Concentration Statement
What is the central idea of your concentration? (500 characters maximum)
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific images as examples. When referencing specific images, please indicate the image numbers. (1350 characters maximum)
EXAMPLES!
Score Rationale
- The topic—unusual things that break routine—is unmistakably and coherently integrated with the work. This evocative, engaging theme is sustained through all of the works in the portfolio. The scenes depict “groups of people going through the expected, and running through their usual habits; all while being totally ignorant of the exciting and electric events happening right around in front of their faces.” The one exception is a girl with pink light reflecting on her face (seen in each image), indicating that she is able to observe the absurd around her. Her presence brings consistency to the work. Although the works are independent narratives, there are clearly unifying tactics in the stories. In some of the images, the fantastical shifts introduce animals. For example, in image 2, a large bullish creature is purchasing the typical eggs and milk at an average neighborhood grocery store. In image 3 the shadow of a jogger becomes a roaring lion and, in image 6, a wolf sits in the chair of a hairdresser.
- Image 4 is a clear example of work that demonstrates original thinking. The girl on the right, emphasized by the pink face, is the only figure with a readable expression facing the viewer. The direction of her glance and the expression on her face suggest concern directed at what is occurring on the table at the bottom of the composition. The work takes risk with the multiple perspectives present. The background uses classical one point perspective, while the table drawing our attention is presented from an aerial perspective, confronting the viewer. The use of space, perspective, contrasting values, and warm colors create interest about this gathering of figures drinking coffee.
- The work conveys a sense of successful transformation and growth. Compositional use of the picture plane and perspective evolve throughout the work. The delivery of the intended ideas becomes more mature and more open to interpretation. For example, the use of perspective in images 3 and 6 is not as strong, and the links between the human figures and the animal imagery are mostly literal. Images 5, 7, and 8, on the other hand, exemplify use of compositional space while leaving room for interpretation of the more sophisticated analogies presented.
- When digital processes are used (images 1, 3, 6, and 9 through 12), the work demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of analog drawing issues. Image 6 combines media in a digital platform. Surfaces were created using watercolor, colored pencil, and gel pen. They were scanned, merged, and embellished in Photoshop. Mark-making is fluid and consistent despite the differences in materials. Four of the drawings (images 9 through 12) were completed digitally, but analog techniques are addressed with varying intentions. Line quality is more gestural and energetic in images 9 and 10, and more precise in images 11 and 12. There is a convincing use of light and shade to render form and the illusion of depth in all seven of the digital pieces.
2D DESIGN
Score Rationale
- Throughout the investigation of thetopic, the work shows discovery in the abstraction of the figures (see images 1, 2, 3, 4,and 6). This explorationand discovery areevident in the use of principlessuch as proportion,especially in the hands and feet. Furthermore, informed decision making is evident in the way the figures engage the backgrounds and in the use of thoughtfully considered color schemes.
- The sustained investigation clearly demonstrates an original vision, with an innovative focus on dynamic figures in various frames. Experimentation with different media and risk-taking are seen in the interactive, kinetic components in images 1, 2, and 4.
- An evocative, engaging theme—exploring “the different reactions and responses humans experience when in various situations and environments”—is sustained through most of the work.
- The work shows a thorough understanding and effective application of 2-D design principles. Image 6, for example, shows a sophisticated use of movement and rhythm. The carefully distorted proportions of the human figure fill the compositional space, incorporating asymmetrical balance among the layers of both figurative and nonobjective forms. The work is unified through the repetition of similar shapes and colors. Careful thought has been given to the choices of color, shapes, and values that create effective use of contrast/variety.
- The work conveys a sense of successful transformation and growth. For instance, image 7 presents a figure that has been broken up into various perspectives, making it unlike the other figures depicted in the portfolio. Each piece in the portfolio shows an attempt to build upon the discoveries made during the process of investigation.
- In general, the work is technically excellent; materials and media are used effectively to express ideas. Appropriated imagery, cut paper, paint, and stitched marks are used carefully to create distorted and fragmented images. The complex, well-composed collages visually suggest how people react to their specific situation or surroundings. Images 1 through 4 include moving parts that allow the figures to morph from constricted postures within frames to more open and active stances.
3D Design
Score Rationale
- The jewelry in this sustained investigation and the topic, using design and architectural elements of major airports, are unmistakably and coherently integrated. The structures on ceilings and windows, as well as the aerial views of runways and terminals,clearly inspired each set of designs.
- The investigation of airports as design inspiration provides convincing evidence of informed decision making. The documentation of the process adjacent to photographs of the finished works in images 4, 8, and 12 clearly illustrates an awareness of the unique patterns tied to specific spaces. The rest of the images demonstrate how airport architecture translates in form to a wearable scale. A significant decision is seen in how the sets are organized not only by airport (Beijing, Incheon, and Atlanta,) but also by a combination of function and inspirational feature (ceiling earrings, window rings, and runway brooches).
- The combination of the theme of airport architecture with adornment shows risk-taking and clearly demonstrates an original vision. The work in images 1 and 2, 5 and 6, 9 and 10 refers to architectural features as a person would experience them on the ground while the work in images 3, 7, and 11 is based on aerial views from the aircraft.
- The work shows a thorough understanding and effective application of 3-D design principles. Unity, variety, and rhythm are created through repetition of lines, shapes, occupied, and unoccupied space. More complex relationships are created as the jewelry interacts with the body to highlight the scale shifts and to further activate the space.
- The inclusion of reference photographs (images 4, 8, and 12) creates a clear demonstration of the transformation that has occurred as the jewelry was designed. Two or three different variations of the basic design are included for each “pair” of airport-ceiling earrings.
- In general, the work is technically excellent. For example, image 6 clearly demonstrates expertise in soldering the various metals. Despite the small scale and confining space, joints are seamlessly assembled in this work. Software (SketchUp) is used to render the 3-D- printed brooches in images 3, 7, and 11. These inventive forms are further articulated with liquid gold and/or silver leaf. The materials and media are used effectively to express ideas.