05/16/2026
“Creatures of Habit” is an MFA Thesis Exhibition by that reflects on the immense impact we as humans have on our environment with the tremendous amount of waste we create. Ellis confronts the viewer with a glimpse of the sheer amount of trash produced in just one community, as the majority of the trash items used in the work were sourced from Meek Hall and the Oxford area. Dogs are also a central figure in the installation, showing the struggle of adapting to and living in a world shaped by humans.
The dogs, the viewer, and the artist all embody the show title, as dogs survive and thrive on routine, we as humans compulsively consume and discard, and as Ellis collects and highly regards the very things we waste.
Sight, sound, and smell come together in this installation to compel the viewer and artist to consider their own place in this environment.
Congratulations Ellis! What a transformative experience!