Dear Springfield: Capstone

My capstone thesis unfolded as a heartfelt love letter to my hometown, Springfield, Ohio—quite literally. Initially grappling with complex emotions tied to my upbringing in a perceived "white-trash" environment, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery through my academic endeavor. The project evolved into a profound exploration of the intricate notions of "home" and "place." I delved into the layers of nostalgia, personal growth, and the often-overlooked beauty within the confines of a run-down town. By weaving together my own experiences and the collective memories of the community, my thesis transformed into a poignant narrative of self exploration.

The act of addressing these letters to Springfield added an intimate layer to the project, as I navigated through the landscapes of my past and present. Through this unique medium, I found myself not only exploring the physical spaces that shaped me but also reflecting on the passage of time. The sceneries, like the narratives penned on those postcards, underwent transformations. As I moved through different places, I realized that my hometown was not static; it, too, changed over time. Similarly, my understanding of the people I grew up with and the town itself underwent a profound transformation, revealing layers of complexity and beauty that had eluded me in my earlier judgments. The handwritten letters became a symbolic bridge between the past and present, capturing the essence of a town that, despite its challenges, held a special place in my heart.

In the culmination of my capstone journey, the final challenge lay in translating the essence of my love letter to Springfield into a tangible, immersive gallery experience. The postcards, laden with handwritten reflections on my hometown, demanded a setting that would allow viewers to intimately engage with the narrative. I envisioned a gallery space transformed into a sanctuary of memories, photos, ticket stubs, and memorabilia, where each postcard hung as a testament to the intertwining complexities of home and identity. The immersive experience I sought to create aimed to transcend the conventional boundaries between artist and audience, inviting viewers to freely interact with the intimate narratives before them. It was not merely a display of visual elements but a manifestation of personal stories, allowing the audience to forge their own connections with the landscapes, sceneries, and sentiments encapsulated in each handwritten letter. As the final stroke of my capstone, the immersive gallery became the vessel through which the spirit of my hometown was shared, fostering an intimate connection that echoed the very essence of my project.