research paper – bexODESSA

It is finished!

Yesterday I submitted my research paper. It feels great to have that part of my MA over and done with. It was a real challenge to write, but I actually enjoyed the process once I gave it my full time and attention, and I am pleased with the result. Rather than waffle on about it, I will leave the title/proposition and abstract (brief summary of the paper) below, as well as a link to the whole paper, for anyone who cares to read it.

Contemplating Martyrs: The Art of Religion-Assisted Dying – an examination of death-acceptance and eudaimonia in extremis through the contemplation of Christian martyrs as depicted in the Ars Moriendi and the work of Bill Viola.

This paper examines the idea that contemplation of Christian martyrs can help alleviate the existential suffering of the conscious dying process, through an analysis of the 5th and 6th wood-cut illustrations of the Ars Moriendi, a 15th century manual on the art of dying, and Bill Viola’s 2014 polyptych video installation Martyrs (Earth, Air, Fire, Water). By analysing these artworks, produced 600 years apart, this paper will show both the consistency and potency of the idea that contemplating Christian martyrs can give consolation to those suffering in extremis, as well as highlight the universal constituents of the conscious dying process, particularly as it relates to existential suffering that remains relevant today.

To achieve the above-mentioned aims, this paper will begin by laying the foundation for the exploration of death-acceptance and eudaimonia in extremis (lit. happiness at the point of death) by introducing the idea of death-denial and its prima facie importance to such an exploration. It will then analyse death-acceptance as an outcome of a death-adjustment pattern, by exploring the work of Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in relationship to the Ars Moriendi. Followed by an exploration of eudaimonia in extremis and its relationship to the Christian tradition of contemplating martyrs. After which, a detailed analysis of the Ars Moriendi will be undertaken, its historical and religious context, the text, an analysis of the short, illustrated version, paying particular attention to the 5^th and 6^th illustrations, in reference to the focus of this paper, i.e., death-acceptance and eudaimonia in extremis through the contemplation of Christian martyrs. The paper will then analyse Bill Viola’s Martyrs, in reference to the same above, ending with lessons that can be gleaned from such contemplation.

Key words: Martyrs, contemplation; death-acceptance, eudaimonia, in extremis

rebecca-odessa-research-paper-contemplating-martyrs Download

Slow and steady…

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, research paper, Week in Review

I was utterly miserable at the beginning of last week, having to stop painting so I could re-write my research paper. That is, until I stopped whinging and sat down and started writing. By using my 3 daily sessions (usually reserved for painting) to write, I was able to go at a leisurely pace, and by the end of the first day I was thoroughly enjoying myself. And hey presto, by plodding along every day, I have now finished my paper! It was a fascinating and intellectually delicious experience, and reminded me why I like academic writing so much. Though I better not get too excited, as I am still awaiting feedback. Hopefully it passes muster. If not, there are almost two weeks until the due date, so enough time for any changes that are needed.

In other exciting news, all 2nd year MA students at CSM were invited to submit a print of their artwork for exhibition. For anyone unable to make it to London to submit their print in-person, Jonathan kindly offered to both produce the print and submit it for them. Below is my offering:

It is one of my favourite paintings I produced this summer, and was inspired by a beautiful pool in the Sulby River here on the Isle of Man, that my lovely fella took me to see. It was so mesmerising that as I stood there looking at, I became transfixed and had the sense of melding into the surroundings. For this reason, I called the painting ‘awinenyr’, which is Manx for ‘river watcher’. The colours in the painting were inspired by the colours in the pool, which I think are sublime.

As of last night, I am back painting again, so I am a very happy bunny indeed! Except there has been no sightings of that little rascal, Ham-cat. I think I might have to tempt him out of the hedge with cat-nip.

The bear went over the mountain

CSM MFA - Progress Blog, Experiments, Green, Research Project, Week in Review

I had a painting breakthrough this week, which is always a double-edged sword. On the one hand there was a huge sense of excitement and relief, like I am finally getting somewhere and all my previous hard work on this particular project appears not to be in vain. On the other hand, it’s like the bear in the children’s song who reaches the top of the mountain, and what does it see? Another mountain! That’s exactly how it felt, I was momentarily thrilled at the progress I made and the paintings I produced, but I was soon brought back to earth when I realised how far I still have to go to achieve the paintings I want to.

The paintings I did this week are just little snippets of what I hope to be much larger paintings. Scaling up is no easy task, and when it comes to figurative painting, I am yet to manage it, but I will surely to keep trying. One thing is certain after the week I’ve had, the drawing discipline I started at the beginning of the year is definitely paying off.

I’ve also been busy this past week writing the overview of my research paper, so our tutor can see what we intend to write about and give us feedback and guidance. I decided to do mine on the Ars Moriendi, the medieval dying how-to-manual that I mentioned in my last post. It hurt the old brain cells to do, but it was definitely worthwhile, as I now have a clear direction for the paper, which will make it much easier to write over the summer. I actually think I’ll enjoy writing it, as it is a fascinating subject, and has already sparked some interesting conversations with friends and family.

You can read my overview here if you have the time and/or inclination.

In other news, my fella and I have decided to make a documentary about Ann’s story. To begin the process, we had a pre-interview meeting with Hampton Creer, the author of “Never to Return”. It was such a privilege to meet him and his lovely wife Joy.

I absolutely love his book, it is beautifully written, and is a page turner from start to finish. It was also very special, because it was from his book that I first learned about Ann and was inspired to do a painting about her. We had a wonderful time talking all about penal transportation and other aspects of Manx history, such as witches. Once the TT races are over in a couple of weeks, my fella and I will return and interview him on camera.