May is not only my graduation month, but also my Blogiversary! Around this time last year, I embarked on my blog and personal website to give my current and future friends, family, students, and colleagues some insight into my academic and personal life. My first post was about a friend's graduation, and one year later, now I'm the one in the goofy robes! We art historians are all about material and visual symbolism, so we are in a unique position to appreciate the spectacle of the academic graduation ceremony and regalia. My sister Taylor, owner of TaylorMade Artistry, captured the day in a series of amazing photographs. Today's blog post, then, will be a sort of visual essay of my commencement and the celebrations that ensued.
You have to appreciate the irony of two contemporary art critics (my advisor Gregory Williams and myself) posing in front of this totally tacky painting.
My sister Taylor, the photographer behind today's post, rocking some fiber with her handmade tassel necklace.
A perk of being a contemporary art historian is that your vibrant publication covers can do double-duty as decorations!
My mom Susan Parrish made these Post-It notebooks for graduation party favors. More of her work is on her website and Etsy store, In the Woodz.
Because I study fiber art, my advisor made me this God's Eye as a graduation present. I don't know as much about the history of these objects as I wold like, but one fitting interpretation I found online indicates that they can be used to mark rites of passage.
It was bittersweet to spend the day with so many smart, supportive people. But when one door closes, another opens...stay tuned to see where I'm headed next!
Happy Summer,
Dr. Parrish