Problem Solving

So I have a few projects in the works--more unresolved prints than I can count. I thought that perhaps, in writing a bit about the series I have developing, it might help me sort through some creative problem solving process and potentially point me in a better direction to develop my concept for my senior thesis. I feel it looming already, such an intense wish to be a credit to everyone and myself. I still have to get through this semester!

A friend of mine took a picture of me wearing a dust mask I dragged out from my days as a metals student. It's a really interesting photo--a glamor Chernobylesque image. I printed the photo using color separation photo lithography onto vellum. Kind of a torturous process. The paper rolled, wrinkled, smudged, etc. any time I tried to manipulate it. Out of about 20 or so sheets, I have about 8 that were successful. I've been layering computer print out images from the media of disasters happening all over the world (earthquakes, fires, murder, etc) behind sections of the portrait on vellum using PVA glue applied with an airbrush gun. I celebrated my success prematurely as the adhesive worked for about a night. A friend suggested I try applying matte medium and sending them through the press again but I'm bit nervous. Any suggestions?

The other work I have in progress at the moment is expanding off of a color separation photo silkscreen I did of Convention Hall in Asbury Park, NJ. It's turned into a few mixed media prints with inclusive cutouts, collaged photo litho figure, pen and ink map, and some actual sandpapering into the print. I'm printing an edition of 30 much smaller prints (8x10) for a portfolio exchange that's pretty settled. I've been doing a lot of scavenging--pulling unwanted prints from the trash, cutting, collaging, and working into them to develop something new.

I'm completely stalled on what I want to do for my final project in photo silkscreen. My professor really pushes for us to work 3D which I don't mind but I feel so directionless!

I did a collection of paper wedding/engagement rings with divorce stats on them last semester. I thought they were humorous and an interesting look into a social institution and it's rules of governance. My professor thought it was sad. I've done body casting where I interviewed a close friend about his life/medical procedures that have produced extensive scars on his body and projected the video onto the cast. I'm not opposed to creating an involved piece with serious emotional subject matter or an extensive process. I like creating socially conscious work I just lean towards creating two dimensional socially conscious work.

On a personal note: I think what I really need is to go for a walk, curl up on a couch in a corner of a coffee house, and enjoy a good cup of coffee.