My underlying question for the project as a whole is to investigate the source or provocative element of an individualÍs need to create.
The Tale of Old Lady Merrell	THE BOOK	This graphic art novella depicts a tale of love and loneliness between an elderly woman and her pervasive creation of handmade dolls. "The Tale of the Old Lady Merrell" is a modern day fairy tale, where fantasy and reality combine within the mind instead of the magical realm.ÊOn display is a portfolio containing the original drawings, while still involved in the printing stages, these drawings exhibit the process and materials used to create the images. A goal in this project was to combine many genres of literature and art while not being purely defined by one. If you look inside the book you will observe the use of materials to demonstrate thematic elements in the narrative. ÊThe images range from simple pen and ink to watercolor on rubber ink prints to found photographs. My hope is that you retain something from the experience of reading this book and receive an emotional stimulus.
	THE INSTALLATION	The installation recreates a space depicted in "The Tale of Old Lady Merrell." The installation captures the area where Merrell created her dolls, her special place in the house. The focus of the installation is the sculpture of the hand made doll that Merrell has created. In the installation the doll hangs in the air and can be manipulated by pulleys that move her limbs like a puppet. Not only is this installation sculptural but also involves sound to give a broader picture and different perspective than just the book. The gallery is a converted store front window in Polish Hill. This installation will have a relationship and dialogue with the community as they cannot avoid viewing the piece. This aspect of the installation incorporates the social aspects of the story looking at the plight of the elderly, the acquisition of property by the government and mental illness.
	THE PERFORMANCE	On the opening night of the installation, I will be performing within the space as the character of the old lady Merrell. This performance extends my role of creator of the narrative and exploring the mind of this character further. This performance also serves to extend the story to a physical element, describe the action of the sculpture residing in the gallery and create a more compelling piece of artwork.