Q&A with Dallas Spears
Dallas Spears is completing her MFA in Visual Art in 2026 and showing work in the cohort’s thesis exhibition, “Apparition.” In this Q&A, she shares insight into her thesis project, evolution as an artist, and more.
Briefly describe thesis project. What themes are you exploring, and in what mediums/with what materials?
My thesis project is a site-responsive sculpture standing at ten feet tall in the doorway of the gallery. It is covered in handmade recycled paper pieces and found objects, all sourced from around my studio and home. I am exploring themes of play, craft, paper as a material, and recycling. I am also thinking about the body, and what it means to live in the world today via production, consumption, and waste.
What do you hope someone feels when they experience your work?
I hope they feel overwhelmed at first because of the size and busyness of the piece. Then I hope they stay long enough to pick out all the details and find joy in the playful forms. I also hope they are able to discover the different ways I integrated the connotations of paper, waste, and the body.
What has been surprising as you’ve worked on this project?
I have not been making paper for very long, so this entire project has been one big experiment. Sometimes the problems that come up during the making lead me in new directions, sometimes they lead me into a wall.
How have you evolved as an artist over the years?
Before coming to WashU, I exclusively painted from observation, always with oil. Since beginning graduate school, I have moved towards abstraction and sculpture but still find that the way I think through painting is the way I think through three-dimensional work as well (which is probably why my sculpture is still flat). I would say the biggest difference is that the materials I use have become as important as image and form.
Are there any faculty, courses, making spaces, or other washu resources that have had a big impact on you?
I would say that the Walker Shop, run by Jon Young, has been my go-to making space, especially as I’ve started metal working. Jon is so generous with his time and knowledge. I have also come to rely on the printmaking facilities and faculty — Tom Reed, Erin Johnston, Lisa Bulawsky, Sage Dawson, and Pete Holohan. They always help me problem solve, and always lend an ear when I just need to talk.