3.2 Sustained Investigations

Sustained Investigation (SI) is a process within art-making that emphasizes in-depth exploration and development of a theme or idea over an extended period. This approach allows artists to engage deeply with their subject, experimenting with various techniques and concepts while reflecting on their progress, ultimately resulting in a cohesive body of work that showcases their creative journey.

Artistic Process: The series of steps an artist takes to create a work, including research, experimentation, and reflection that inform and shape their final piece.

Concept Development: The phase where an artist formulates and refines the ideas or themes that will guide their artwork, often leading to a more focused investigation.

Body of Work: A collection of artworks that share a common theme or concept, often created over a sustained period, showcasing an artist's growth and exploration.

Process refers to the series of actions, steps, or stages that an artist goes through to develop their work, leading to the final outcome. It encompasses experimentation, exploration, and reflection, helping to inform artistic decisions and shape the direction of a project. In art, understanding process is crucial as it reveals the journey behind the creation, showcasing how ideas evolve and materials are manipulated over time.

Technique: The specific methods and skills used by an artist to create a work, which can vary widely depending on the medium.

Concept Development: The stage in which artists brainstorm and refine their ideas before execution, often leading to more focused and meaningful outcomes.

Reflection: The practice of reviewing and assessing one's own work and progress throughout the artistic process, which can lead to insights and improvements.

A guiding question is a central inquiry that directs the focus of an investigation or project, providing clarity and purpose to the work. It serves as a framework for both the artist's exploration and the audience's understanding, helping to shape the narrative and intent behind the artistic process.

Inquiry: The process of seeking information, knowledge, or understanding through questioning and exploration.

Artist Statement: A written description that articulates an artist's intent, influences, and the themes explored in their work.

Concept Development: The phase in the creative process where artists explore ideas and themes to form a cohesive vision for their artwork.

Sketchbook pages are the canvases for an artist's ideas, experimentation, and visual exploration, often documenting the creative process through drawings, notes, and concept development. These pages serve as a crucial element in sustained investigations, as they allow artists to engage in iterative thinking and reflection on their artistic journeys, capturing thoughts and inspirations that can lead to final works.

Visual Journal: A personal space where artists combine images and writings to document their thoughts, experiences, and creative process.

Concept Development: The process of evolving an initial idea into a more refined and detailed plan for an artwork or project.

Iterative Process: A repetitive cycle of creating, reflecting, and revising that helps artists refine their ideas and techniques over time.

Media trials refer to the intense scrutiny and public opinion shaping that occurs through mass media coverage surrounding a legal case, often influencing perceptions of guilt or innocence before a verdict is reached. This phenomenon can create a 'trial by media' environment, where the coverage can overshadow the actual judicial process, impacting how cases are perceived by society at large.

Public opinion: The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on various issues, which can be shaped significantly by media portrayals of events or individuals.

Sensationalism: A style of reporting that exaggerates or dramatizes details to attract attention, often found in media coverage of high-profile trials.

Judicial integrity: The principle that the judicial process should be fair, impartial, and free from external influence, including media pressure.

A composite image is an artwork created by combining multiple images or elements into a single cohesive piece. This technique allows artists to explore complex narratives, blend different visual styles, and create striking visual effects that convey deeper meanings. By merging various components, artists can challenge perceptions and present innovative interpretations of their subject matter.

Collage: A technique where various materials, such as photographs, paper, and fabric, are assembled together to form a new artwork.

Mixed Media: An art form that combines different artistic mediums, like paint, ink, and photography, to create a single piece.

Digital Manipulation: The process of using digital tools to alter or enhance photographs and images, often used in creating composite images.

A detail shot is a close-up image that focuses on a specific part of a subject, often emphasizing texture, shape, or small elements that might be overlooked in wider shots. This type of shot plays a critical role in visual storytelling by drawing attention to significant details, adding depth and context to the overall narrative. In the context of sustained investigations, detail shots can reveal the intricate aspects of a work and enhance the viewer's understanding of the artist's intention.

Close-up: A close-up is a shot that tightly frames a subject, typically focusing on a person's face or an object, allowing for greater emotional engagement and detail.

Composition: Composition refers to the arrangement of visual elements within an artwork or photograph, influencing how the viewer perceives and interacts with the image.

Contextualization: Contextualization involves placing an artwork within its relevant cultural, historical, or social framework to better understand its significance and meaning.

Experimentation is the process of trying out new ideas, methods, or materials in art to discover innovative ways of expressing concepts. It encourages artists to step outside their comfort zones, explore various techniques, and challenge traditional norms, leading to unique and original works that can enhance personal style and artistic growth.

Mixed Media: An art technique that combines various materials and methods, such as painting, collage, and sculpture, to create a single artwork.

Iteration: The process of repeating a set of actions or steps in art-making to refine and improve upon initial ideas or techniques.

Innovation: The act of introducing something new or making significant changes to existing methods, styles, or practices in the art world.

The AP Art and Design Rubric is a set of criteria used to assess students' artworks and sustained investigations, focusing on creativity, technique, and overall presentation. It is essential for evaluating both selected works and ongoing projects, providing a structured framework for feedback and improvement throughout the creative process.

Portfolio: A curated collection of an artist's work that demonstrates their skills, development, and personal voice over time.

Critique: A discussion or evaluation of an artwork, focusing on its strengths, weaknesses, and the artist's intent, often leading to constructive feedback.

Concept Development: The process of generating, refining, and exploring ideas that inform an artist's work and provide deeper meaning to their artistic expression.