Graphic Design capstone project to inspire action and change
Senior Jack Weurfel works on setting up his Senior Capstone Project March 30 in the University Art Gallery.
Jack Wuerfel wants to do more than just a capstone project; he wants to broaden the horizon of his viewers.
The Northville senior created a capstone project that is currently on display in the University Art Gallery. The project is a call to action regarding the mismanagement and accessibility to the water cycle.
“Convenience has blinded us,” Wuerfel said. “We need to be more flexible with how we inhabit the earth.”
The project is a space displaying facts and statistics using information graphics and visual representations of data and knowledge. Topics such as water scarcity, acid rain and irrigation are presented.
“I’m synthesizing what I find to be the most alarming statistics and I’m presenting (them) in an (aesthetically-pleasing) fashion along with the solutions to create change,” Wuerfel said.
The graphics are on a carousel, mocking the cyclical nature of water. It is part of the Graphic Design Capstone Exhibition: 472.
“The information graphics are an easy way to observe bad habits and understand the facts in a visual way,” Wuerfel said.
The theme of the exhibit is to bring awareness and inspire solution to significant problems in the world. Jonathon Russell, the professor of the course, encourages his students to find a meaningful problem that encourages action.
“It’s not just an awareness campaign,” Russell said. “They are providing a solution and encouraging people to work together to solve a problem. The project should inspire people to not just be aware of (the issue), but also to take the extra step to take action.”
Classmate and Ferndale senior, Kyle Funk, said he is proud of the capstone projects.
“I’m very impressed by everyone’s work. There are a lot more handcrafted things than I was expecting. Some of (the students) went beyond what was expected of them,” Funk said.
The exhibition will be open in University Art Gallery until April 18. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday- Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
