Ex Libris, MFA Thesis Exhibition

In 2008, my folded book series marked a significant milestone as part of the culmination of my MFA degree from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. My thesis was realized through an immersive installation entitled "Refuge," where I transformed books, book pages, folded books, and yarn into a tactile, textural sanctuary. The folded books served as the foundational element of this thesis and have since evolved into a key aspect of my artistic practice.

These folded books are meticulously crafted from discarded and unwanted volumes, many of which I salvaged from the dumpster behind a used bookstore in town. This act of ethical sourcing and repurposing imbues the pieces with purpose and meaning beyond their form.

The thesis exhibition, held at the New Mexico State University Gallery, comprised three distinct installations. The first, "Spiral Nemesis," showcased the folded books arranged along a vibrant red yarn spiral, symbolizing movement and transformation. The second, "Nautilus at 30," featured a red yarn-drawn nautilus shell, within which 30 folded books were carefully positioned—each representing a year of my life, with covers adorned by images pertinent to those years. The third installation, simply titled "Refuge," created a serene forest environment complete with trees, birds, animals, and an inviting book fort, embodying a retreat through literature.

Following the exhibition, all of the unfolded books were placed into new homes, ensuring their continued appreciation and circulation. This project not only highlights the potential for discarded materials to be reimagined into art but also reflects a lifelong narrative woven through physical form and memory.