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"Beauty- But First, Joy"

The MFA Thesis Project 

Photos by Aaron Castellanos.

What was it?

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"Beauty- But First, Joy" was the culmination of my studies at The University of Texas at Austin.  Through my experience as a costume designer, maker, and educator, I sought to create an interactive makers' space and art installation.

The installation was filled with different activities related to textile education and exploration. Attendees were welcome to stay as little or as long as they want during open hours, and engage with whatever activities that inspired their creative nature. In the creation of the installation I ask you to help me answer the question: "What could an inclusive textile education space look like?" 

What does the title mean?

When iconic French fashion designer Thierry Mugler was interviewed about his 2019 career retrospective, he was asked if "beauty" was the word he wanted his audience to associate with his work. He replied, "Beauty, of course- but first, JOY. Because life is worth living." I stumbled upon this quote by accident while reading about Mugler, one of my greatest inspirations and heroes, and was struck by how simply he encapsulated my whole viewpoint on life. I think creation of joy, first, should be the framework of all fine arts education, and all things we do in life.

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