Final Project Proposal

Recurring themes I came across in my research on metamorphosis are the themes of profound changes in character, including spiritual transformation, and the complete change of form through supernatural means such as shape shifting. The theme of spiritual transformation through the means of isolation, fasting and praying occurs repeatedly in different religions (Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Mohammed, Black Elk). The theme of shape shifting comes up repeatedly in classical mythology where the gods often assume the shapes of animals that shared their attributes or to seduce mortals, or change humans into plant or animal form, or to change their sexual gender. This theme also recurs in Native American mythology and spiritual practices.

The concept I hope to communicate in this project is spiritual transformation through taking on the attributes of totem animals and spiritual guides through the metamorphosis of a vision quest.

My attitude is one of playfulness and exploration. I’m intrigued by the concept of spiritual transformation and am approaching it from the perspective of a student and possible seeker. My intent is to be serious and playful, as well as educational and personal.

The concepts that ties this all together are the concepts of spiritual transformation and shape shifting, or taking on the attributes of spiritual guides/animals through a vision quest.

I’ll get my materials from the internet and from books on Native American spirituality, mythology and art as well as classical mythology and art. An artist whose work I admire in this area is Susan Seddon Boulet and I will try to locate books of her art work.

Possible working titles include Vision Quest, Shaman or Awakening. The piece will probably be narrative. I’m not sure yet what the piece will look like. One possibility is taking an image of someone sleeping whose transformation occurs through her dreams. Another possibility is to show the spiritual seeker taking on the attributes of their totem animals through her vision quest.