Q&A with Emily Eid

Briefly describe your thesis project. What themes are you exploring, and in what mediums/with what materials?
My thesis project, “Reconciliation,” uses audio and installation to tell the story of how I found healing through the Catholic concept of redemptive suffering. I challenge listeners to sit in my wheelchair while listening to the piece, hoping to build empathy for people with chronic pain.

What do you hope someone feels when they experience your work?
I hope people get a sense of the vulnerability of being someone with medical issues, as they’ll be sitting behind a transparent “privacy” curtain. I also want them to hear the sincerity of my testimony, and the evolution from pain and frustration to hope and peace.

Did you always know this would be your final project? When or how did you figure it out?
I didn’t know my final project would be an audio piece at first, but after having spinal surgery in March, I knew I needed to transition to a physically accessible medium. I’m very glad it worked out that way, though, because I think the work really shines through sound.

How does your research interact with this project?
Research was very important in creating the script for the audio, as well as the other sounds that appear in the work. I used a Biblical Greek lexicon to come up with the spoken word elements, while the sounds are inspired by Catholic worship.

Was there anyone early in life who had a big influence on your creativity?
My elementary school art teacher was a big influence on me wanting to become an artist, which is one of the reasons why I’m going to be teaching K-8 starting in the fall.

Are there any faculty, courses, making spaces, or other WashU resources that have had a big impact on you?
Heather Bennett has been an excellent mentor and professor during my time at WashU, and I’ll definitely miss her!