Honors Thesis Profile: Melanie Clemenz Studio Art Major Class of 2008 Photo by Aidan Zanders

The senior thesis, a requirement for graduation with SCHC Honors, is the culmination of over a year's worth of planning, research, and writing. Students in the South Carolina Honors College have a wide range of interests, as reflected by their thesis topics. Periodically, we feature senior thesis projects currently in the works. We hope they will serve as an inspiration to present and future students

What is your thesis topic?

My thesis is titled "Pretty, Pretty Princesses." I am creating a body of art that details the change in symbolism in the three fairy tales Cinderella, Snow White, and The Little Mermaid from their original versions to the contemporary versions. I am specifically examining this change through the guise of contemporary advertising because frequently ads attract women through the princess archetype.

Where did you get the idea for your topic?

I would like to say "It came to me in a dream," but in reality I read a book on symbolism, and then brainstormed lots of ideas after reading that and eventually came upon symbolism in fairy tales. After a lot of research I narrowed it down to these three, and started looking at the dichotomy between the older and newer versions of the tales.

How did you select your thesis director and second reader?

I have done an independent study with Dawn Hunter every year since my freshman year. I started out helping her with her artwork, then I did another study to research and define my senior thesis, and now finally I am working with her for my final project. (I should note that I am graduating in three years) Since I was working with her throughout the entire process it made sense to use her as my thesis director. Also we applied for the Magellan Grant together, because her work deals with advertising as well, so she is a valuable resource. My second reader, Professor Brad Collins, was my art history teacher over the summer, and his viewpoint, being of a different nature, seemed like an excellent choice for second reader.

Has anyone else helped you significantly with your work?

I am currently in a painting class with Professor Pam Bowers. We work rather independently in this class, and so frequently I work on my paintings for my senior thesis, so she is helping me with my process as well.

Have you enjoyed working on your thesis? Would you recommend doing a thesis to other students? Why?

I have really enjoyed working on my senior thesis. I feel because I chose something I truly love it is extremely enjoyable for me to come to the art department and work on my paintings every day. I think that other students should definitely do a senior thesis, but only if they find their topic fascinating and interesting, otherwise you might not have the momentum to finish and enjoy a project that entails so much work.

Is there anything else you want current or future students or the public to know about the thesis process or about your particular project?

I will be showing my art at a show in the Student Gallery in McMaster College on the corner of Pickens and Senate in the last week or two of April.

What are your plans after graduation?

I have been accepted to USC School of Medicine for next year, so I'll be going there. It may seem like a jump, but for me it is logical. I am interested in dermatology, and the skin is the largest organ, and the most visible organ, so visual arts was always a natural choice for me.