Sarah Steen

Boring

My work dissolves the line between science and art. The natural world has many of the same elements that art does: design principles, color theory, and composition. When I am creating my pieces, my goal is to take the already artistic qualities of plants and animals and express those themes and imagery through my art. I work abstractly with mixed media, so the pieces can also take on its own forms and functions. Often, I will use repeated patterns and shapes to build my compositions, and I’ll use colors that are informed by my subject matter. By highlighting the design of the natural world, I aim to teach and inform people who may not know anything about the subject matter, as well as carry out research and educate myself.

Thesis Committee Members: 

• Professor Soon Ee Ngoh, Chair
• Professor Aaron McElfish
• Professor Lori Neuenfeldt

A. planipennis

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600 

Abstract rendition of the Emerald Ash Borer colors and its gallery patterns. Green and purple gradients represent the beetles’ coloring, with long “S” shaped imagery to mimic the boring patterns.

E. rufulus

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600 

Abstract rendition of the Red Oak Borer’s colors and patterns. Variations of dark reds, oranges, and yellows in abstract splotches to represent the appearance of the beetles. 

M. robiniae

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600 

Abstract rendition of the Locust Borer’s colors and patterns. Large angular areas of white, black, and yellow that represent the geometric pattern on the Locust Borers. 

A. glabripennis

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600 

Abstract rendition of the Asian Longhorned Beetle’s colors and patterns. Dark blue and black background with white and silver spots and circles to represent the appearance of Asian Longhorned Beetles. 

C. virginiensis

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600 

Abstract rendition of the Sculptured Pine Borer’s colors, patterns, and texture. Metallic geometric and linear figures on a dark brown background to represent the appearance and texture of the beetles. 

S. calcarata

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600

Abstract rendition of the Poplar Borer’s appearance and exit holes. Light background with orange and black shapes to represent the appearance of Poplar Borers; red dripping areas to mimic the holes they leave as they exit trees.

D. frontalis

Mixed media, 22”x30”, 2021, $600

Abstract rendition of the Southern Pine Beetle’s colors and gallery patterns. Black and light brown curving and connecting lines to represent the galleries of Southern Pine beetles over a dark brown and black atmospheric background that represents the color of the beetles.