MFA Thesis Project: 78 Months
This project explores how graphic design, physical space, and storytelling can support emotional well-being. To put that idea into practice, I created a memorial for my brother, Nathan Wayne Carpenter (1982–2015), who passed away seventy-eight months before the project began.
At the heart of the memorial are seventy-eight paper snowflakes—each one telling a piece of Nate’s story. Some capture small, funny moments; others reflect his struggles and strength. Together, they form a portrait of a life deeply felt. A few excerpts:
• Forehead scar. Tony tricked me—I bull-rammed the coffee table.
• “Rough-ups” with Dad. Scream-laughing… I lost my shoe.
• Discarded cigarette—still enough left to smoke.
• “I spoke from the heart. It was inspired.”
• “Rough-ups” with Dad. Scream-laughing… I lost my shoe.
• Discarded cigarette—still enough left to smoke.
• “I spoke from the heart. It was inspired.”
When someone dies, the silence can feel like a wound. Angus Fletcher suggests this break may manifest as guilt, fueling long-term sorrow. But storytelling offers relief—allowing us to speak for those we’ve lost, and in doing so, carry their memory forward.
Thesis
Humans have always designed spaces. Today, virtual ones dominate, often bringing disconnection and harm. As an alternative, I explore how graphic design can shape physical spaces that support healing. Story-rich environments can help people process grief and build emotional resilience.
Humans have always designed spaces. Today, virtual ones dominate, often bringing disconnection and harm. As an alternative, I explore how graphic design can shape physical spaces that support healing. Story-rich environments can help people process grief and build emotional resilience.
The Inspiration
My youngest son and I discovered an abandoned snow fort in the park last February. We lit candles—one for each month since Nate died—and placed them inside. The entire structure glowed with warmth. It felt quiet, reverent, and unexpectedly powerful. I wanted to replicate that experience for others.
My youngest son and I discovered an abandoned snow fort in the park last February. We lit candles—one for each month since Nate died—and placed them inside. The entire structure glowed with warmth. It felt quiet, reverent, and unexpectedly powerful. I wanted to replicate that experience for others.
Nathan Wayne Carpenter (1982–2015)
My brother Nate was a beautiful contradiction. He was tall, handsome, and humble. Fiercely loyal, tender-hearted, and quick to defend others. He was a dreamer and a fighter, a rebel and a protector. He loved deeply, even when it hurt. His hugs were unforgettable. His laughter contagious. He stood by the forgotten and gave strength to the weak. Nate died on November 1, 2015.
My brother Nate was a beautiful contradiction. He was tall, handsome, and humble. Fiercely loyal, tender-hearted, and quick to defend others. He was a dreamer and a fighter, a rebel and a protector. He loved deeply, even when it hurt. His hugs were unforgettable. His laughter contagious. He stood by the forgotten and gave strength to the weak. Nate died on November 1, 2015.
Creative Process
Like most MFA thesis projects, this was a winding and often difficult journey. I explored countless directions—many of them dead ends. Fittingly, it was a simple walk through the park that sparked the idea that finally brought everything together.
Like most MFA thesis projects, this was a winding and often difficult journey. I explored countless directions—many of them dead ends. Fittingly, it was a simple walk through the park that sparked the idea that finally brought everything together.
Acknowledgments
With sincere thanks to: Rhonda K. Arntsen, Louis Baker, John Howrey, Scott Samuelson, Shauna Samuelson, Lisa Jones, David Jones, Carla Jimison, Josh Abegglen, Shay Spaulding, Aubrey Spaulding, Jed Rhien, Jake Carpenter, Shelly Carpenter, Lindsay Carpenter, Robert Carpenter, Cliff Carpenter, and Amy Carpenter. Photography by Ethan Gordon and Amy Carpenter.
With sincere thanks to: Rhonda K. Arntsen, Louis Baker, John Howrey, Scott Samuelson, Shauna Samuelson, Lisa Jones, David Jones, Carla Jimison, Josh Abegglen, Shay Spaulding, Aubrey Spaulding, Jed Rhien, Jake Carpenter, Shelly Carpenter, Lindsay Carpenter, Robert Carpenter, Cliff Carpenter, and Amy Carpenter. Photography by Ethan Gordon and Amy Carpenter.