Becca Dunn

Becca Dunn was born in Lexington, Kentucky. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Art Education and Art Studio with a minor in Art History. Her work features a variety of topics, ranging from social issues to depictions of everyday life. She enjoys experimenting with new mediums, but especially enjoys the process of manipulating metal. After graduation, she plans to move to New Orleans, Louisiana and aspires to manage a children's program within a museum.

Don't go alone.

Forged steel, spray paint, found objects

This piece is a forged steel replica of a woman’s underwear. Women are taught many rules from the time we are young girls. “Walk with your keys between your fingers”. “Always take another girl with you.” “Never leave your drink unattended”. This piece, which was set up near a remote area of trees on the University of Kentucky campus, was hidden from plain sight. Through the distressed texture and broken glass and bottle caps, this piece tells the story of what could happen to any girl, any time. We are taught to live in fear of what may happen if we break any of the rules we learn as kids.

The human vessel.

Forged steel, lacquer, glitter

This piece was inspired by an investigation into my own beliefs. Like many of my other pieces, a recurring element is a vessel. Through this piece, I considered a deeper meaning for what constitutes a vessel or a container. Most of the time, our minds go to a vase or a bowl when we hear the word container. With this piece, I sought an organic vessel, in this case, the brain. Our brains hold everything we are: our memories, our experiences, our likes and dislikes. They are the vessels of our souls. An abstracted interpretation of the human brain, this piece features simple organic forms resembling the form of the organ in addition to a glittering finish. This piece is able to push the viewer to consider their own vessels through its slightly reflective surface.

Take the jump.

Cast iron, resin, spray paint, mud, found objects

This piece was inspired by the childhood desire to jump into puddles. As an adult though, it is about everything around jumping into puddles. As we grow up, we can no longer act on impulse like we did as children. This piece, which is cast iron rain boots with resin poured into them, encasing cigarette butts, candy wrappers, dirt, etc. is centered around the ever-present internal conflict we face. Do we jump in the puddle, getting water and trash inside our boots, but happy to live in the moment? Or do we stay dry and clean, but longing for a little bit of thrill?