Clear-cutting the American Mind: Wilderness, Survival, and the Desolation of the Axe
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Author/Creator ORCID
Date
2019-01-01
Type of Work
Department
Visual Arts
Program
Imaging and Digital Arts
Citation of Original Publication
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Distribution Rights granted to UMBC by the author.
Access limited to the UMBC community. Item may possibly be obtained via Interlibrary Loan thorugh a local library, pending author/copyright holder's permission.
This item is likely protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Unless on a Creative Commons license, for uses protected by Copyright Law, contact the copyright holder or the author.
Access limited to the UMBC community. Item may possibly be obtained via Interlibrary Loan thorugh a local library, pending author/copyright holder's permission.
This item is likely protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. Unless on a Creative Commons license, for uses protected by Copyright Law, contact the copyright holder or the author.
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Abstract
In researching the history of wilderness in America I explored the idea that as Americans, our cultural attitude towards our natural environment has been shaped and influenced by the mindsets and actions of the pioneers and frontiersmen who came before us. I argue that their fearful and destructive stance towards uncultivated land is still imbued in the minds of many Americans who claim to be outdoors enthusiasts and yet deny climate change and support politicians who are actively campaigning against the protection and preservation of our environment. Through the creation of several sculptural works, as well as personal forays into "wilderness,” I attempt to understand and overcome the destructive masculine tendencies of my country’s frontier forefathers. Only through a changing of mindsets and an acceptance of co-existence can we accept and understand our place within the interconnected mesh of all living things.