Senior Thesis Exhibition 2026

Amanda Stein-Sigal

In my senior thesis, For Better Or For Worse, I am exploring the concept of symbiotic relationships. Symbiotic dynamics are typically created between two living organisms, or a living organism and an object that exists in a way where their relationship is beneficial and/or necessary for their existence. Although there are many types, three symbiotic relationships I chose to focus on are mutualism, where both parties benefit; parasitism, where one benefits and the other is harmed; and commensalism, where one benefits. I was also inspired by thinking about the symbiotic relationships I have created within my own life: chosen family, relationships, my time as an athlete, and being an artist. My positive relationships with my loved ones and passions often become so important to the point of becoming a symbiotic relationship. I also believe that regardless of whether you still actively participate in it, when you dedicate yourself to something for such a large portion of your life, even if all memories are positive, it becomes a version of parasitism because it won’t ever leave you completely.

For Better Or For Worse consists of five works: I Love You, I Love You Not, I Love (low-fire ceramic; 38.5 x 55.5 x 6); Spare Key (oils, electrical outlet; 36 x 48 inches); Energy Source (high-fire ceramic, electrical outlets, electrical cords; 26 x 18.5 x 10); Group Hug (oils with ceramic attachments; 36 x 48 inches); Ecoluminate (low-fire ceramic, colored lightbulb; 17 x 10 x 6).

Within my thesis, I am utilizing some symbiotic relationships found within nature as representations of symbiosis I have noticed or created within my life and through my various identities. I also utilized complementary colors throughout my palette because of the idea that these colors are so polarizing to each other, they are considered complementary. I Love You, I Love You Not, I Love is taking the symbiosis between bees and flowers and integrating it with my experience as a competitive athlete, with a variation of sayings said to me by coaches, teammates, and myself, as well as associations from my time in gymnastics. Spare Key is a self-portrait placing myself within the painting studio at Chapman, one of the most common places on campus to find me. Spare Key and Energy Source, being physically connected by an electrical cord, depict the symbiotic relationships that can occur between two people. Energy Source covered in outlets and wires, as well as connected to the painting behind it, brings the question that comes from many relationships: “Is this replenishing my energy or draining me?”. Group Hug and Ecoluminate focus on the more literal depictions of symbiotic relationships within the natural world, complementary colors, and our connection to light and technology.

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