This is the final work composed during Michael Beitz's stay with us. The figure is made from a life cast of James Hart, a fellow student, and is comprised entirely of biodegradable materials. The components were gathered by hand, sorted, and shredded. The resulting material was then hand pulped. To ensure adherence of the varied constituents flour was added to act as a binder. The material was then hand strained to remove excess moisture and additional flour was added. After achieving the consistency of a very dry dough; seeds for Morning Glories, Sunflowers, and various bulbs were added in hopes that as the figure is exposed to the elements it will deteriorate leaving behind its own memorial.
I was very pleased with the outcome, and I am very thankful for all of the help Michael provided.
During a discussion with my Managerial Economics teacher she mentioned that this work was used as an example by another visiting artist at the McColl center during one of their workshops with the business community.
I hope to further explore this medium again in the near future, and even though this project was an ordeal due to the amount of work required I am exceedingly proud of the finished piece.
