No One Retires to the North Abstract
This thesis, No One Retires to the North, explores the positives of small town, southern communities and culture through a set of 12 digital children’s illustrations. The focus of this project is to highlight the rich and vibrant culture found in the South, and the community within as a way to counteract the negative and stereotypical depiction the south tends to face. Although they are intended for a young audience, these illustrations aim to resonate with viewers of all ages, encouraging an appreciation for Southern life. Drawing from my own childhood memories, experiences, photos, and the integration of the southern gothic aesthetic, this work aims to push a nuanced idea of the complexities and virtues of southern culture. Familiar forest animals will be used as narrative tools to make these illustrations relatable to a diverse audience regardless of age, race, class, or culture. This thesis aims to explore themes of culture, diversity, and community found within the south. By offering a new perspective of the south, these pieces encourage an appreciation and understanding of southern culture for those who have grown up here, for the people currently living here, and for the people who are unfamiliar with the culture themselves.
2025 Thesis Exhibition Gallery
In the 2025 Thesis Exhibition Gallery at Jacksonville University, I showcased No One Retires to the North a set of 12, 24x18 children's illustrations based on the positives of small town southern communities. These pieces had been worked on for a year long thesis project, comprising of not only a large body of work, but also extensive research and writing.