Art showing illustrates how thoughts form

Kusra Kapuler, a student in the fine arts program, uses her artistic talent to explore the ways thoughts are conjured in the human mind.

Kapuler is exhibiting her sculptures in West Gallery of Fairbanks Hall. Her exhibit is titled “Thought Forms.”

Recurring forms made from the pages of her past journal entries appear to grow and spread like botanical specimens or larval beings. They are composed in root-like patterns reminiscent of synapses in the brain.

“The internal structure is paper, it’s large pieces of paper wrapped with a process of dipping paper into ink and glue, and then wrapping the forms,” Kapuler said. “I used my daily writings, so it started turning into something that was processing my past experiences and bringing it into the present moment, sort of digesting it, and making it something different.”

Her writings can be seen on the paper, which adds a strong sense of intimacy to the works. The organically inspired shapes repeat in a suspended form which was created by different gauges of soldered wrought iron. Sharp yellow paint emphasizes the texture and whimsical movement within the shape while bringing attention to the contrast of the main rod’s raw texture against the smoothness of the cilia-like lines extending off of it.

“The original inspiration for that piece was the motion of water and the elements, and then it kind of morphed into a sort of flower-like form,” Kapuler said.

Process plays a very important role in her work. The forms develop as Kapuler works with them, as if they were being gradually infused with a life of their own. Opposite the gallery to the suspended yellow form is a self-portrait painting which hangs just above eye level.

“The self portrait is a witness to the scene which is going on,” Kapuler said. “It’s a reflection on my art-making process and the feelings that arose and the thoughts around it. It kind of is a [juxtaposition] to the yellow sculpture that has this brightness to it. It’s all about self-reflection and facing things.”

Placement is not the only way the two pieces juxtapose each other. The brightness of the spindly sculpture heightens the subtly somber feeling of the blue-faced self portrait, giving the space a very dynamic mood. As the artists explains, the inspiration for “Thought Forms” was deep-rooted.

“I’ve been examining through meditation what thoughts come from and how they emerge,” Kapuler said. “I was doing experiments in materials research in my sculpture class, so I was using a different material every week. I started making these paper forms and [the exhibit] sprung from those. I got really excited about that and started labeling them ‘Thought Forms.’ They intrigued me and I was intrigued by how they reminded me of nature.”

Before coming to OSU to study fine arts and psychology, Kapuler majored in Asian studies at Colorado College.

“I was interested in botany as well, which definitely influences my art,” Kapuler said. “I love plants and the natural world.”

After returning to her native Oregon, she attended Linn-Benton Community College and took courses in drawing and pottery, amongst other baccalaureate core classes. Pottery, which is one of her preferred mediums, has been a consistent practice throughout her schooling. Now a senior at Oregon State, Kapuler continues to focus in sculpture and is thoroughly enjoying the opportunities her courses are presenting her.

“Art that requires you to use your whole body is wonderful,” Kapuler said.

“Thought Forms,” which has been up since Monday, ends today.

Alice Marshall, arts reporter
news@dailybarometer.com