What is a sustained investigation?
A sustained investigation consists of a big idea that is investigated through questions, processes and mediums. It is an in-depth study that takes place over time. Questions are continually formulated, documented (visually and with writing), developed and evaluated throughout a sustained investigation. Investigation and making often inspire more questions. Learning and discovery during the investigation can lead to refinement of questions.
Practice is repeatedly using a material, process or idea over a period of time.
Experimentation is testing a material, process or idea.
It is NOT a selection of works produced as solutions to class projects or a collection of works with differing intents. Students are encouraged to explore a personal, central interest as intensively as possible; they are free to work with any idea in any medium.
Examples of BIG IDEAS (intended only to provide a sense of range and should not be considered “better” ideas):
•Alienation
•Identity
•Community
•Nightmares/Dreams
•Culture
•Passage of Time
•Diversity
•Rites of Passage
•Heroes
•Utopia
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1. A sustained investigation does not mean that all pieces will look the same.
2. Point of View – An interesting point of view can have a powerful impact
3. Have unique compositions
4. Work with references:
a. Best – Observation from life
b. 2nd Best – Combine photographs to create a unique composition OR use an image from a shot that you set up.
c. 3rd Best – Enlarge a small section from a photograph
NEVER Copy an existing photograph that you did not take.
TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
1. It is not enough to focus on a subject (trees) or a medium (charcoal). If trees, why trees? Is it about growth? Negative space in nature? Protective canopies? Strength and endurance? Branch and leaf structures? The “design” of a forest in compositional relationships?
2. Your exploration should go deeper than merely taking a subject and executing it in a variety of media or styles. Think deeper than: Apples rendered in watercolor, stipple, crosshatch, cubism, fauvism and surrealism.
3. Ideally you should develop a visual language that fits your idea, a style and medium and format appropriate to the theme you are investigating.
4. Your investigation should evolve and develop as the visual idea is explored, ending in a different place than where it began. In either case it is best to start out with a clear plan of attack; if the idea changes, the change will usually be the natural result of discoveries made in the process of questioning and exploration.
5. Research artists who have worked in styles similar to your own direction or with similar subject matter. Do not rely totally on yourself for inspiration. Look at historical masters, contemporary artists, the world around you and your peers to cross-pollinate your own ideas.
6. ALL images must adhere to copyright laws. By using original imagery or drawing from life you will avoid any issues.
EXPECTATIONS
1. You will be working in class EVERYDAY on your ideas (brainstorming, writing, gathering materials, creative process, critiquing).
2. Although I will be around to help with anything you need, there will be formal check-ins and critiques.
3. All three pieces are due at the end of the quarter. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
Practice is repeatedly using a material, process or idea over a period of time.
Experimentation is testing a material, process or idea.
- What if…?
- Try something different
- Results can spark new ways of thinking about and using components
It is NOT a selection of works produced as solutions to class projects or a collection of works with differing intents. Students are encouraged to explore a personal, central interest as intensively as possible; they are free to work with any idea in any medium.
Examples of BIG IDEAS (intended only to provide a sense of range and should not be considered “better” ideas):
•Alienation
•Identity
•Community
•Nightmares/Dreams
•Culture
•Passage of Time
•Diversity
•Rites of Passage
•Heroes
•Utopia
THINGS TO CONSIDER
1. A sustained investigation does not mean that all pieces will look the same.
2. Point of View – An interesting point of view can have a powerful impact
3. Have unique compositions
4. Work with references:
a. Best – Observation from life
b. 2nd Best – Combine photographs to create a unique composition OR use an image from a shot that you set up.
c. 3rd Best – Enlarge a small section from a photograph
NEVER Copy an existing photograph that you did not take.
TIPS TO BE SUCCESSFUL
1. It is not enough to focus on a subject (trees) or a medium (charcoal). If trees, why trees? Is it about growth? Negative space in nature? Protective canopies? Strength and endurance? Branch and leaf structures? The “design” of a forest in compositional relationships?
2. Your exploration should go deeper than merely taking a subject and executing it in a variety of media or styles. Think deeper than: Apples rendered in watercolor, stipple, crosshatch, cubism, fauvism and surrealism.
3. Ideally you should develop a visual language that fits your idea, a style and medium and format appropriate to the theme you are investigating.
4. Your investigation should evolve and develop as the visual idea is explored, ending in a different place than where it began. In either case it is best to start out with a clear plan of attack; if the idea changes, the change will usually be the natural result of discoveries made in the process of questioning and exploration.
5. Research artists who have worked in styles similar to your own direction or with similar subject matter. Do not rely totally on yourself for inspiration. Look at historical masters, contemporary artists, the world around you and your peers to cross-pollinate your own ideas.
6. ALL images must adhere to copyright laws. By using original imagery or drawing from life you will avoid any issues.
EXPECTATIONS
1. You will be working in class EVERYDAY on your ideas (brainstorming, writing, gathering materials, creative process, critiquing).
2. Although I will be around to help with anything you need, there will be formal check-ins and critiques.
3. All three pieces are due at the end of the quarter. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
student_project_tracker.docx | |
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2_exploration.docx | |
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3_practice_plan.docx | |
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4_peer_critiques.docx | |
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5_guided_questions.docx | |
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6_sustained_investigation_rubric.docx | |
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