Human Expression: Art Capstone Explores the Journey of Loss

At the age of 9, Madison Clifford ’17 experienced a tremendous loss. The Pacific University art major has captured a piece of that experience in her senior capstone project: nine unframed works depicting expressions of loss.
 
Clifford has been evaluating her own loss through her journey as an art major. As she created works to express emotions, from anger and depression to contentment and happiness, she went through a multitude of graphic elements and figure drawings before settling on the organic, floral-like design and female form.
 
Clifford’s works proceed from pencil to pen-and-ink on paper to iPad — a digital format to easily change colors on the black-and-white figures and designs — then back to paper. Her consistent use of pattern intentionally leads the viewer across the nine pieces and help to express the emotions in time.
 
Rather than tell of her own loss, Clifford said her intent was to allow viewers to relate to their own experiences — be it the loss of a loved one, the loss of time or the loss of a part of one’s self.
 
The Art Department at Pacific University takes a comprehensive approach, covering studio arts as well as art history while preparing students for professional and personal creative endeavors.