Crushed: Climate anxiety and grief support through ceramic art

Abstract

“Crushed: Climate Anxiety and Grief Support through Ceramic Art” is the support paper that accompanies my Master of Fine Arts graduating thesis exhibition, Crushed, an installation held at the Fifth Parallel Gallery from August 19-28, 2024. This paper delineates the exhibition its background, development, context, methodology, and artistic influence. It describes components of this project that extend beyond the gallery, and anticipants audience participation and reception. Crushed is an expression of my climate change anxiety and grief. With a floor scattered with super fragile ceramic vessels and a text about my fear and sadness on the walls, Crushed shows participants that such feelings are justified and shared and offers resources and support. At the end of the wall text is information about a support group I founded, and a discussion circle led by a psychologist that will take place in the gallery at the end of the show.