Total Work of Art

This week I began a Masters program for Interior Architecture in Eugene. I began the application process for this program about one year ago when I visited the campus and learned about the program. The application included the usual stuff for grad school; college transcripts, GRE scores, recommendations; and I also wrote an autobiography and a letter of intent. The most difficult component of my application was my portfolio of creative works. Here were the guidelines: I must show that I am creative, and that I can draw-or, get my ideas across on paper. Since I thrive when I have more restrictions, I assigned myself a variety of art projects; 2-D, 3-D, furniture, etc.

A single concept drove me to the decision that this program was right for me, and inspired me throughout the application process. Gesamptkunstwerk, meaning 'total work of art' in German, at one point referred to a single piece of art, usually an opera or play, which incorporates all sorts of art forms (singing, drama, costume, sculpture, painting, lighting, etc.) My interpretation of Gesamptkunstwerk is a room or space where several art forms exist, and are created, in harmony. One example can be a classroom, where children are practicing all subjects, their art is on the wall, and there is music playing or maybe they are singing. Another example is a teenager's room. She has chosen the wall color, the posters and art and bedspread, she does her homework there while listening to her music, she talks to her friends, she dreams, and she wishes for more spaces that felt like her own room.

I am in interior architecture school to make rooms that engage all the senses, that play an active role in making their occupants more creative, peaceful and happy.