Lane Technical High School
Chicago, IL
Score: 6

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Student Commentary:
What is the central idea of your concentration?
The central idea of my concentration is to use paper (fiber) to create decorative work with designs that resemble and abstract from cast shadows.

How does the work in your concentration demonstrate the exploration of your idea? You may refer to specific slides as examples.
With my concentration I want to create paper sculptures that are intricate like lace and that create aesthetically beautiful shadows. Paper is a cheap sculptural material—I am making something from nothing—scraps of recycled or old unwanted papers. Paper is flat and I transformed it to create space and structure. I have an unusual fear of eerie shadows but with my concentration I wanted shadows to be looked upon as something artistic and beautiful rather than frightening and mysterious. Shadows are usually formed on accident, as a result of light. I am creating purposeful shadows as part of my set-up. For the paper cutouts I spent time looking at certain sources of shadow-casting imagery such as fire, birds, and butterflies and then abstracted the forms into geometrical 3-D patterns. The result is a convergence of translucent and opaque form, light and shadow, and abstraction and realism.

Rationale for Score:
The idea of creating paper sculpture has an undeniable connection with the work that is presented in this portfolio. The student has taken risks with what is assumed to be a common material and has eloquently interpreted the delicate designs with excellent technical quality. There is a strong, consistent connection between the principles of design and the concept of the concentration. Rhythm, repetition, and proportion are represented with unifying balance. It is noted that the scale of the pieces shows a strong technical aspect that pushes this work beyond a simplistic solution. The designs are evocative in that light and shadow play a significant role in the student’s original vision. The works in this portfolio exemplify excellent quality.

1. 48" x 72" x 3" paper
2. 30" x 20" x 3" paper
3. 48" x 24" x 12" paper
4. 48" x 72" x 5" paper
5. 36" x 6" x 9" paper [view 1]
6. 36" x 6" x 9" paper [view 2, detail]
7. 72" x 30" x 15" paper [view 1]
8. 72" x 30" x 15" paper [view 2, detail]
9. 12" x 12" x 6" paper [view 1]
10. 12" x 12" x 6" paper [view 2, detail]
11. 28" x 53" x 9" paper [view 1]
12. 28" x 53" x 9" paper [view 2, detail