Tangible Life - Thesis

Illustrated Book / Projects In Authorship / March, 2022

Art Direction: Paul Kepple

For my senior thesis I wanted to create an illustrated short story describing the grief felt after my mothers passing and how I have learned to cope with it over the years. I wanted to make this the subject matter of my thesis to serve as an homage to my mother and her life. Much of the reason that I attended art school is because of her strong encouragement and support of my artwork.

I wanted my story to convey to the reader that despite a loved one's passing they are still within you and your family's memories. Their life ties you together even after death. Although this project was a very difficult task to take on I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had to go through with it. Looking back on this piece now I feel I have a better connection to my mom and I feel as though I have grown as an artist as well.

The story is all set in Chincoteague Island which is where my family went to every year in July during the week of my mom’s birthday. It follows a very frustrated and confused me years after her passing. If you would like to read this I have the whole story available in the digital mockup below.