SUMMER ASSIGNMENTS FOR AP STUDIO ART: 3-D PORTFOLO
The AP Studio Art Portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. Taking the AP Studio Art course requires a commitment and an energy level which goes far beyond lower level art course assignments. If you wish to be successful in this course, you must put in extra time to improve your skills and develop ideas.
A portfolio of 5 3-dimensional works done over the summer is required. This portfolio is due the first day of class in August and will determine most of your first quarter grade. We will have a class critique the first week back to discuss your summer work.
Choose at least 5 of the following assignments and complete them for the first day of class.
- 3D Painting - Using large sheets of cardboard, create an abstract painting on both sides. Cut into small pieces and then, making slots in each piece, build an interchangeable sculpture form. Also pay attention to the raw, unpainted edges of the cardboard
- Rhythmic sculpture - using 100s or 1000s of pieces of the same small common object, emphasizing horizontal or vertical movement and rhythm
- Animated Object - Find an interesting discarded object: an old radio, steam iron, telephone, tea kettle, et cetera. Add features: eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hair, and so on, with wadded
paper and masking tape, jar lids, eyeglasses frames, et cetera.Cover with paper mache. Decorate with paint and other decorative items. (Be careful not to get too cutesy with this!)
- Creating an Aesthetic Object from an Abandoned Derelict - Find an interesting object from the garage, attic, flea market, auction, or secondhand store. Transform the object by covering its entire surface with textural materials: mosaic, pebbles, glass, mirrors, feathers, flocking, yarn, paper, sand, photos, rope, coins, marble or granite chips, smaller objects, etc. Do this by using white glue: Spread glue on the surface, then sprinkle fine-particled materials such as sand, marbledust, or sawdust on it. (Use tile cement to attach heavier materials.)
- 3D Metaphorical Self Portrait - Using any debris from your life (clothes, papers, food containers, cosmetics, reading material), assemble the materials into a life-size self-portrait bust, actual or metaphorical, in relief or in the round. You can use any means available (tape, glue, string, staples, screws, etc.) for attaching the material.
- Enlargement of an object to study perceptual response - Select a subject for your composition that is normally quite small, such as a paper clip, nail clipper, wrist watch, corkscrew, electrical or mechanical parts, bugs or other small creatures, etc. and recreate the subject on a giant scale: Make a soft sculpture by cutting fabrics and flexible materials, which are then sewn, stuffed, stitched, and decorated; or create a large rigid structure by using cardboard and tape.
- Scavenged material container - Using only natural materials (twigs, grasses, pods, stones, leaves)
and twine or string, create a container for an object that has special meaning for you. The container must be at least 10 inches in one of its dimensions.
- Mechanical Body Part - Students will create detailed representations of a body part of their choosing using tinfoil (must be appropriate). They must then alter the sculpture in order to make the body part look mechanical (bolts, wires, etc) again using only tinfoil.
- Altered Book - Students will acquire an old book from the library and make it into something new. All parts of the book can be ripped, cut, folded or altered in any other way in order to create a new story for the object.
- Emotional Headgear - Students will design a piece of headwear (hat, mask, headband, etc.) that represents or expresses personal issues or emotions. The design must also consider structure and stability as the sculpture must effectively be worn.
- Natural Installation - Create an installation piece in a natural area that draws attention to an interesting aspect of the area that would normally be overlooked. Take a large amount of pictures from many different angles with the best quality camera you have available to you.
You have a total of 5 works to do. Do not wait until the last minute to do these assignments. Enjoy, relax, and create. Have fun while doing these assignments. Go to some museums, art galleries and gallery crawls for inspiration. As you are working on these assignments, brainstorm and note anything you are particularly interested in, enjoy, or would like to explore further that may be the jumping off point for your concentration.
Grading is based on the following criteria: quality craftsmanship, understanding of techniques, thoughtful use of design elements/principles, and innovative visual solutions (avoid clichés or lucky charms). Please remember that this is a class that focuses on 3 dimensions.
Additionally, over the summer practice your trash picking skills! Collect a sizable boxful (or more) of interesting objects and junk. Broken objects, machine parts, natural objects, household items—anything that interests you in terms of shape, volume, texture, color, meaning, or social significance. Objects that are modular or occur in multiples can be especially useful. Bring to school the first week. (Yes, this will be a grade)
If you have any questions over the summer, email me at or , or call me at 843-60ELLER (yeah, cool right?)
I look forward to seeing you in August!