Artist Statement

Artist Statement: Stetson Senior Project

Oak: Choosing Survival is close to my heart. As a survivor of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and sexual assault, I am on a journey of continual healing. It is through my faith and connection to nature and art that I’ve been able to venture toward healing. Oak trees are symbolic of strength and resilience – spending time with them helped me find my own and reminds me that there is still beauty in the world.

This project is interactive. Gallery images and an interactive book of poetry and photos contain links to audio poems, a video, and augmented reality. A tour of oak trees invites visitors to interact with nature while hearing poetry. I began the project with my camera, a bunch of oak trees, and a few words. It grew from there, to include other women’s experiences, the history of violence against women, and the promise of hope. Utilizing digital art, I am seeking to encourage while raising awareness.

Funding for this project was generously provided by Stetson University’s College of Arts and Sciences and Creative Arts Department.

This project was created for educational purposes only.

About the Project

Oak: Choosing Survival is a Digital Arts Senior Project aimed at raising awareness of violence against women. Exhibition of the project takes place in two locations, Stetson’s Hand Art Center and at site-specific oak trees near Stetson’s Palm Court. In the museum, users interact with an augmented reality book and gallery images. When doing so, they may choose to hear audio recordings of poems and view images or a video. Just outside the museum, users participate in a walking tour of oak trees and poetry by interacting with QR codes on signs near the trees.

The project’s main goal is to give encouragement to women who suffer from hurts in their past, offer them hope, and show them that healing is possible — to let them know that they are not alone! The video portion of the project features voices of survivors and others who care, and soothing nature imagery. The central theme of the project is based on the Bible verse: “For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its tender shoots will not cease.” Job 14:7

There is hope!