Our Own Personal Hero's Journey

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2018Young men often view themselves under the scope of a “Hero’s Journey” due to various forms of entertainment equating a “hero” with the traditionally masculine. Using drawing, painting, and printmaking I was able to explore the auto-biographical and social implications of hero complexes through compositions creating light humor along with titles hinting at the implications of the imagery. As well looking into traditional fantasy myths (i.e. King Arthur) and fantasy entertainment (Video games, movies, role playing games) as a mode of satiating the desire to become a hero. Believing oneself to be a hero can create a feeling of being only a force of good on the world without understanding the potential of discomfort one can cause when treating yourself as such. The desire to become a hero can become a source of anxiety for young men, creating feelings as though they are not living up to the standards for a heroic male. Viewing oneself as a hero can have both positive and negative impact on a person, most want to be liked and remembered but it is important to remember the people around you in that pursuit