Route 404

Author/Artist Name

Sarina C. Hamilton, Murray State UniversityFollow

Files

Academic Level at Time of Creation

Senior

Date of Creation

Spring 5-25-2025

Artist Statement

Through graphic design and printmaking, I create work that unifies and connects people through shared experiences. I have developed a fascination with the universal experience of death and how it connects us all. While each of us experiences it differently, we all share in it-eventually, we all die. This realization has inspired me to express this commonality in my work.

I wanted to challenge myself to create something more than just a brand or product; I aimed to convey a complex and layered idea-something greater than myself. I often reflect on the trivial aspects of my daily life, which leads me to question what truly matters. How much time do I spend scrolling through social media or working a 9-to-5 job? How often do I connect with others? It seems absurd that I invest so much time and energy in these superficial concerns instead of focusing on what truly matters.

"A line that often resonates with me is, "There is no gift shop at the end.” This got me thinking: what is there we’re?”

I am no philosopher, but I am human. I used my skills and experiences to create something that communicates these ideas to others, fostering connection and encouraging them to ask these questions. While my design work is primarily digital, I also employed screen printing techniques for certain aspects, such as the tote bags and apparel featured in the exhibition.

Learning these textile skills has enhanced my understanding of product design and visual communication. I wanted the products in my store to catch the viewer's attention, so I chose a complementary palette of orange and blue to create a sense of juxtaposition in the space.

Many artists inspire my work, but the most influential to me include Olly Moss, known for his colorful illustrations and typographic film posters, which inspired my use of bold and bright typography within my posters to guide the audience through the space; Alan Watts, a senior artist for Meow Wolf's OmegaMart and several of their exhibitions, has inspired product design and the selection of items I chose to feature such as several of the mugs in the exhibition-but what would you do with them? Can you even drink coffee in the afterlife? -; and designer April Grieman, recognized for her bold, textural, and geometric designs, which I emulated in my brand design.

Through my work, I aspire to communicate bigger, complex ideas that encourage viewers to question their encounters, using the skills I developed at Murray State University. Ultimately, I believe that art should catalyze meaningful discourse and introspection. By challenging perceptions and inviting deeper

engagement, I aim to create an experience that resonates on multiple levels, creating connection and understanding among diverse audiences.

Sarina Hamilton

Advisor/Mentor

Jim Bryant; Nicole Hand-Bryant; Gregory Scott Cook; Mike Martin

Description

Place Card A, Print, 4x6 inch

Place Card B, Print, 4x6 inch

Place Card C, Print, 4x6 inch

Store Sign, Acrylic, 20x36 inch

Coaster A, Screenprint on wood, 3.5x3.5 inch

Coaster B, Screenprint on wood, 3.5x3.5 inch

Coaster C, Screenprint on wood, 3.5x3.5 inch

Mug A, Vinyl on Ceramic, 4.5x3.5 inch

Mug B, Vinyl on Ceramic, 4.5x3.5 inch

Mug C, Vinyl on Ceramic, 4.5x3.5 inch

Swirly Keychains, Acrylic, 2.5x2.5 inch

Tee-Shirt A, Digital design for screen print, 12x20 inch

Hat A, Digital design for screen print, 3x4 inch

Product Sticker, Vinyl, 1x1 inch

Mug D, Vinyl on Ceramic, 4.5x3.5 inch

Keychain Design B, Vinyl on acrylic, 2.2x2.2 inch

No Refunds, Print, 12x18 inch

Postcard A, Print, 4x6 inch

Poster A, Print on Foam Core, 24x36 inch

Poster B, Print on Foam Core, 36x24 inch

Poster C, Print on Foam Core, 36x24 inch PR Poster, Print, 12x18 inch Website Error Screen, Digital, n/a

Koozie A, ScreenPrint, 2x4 inch

Koozie B, ScreenPrint, 2x4 inch

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Hamilton, Sarina C., "Route 404" (2025). B.F.A. Practicum Exhibition (ART 498). 152.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/art498/152