<p>So, I am taking AP 3D Studio Art this year, but my teacher keeps trying to make me do things that would end up getting me a two. She is preventing me from doing real work and then decides to email me this weekend saying she is "concerned" about the amount of work I have completed so far this year. And it's only the third week of school. I should mention that this is only the second year that my school has offered AP Art and I will be the first person to submit a 3D portfolio. And three people at my school last year got twos so she is fearing for her job and going overboard with everything. I've tried to be diplomatic in my response to her email and I've tried to address certain things that have happened in the past two weeks that I think she was refering to. But I need some feedback before I send it. It's kind of a touchy subject for me and I want some objective opinions. Is it too long? Does it sound too confrontational? Snobbish? Any advice would be appreciated. </p>
<p>So here's the email:</p>
<p>Ms ******,</p>
<p>I realize that in the first couple of weeks at school, I havent been able to get much work done, but to be honest, I have been trying. I want to use this class to improve and grow as an artist, but at the same time I want to do well on the AP exam in the spring. For some reason or another, I feel that there has been some miscommunication during the past few weeks and I want to fix that so that the rest of the year is as productive as possible.</p>
<p>The small wire and fabric sculpture that I worked on for a couple of classes is not, in my opinion, portfolio worthy. However, I do not believe that it was a waste of time because it had been my understanding from the beginning that it was to be a maquette which, as you explained to me, is the basic equivalent of a three-dimensional thumbnail sketch. I would like to create the actual version of this sculpture as I like the design, but since it is a bit minimalist, I would like to make it somewhat large (at least two feet tall, maybe more). My idea for the construction would be to create a frame with wire mesh and then cover it with plaster strips to give it strength and structure. Then, using the white plaster and cloth as a base to paint on, I plan to experiment with different ways of layering different shades of paint to create varying tones and textures on the surface. This would be the final piece that I intend to include in my portfolio.</p>
<p>When it comes to materials, I am willing to meet you in the middle on some things and try new things, but from my perspective there is a difference between creating art from found objects and creating art from trash (for lack of a better term). I consider myself an artist, but I am also a craftsperson so craftsmanship and technique are extremely important to me in creating a piece. I dont personally feel that I can create a quality work of art out of materials that I commonly see in the trash can in my bathroom. One of the reasons that certain people in the class last year didnt do very well on the AP was because they treated it like a joke. I am very serious about this class and about doing well, but Im worried that if I create something that looks like it was just thrown together, the AP board will get a false impression about me.</p>
<p>I understand that the school is not equipped for certain processes and materials and that some things might not be possible to do. When I brought in those articles on the ****** material, I was mainly just putting it out there as a possible option for something to think about. I wasnt trying to say that I absolutely had to work with it. I just wanted to introduce it to you as something I was interested in and to see if it would be possible to do something with. I do want to try and learn how to work with different materials this year (both in an out of school) but I realize that we are slightly limited by the resources the school has. Well just have to work with what we can. The only thing that I feel is really necessary for the school to get is a Dremel tool or some other similar rotary tool. This will be useful working with stone, wood, metal, and many other things and just the ability to drill holes will open up many other doors. </p>
<p>I think the best option for now is to start working on a ceramics piece, as you suggested. I have done a fair amount of work in clay before and that is definitely an area that I would like to advance in. Clay is such a versatile medium that it is possible to do a large number of things with it. I have even seen whole breadth sections created entirely from ceramics. I am comfortable with hand building so I think your idea of using slabs for my first piece is a great idea. I will bring my sketchbook on Monday with some sketches of what I would want to do and we can discuss in class which idea you think is strongest and how I can improve it. Once I have a good idea of the design, I can begin building. I think I will be able to at least roll out the slabs and maybe start cutting the basic shapes by the end of class on Monday. I will plan to stay after school on October 3rd like we talked about so that should give me a good chance to also experiment with the wheel and hopefully produce a quality piece for my breadth. Do you think you could maybe show me the middle school clay room before that day so I have an idea of what to expect? </p>
<p>In the next week or so, I will come up with a list of possible pieces that I would like to do and we can go over it together either during or outside of class and discuss them as well as other possibilities. I want this year to be the best possible, and I want to learn and try new things that hopefully improve my skills in both art and design. But I would just like to ask you to keep in mind that although I will try my best to be open minded about certain things, I have to be true to what I feel as an artist. I cant bring myself to create something that goes against everything my instinct tells me and I cant create a piece inspired by something that doesnt inspire me. I really do want to create the best work I can this year, and I will need your help. I just hope this gives you a little clearer view of my perspective on things and you can understand more where Im coming from. </p>
<p>Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend and Ill see you on Monday. </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
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<p>...Comments please...</p>
<p>Thanks guys!</p>