Passage

Avalon Hester

Project Description

I had an incredibly rewarding capstone experience. I ended up creating an art/story series of objects that passed hands between women throughout generation in the hope of imparting security, independence, and freedom. I narrowed down my final presentation to four stories, which I drew original charcoal drawings for to hang along with the narratives, all of which pointed to the long history of women as stewards of familial memory and material culture.

What Form will your Final Project Take?

Nothing yet! My work is currently published on my website and socials but I am talking with Anjali to develop it further.

White woman with blue eyes and brown hair with a blonde streak looks into the camera. She is wearing a black jacket with bone beading.

Who was supporting you in your work?

Anjali, Capstone Professor. Anjali was available frequently throughout the semester for help on everything from brainstorming, to reporting, to creative presentation. I checked in with her frequently to develop my changing ideas and further my understanding of how to complete my project in a way that was engaging and marketable

Project Themes:

Research, Creative, Women’s stories

How has this project has been impactful or transformative?

This was the most personal and moving reporting I’ve yet had the chance to do. I feel so proud to have been trusted with the stories I got and so many women told me during our talks that they realized in the course of telling their amazing stories, that their family history was at risk of dying with them. I think these material histories are crucial to preserve and I felt like I contributed to that through this project.

What would you do differently?

Trust the process and act like you’re at the very beginning even if you think you have a solid idea of what you want to focus on. I had a hard time finding my footing at the beginning and I think that’s because I had this idea that I thought for sure was going to be my Capstone at the start of the class. Stay curious and you’ll keep your options open for longer.

Charcoal drawing of a ring on a finger. The image is cropped quite close, so that only the middle and first digit are seen of the index finger, which has a ring balanced on the first knuckle. The ring is simple but textured with layered pointing arrows.

Charcoal drawing of coins in a crumpled piece of paper. The coins look small and shrunken in the paper, and have Chinese characters written on their surface

Charcoal drawing of a woman with a hand to her chest. The image is closely cropped so the image is focused on the woman’s spread fingers and the three pronged black gemstone ring she wears across her hand.

Short summary of your experience:

My experience with Capstone was challenging, moving, and rewarding. After finding a passion topic late in the semester, I received constant guidance that helped me to gain the trust of incredible sources who shared intimate family histories and created original art. My grant offered me the freedom to fully explore this topic and supplied me with all the materials necessary to deliver on a creative presentation.

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