Inspired by the raw emotion of Florence and the Machine’s “Howl” and a personal exploration of the complexities of marriage, “Possessed” emerged as a visceral and experimental photographic piece. The concept of possession, a central theme in the song, resonated deeply with my own experiences.
To visually represent this, I constructed letters using wedding fabrics, a symbol of traditional matrimony. Submerging these fabricated letters in water and manipulating them into abstract forms became a cathartic process, mirroring the turbulent emotions often experienced within relationships.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
The creation of “Possessed” was a solitary and immersive experience. I transformed an old fish tank into a makeshift studio, using flower wire to shape the fabric-clad letters. The physical act of manipulating these elements in water became a form of therapy, allowing me to channel my emotions into the artwork. The resulting images are a testament to the power of experimentation and the unexpected beauty that can arise from chaos.
This project was a catalyst for personal exploration and artistic growth. The emotional intensity behind “Possessed” has ignited a desire to further explore the interplay of movement and emotion through video. The success of this piece has encouraged me to continue pushing boundaries and creating work that is both visually striking and emotionally resonant. I believe that art has the power to provoke thought, evoke feelings, and ultimately, connect with others on a profound level.
- Pioneering Visualizer
- Creates authentic one of a kind works
- BFA and MA in Graphic Design
- Turns ideas into reality
Skills: Photoshop, Set Design, Craftsmanship
-
Love this class! You have to work hard but she is very understanding if you need help with due dates. Helpful in class and goes above and beyond to answer questions. Very stern on listening to her lectures and others when they are talking. She was nice, helpful and very funny! Down to earth. Expects a lot but also understanding
Graphic Design Student
University of Kentucky
-
Professor Strickland was one of my favorite professors during my first semester. She gave really good feedback and you could tell she was really interested in everyone's artwork. She was very polite and caring. Just do as the assignments say and make an effort and you'll be okay!
Graphic Design Student
University of Kentucky
-
Professor Strickland is extremely understanding and creates projects that are very immersive and fun for her students. I thoroughly enjoyed taking Graphic Design with her, and am continuing into the next course with her as well! If you communicate with her, she will work with you, and truly tries to get to know you and be involved in your work.
Graphic Design Student
University of Kentucky
-
Hayli Strickland is a patient professor who enjoys what she teaches. She shares her passion by teaching and helping students understand the art of photography. This course is a great course to take for your art credit especially if you are looking for something online. There is usually only 1 assignment per week! Effort is key to success in AS280.
Photography Student
University of Kentucky
-
I absolutely loved being in her class! She gives amazing feedback on work and genuinely cares about her students and why they do the work they do! She is also very understanding of the different levels of capability in the class and I never felt left behind or bad. My works were not amazing because I had never done digital art before!
Graphic Design Student
University of Kentucky
-
This professor has given such amazing feedback on each assignment. She is very clear in her instructions and responsive to questions [via email.]
Photography Student
University of Kentucky
-
Hayli is one of the best employees I have ever had. Very talented, professional, and very kind.
Anthony Zecco
Founder of Warehouse Multimedia
-
I was out of my comfort zone being photographed, and Hayli made my feel comfortable and beautiful. Hayli is the GOAT! If you ever get the change to have her photograph you, do it!
Heather Evans
Photography Client
-
Hayli was a great art director, giving me a lot of knowledge on how to hone my craft as a graphic designer. She even came to my BFA show when I graduated!
Marla Mars
Graphic Designer, WSG
-
I cannot thank Hayli enough for her help this semester. Her organization of students was on point, she stayed on top of everything, and kept me in the loop of every situation. She went above and beyond.
Jessica Page Mead
Visiting Lecturer, UK
-
I don't know how [Hayli] handled this semester with such a heavy load, truly. She has worked so hard and we are so happy to have her on the team.
Brandon Smith
Professor at UK
-
Hayli is always willing to say yes. She has become a reliable teacher in times of need, and is always ready to work with a smile on her face. Her professionalism and years in the industry make her a great teacher.
Ruth Adams
Director at SAVS, University of Kentucky
-
These are the best photo's ever taken of me! I have paid way more for photos in my life and I wasn't nearly as happy as I was with these. I loved working with her.
Kendra Brown
Photography Client
-
Hayli is an incredibly talented Graphic Designer with a large imagination. She is very ambitious, and willing to learn and try many new ideas.
Mary Ellen Hardin
President at Wall Street Greetings