My thesis project intends to inspire young minds to thoughtfully explore artmaking and problem solving using the design thinking process. Arthought encourages students to create empathetically, considering users or viewers throughout the artmaking process. Activities developed from design thinking accept trial and error as part of the creation process, allowing room for experimenting and discovery. In addition, Quentin Blake’s illustration style inspires Arthought’s illustration technique of combining watercolor painting with pen and ink drawings. My watercolor pieces are reminiscent of Blake’s children’s book illustrations ­– a comfortable and relatable aesthetic for young people. Additionally, using watercolor, a material many students in schools have exposure to, makes the project more accessible.

Arthought exists as a culmination of design thinking, and watercolor, assembled into activities for kids. Five posters outline the design thinking process, pairing each step with visual representations in watercolor. The sixth poster provides an easy resource for educators to incorporate design thinking into their lessons. The color wheel container allows for easy understanding of the color wheel and color theory concepts, using various arrow spinners, and organized compartments for art supplies. The column displays artwork from All Saints Episcopal School’s Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth grade art classes created with the Arthought empathize activity. Their work is based on characters from books ­– The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Mr. Terupt, and The Giver. Finally, the booklet provides instructions to the empathize activity. 

Lamar University Department of Art presents the Spring 2017 Senior Thesis exhibition by B.F.A students Jade Freedman, Jessie Hawthorne, Erika Leggett, Kimberly Lowell, Marisol Lua-Figueroa, Imani Owens, Victoria Robicheaux, and Lacey Wolgast.

The disciplines exhibited are Graphic Design, Photography, Painting, and Sculpture. Each artist has explored and presented a unique perspective within their thesis.