Big Top Performer
Level of Education of Students Involved
Undergraduate
Faculty Sponsor
Sarah Janzi
College
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Discipline(s)
Communication and Visual Arts
Presentation Type
Artistic Presentation
Symposium Date
Spring 4-24-2025
Abstract
No two people have the exact same childhoods or nostalgic connections, but common themes, colors, and some experiences can be shared and are seen as nostalgic by many. Big Top Performer is a poseable art doll built from a wire skeleton with clay features and a soft, fabric body paired with a colorful canvas board backdrop and thematic accessories. The doll itself depicts a weasel in clown garb. The primary inspiration for the piece was childhood nostalgia. The doll itself resembles a toy or trinket while the backdrop reflects the imaginary story or setting of the toy. Without the backdrop, the doll is reduced to just a toy, but paired with the backdrop the doll is given “life.” The viewer, ideally, will form a nostalgic connection with the piece. This connection is not necessarily positive–clowns are a common fear, for example–but any sort of emotional response tied to childhood is the goal. The backdrop, which is abstract, sets the scene rather than dictating the mood or connection with the viewer. The doll exists and lives in a “play-land” that the viewer happens to witness.
Recommended Citation
MacWilliams, Helen, "Big Top Performer" (2025). Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 1455.
https://scholar.valpo.edu/cus/1455
For Artistic Presentations
Doll: 3" x 12"
Background 5" x 12"
