modern world I find that money is my biggest motivator. My art isn't for me; it's for my boss and for the public at large. We are surrounded on all sides by advertisement and branding at all times. So why shouldn't it be good design? I have the skills and the capability of making the world a more beautiful place. The most successful brands in America that become household names such as Tesla, Beats by Dre, and Apple all build from the idea of design, and usability. Many people buy these products because of their design and branding. It's about the image these things create, and the brand that has been built around them. This is where I make my difference.
Open Access
Adeline Gavin: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Gavin, Adeline, artist
The artist's statement: Life without emotion does not exist. Love without passion is not love. For me, art has become a deep and constant affair with materials and meanings. Sometimes I create with a clear purpose and I make exactly what I desire to create. Other times, I create for the pure joy of exploring materials. I enjoy constructing pieces that have meaning and substance but also beauty and elegance. The process of exploration, growth and struggle all play into my constant desire for this process in my daily life. Recently, I have been focusing on embracing personal independence and strength. I believe that finding acceptance and peace in solitude is important as an artist and an individual. Growth has always been an overarching theme that I have been drawn to. The idea of cherishing every stage of growth and existence is not always easy. However, I believe we should embrace each unique moment. Passion has led me as an artist to see the unique beauty within every stage of life, even failure and loss. Growing from such situations is where true beauty and strength lies.
Open Access
Adrian Encalada: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Encalada, Adrian, artist
The artist's statement: Commenting on time, sense of place, and the home, Bricks is a study of Art Deco style apartment buildings in the Capitol Hill area of Denver. Each building was influenced by the most prominent architect of the time, Charles Strong, and were all built between 1925 and 1960. The similarities in design link all the buildings to a time and place, but the subtle effects of time have made each one uniquely different. I was drawn to these buildings by their command of the space around them. Often butted up against the next building on the street, each one dominates their block and stands proudly, defiant of the ravages of time. This is my attempt to honor their legacy.
Open Access
Alanis Hernandez: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2022) Hernandez, Alanis, artist
The artist's statement: My illustrations and prints mostly center around my identity and cultural heritage, specifically about what it means to be a first generation Latina living in the United States. My art has allowed me to create depictions of my family and cultural roots. One of my main goals is to focus on all parts of my lived experiences both good and bad. Being able to tell stories of my community is an essential aspect of my art and expression. In my work I often like to juxtapose happy and bright imagery with concepts and storytelling of my hardships and struggles I’ve had to face. I do most of my work digitally and through printmaking, though I don't limit myself to solely those mediums. My art process typically entails days of brainstorming followed by initial sketches. Initial sketches and ideas are typically the longest part of my process as I like to pursue a variety of different ideas until one stands out to me most. Once I have an idea that works best to me I am able to hone in on details and final adjustments fairly quickly. I enjoy experimenting with different techniques and often combine both digital and printmaking. A lot of my work can be characterized often through bold strokes, vibrant color palettes and a lot of texture. These elements are what allow me to best create a relationship between my identity and art.
Open Access
Albert Tang: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2013) Tang, Albert, artist
The artist's statement: Due to my interest in computer game animation and character design as a career, many of my projects were geared toward that sense as well as what benefits it may bring. In particular, most of my projects were geared at brand recognition and mass advertising, which resulted in my focus on creating posters which catch the attention of viewers but simple enough that it could be captivating with as little information about them. Also for one semester I took the Motion Graphics course to broaden my knowledge on animation and application of such. This resulted in my interest in Typographical animations and their use as advertisements over conventional game footage trailers or heavy CG produced set plays. The branding and logo designs were based off of my knowledge on simple yet captivating in trying to come up with a design which would be easily recognizable yet unique to the company. Many of my projects deal heavily in type face choice and their space location with possible animation objects. Many of these projects have broaden my interest on the applications of Type in animation and character design as well as a further understanding on their application.
Open Access
Alden Weissfeld: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2016) Weissfeld, Alden, artist
The artist's statement: My art is an exploration of color and form as it relates to the unseen beauty found in the small corners of the world. I start my exploration through photography of a microcosmic world. The pictures I take are manipulated to the degree that the original subject matter has become completely abstracted. The changes I make to the images are concerned with finding and enhancing the unexpected textures and colors. Transforming the mundane and ordinary such as: burnt milk on the bottom of a pot or rust cascading down the roof of a small outdoor fire metal pit into images full of life and energy. To me, this imagery serves as an interesting challenge, I find that the search for the right textures (i.e. the difference between marks) mixed with the right color (i.e. the vibrancy, hue, and overall effect of a color) satisfies my inner need to create and explore. In the end, all I can say is that my art is genuine in its intent.
Open Access
Alec Broughton: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2019) Broughton, Alec, artist
The artist's statement: In a time where authenticity is lacking in the interactions between brands and their audience, it is ever more apparent how important it is to be genuine. We live in a digital age where computers do the majority of the work for us. The pencil and paper have been replaced with the computer. Many modern brands are lacking in honesty and craft because of this and in the digital age, brands blend and meld together, none more unique than the other. I intend to create authentic and genuine artifacts. I use traditional tools along with modern technology to create visual works that transcend traditional elements. The most important aspect of my work is the most human: craft. Everything begins with a pencil and paper. When a viewer can tell that the work behind a product is carefully crafted, it instantly helps to build rapport before they even interact. The brand, the designer, and the viewer all have a similar goal: to strive greatness with the presence of imperfection. I draw a lot of my inspiration from the design of America and Europe in the early 20th century. The importance of detail paramount in this era. There are such small parts of the finished product that complete the overall vision of the artist. Designers like Herb Lubalin, Alexander Rodchenko, and Saul Bass were pioneers in design and art during a time where innovation was the cornerstone of our culture. I create to provide a feeling of nostalgia, like a distant memory which we wish to rediscover. I strive to be a good designer, a good father, a good brother, a good son... and to leave a legacy that lasts through my work.
Open Access
Alec Monck: capstone
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2015) Monck, Alec, artist
The artist's statement: As a graphic designer, I have always been fascinated with layouts and how simplicity can create the best message. Whenever I purchase something, I always take note of the package design first. Because of this, I want to help contribute to the world of design by creating my own images and layouts that help reflect what the overall importance of the object is and help make it easily accessible to everyone. I want to combine my talents for illustration and design to create works that stand out above the rest. This will be a difficult task due to the over-saturation of the design market right now, but I am confident in my skills and I know I can do it.