IB Art 2 Semester Final

1. IB Art 2 Semester Final Theme: Nature Standard Level Brian Zhong 19 December 2013

2. Candidate Statement Before IB art, my experience with art was very limited. I usually only worked with materials I knew best and never left my comfort zone. I also never produced any artwork outside of school assignments. Since middle school, I have been an environmentalist at heart and had many unique ideas regarding this issue, but I always kept these ideas to myself and never considered expressing them using art. So, as soon as I entered IB art and was told to develop a theme to connect all of my pieces, I instantly knew what that would be. Since I’m not well versed in any one artistic medium, I quickly decided to sample as many different materials as possible so I can get a clear understanding of which one best fits my style and personality. Therefore, I always transition between materials so that I am more versatile in terms of expressing my ideas and to increase the design possibilities of my artwork. I also have a habit of wanting to create my visions regarding environmentalism in the physical world. My pieces always branch off of one of my prior ideas about nature, which are usually influenced by other sources such as television programs, local or worldwide news, and personal experiences. I always try to be creative in terms of design in order to grab the attention of spectators so my ideas, and those with similar beliefs, can become more widespread. My pieces are usually designed to portray the dark side of humans and to express the truth in the actions of humanity, or to simply show the beauty of nature. I am greatly inspired by Rachel Carson and certain cultures who keep to traditional ways, whose principles I try to reflect through my artwork.

3. Before IB art and other personal projects

4. Testing Piece # 1 Title: Greed Plasterand acrylic on wire fencing “The world is big enough for everyone’s needs but not big enough for everyone’s greed” Greed is a natural trait in humanity and results in the destruction of the Earth. Although nature is resilient, the power of greed, and other deadly sins, overwhelms nature’s attempts at recovery.

5. Research, planning and inspiration Pininterest.com artist Tchaikovsky Everything is merged together Research is not taken seriously.

6. Testing Piece #2 Title: Silent Spring Clay “We have now acquired a fateful power to alter and destroy nature. But man is a part of nature, and his war against nature is inevitably a war against himself? [We are] challenged as mankind has never been challenged before to prove our maturity and our mastery, not of nature, but of ourselves.” A visual interpretation of the book “Silent Spring”.

7. Research and inspiration

8. Planning

9. Process

10. Testing Piece #3 Title: Tree of life Plaster, acrylic paint, cardboard box The area that is hidden in most interpretations of the tree of life. This underground area hides the origins, the truth, whatever things that people do not see or wish to see. Reflects nature in that something really simple and seemingly insignificant has a major impact on the surrounding environment. Inspired by the interpretations of the tree of life in various cultures

11. Research, process and inspiration

12. Testing Piece #4 Title: Replacement Plaster with metallic spray-paint Scientists are constantly trying to replicate human parts in an attempt to live forever or to improve current bodily functions. These artificial body parts will never be as good or as perfect as the original. The original or natural version will always be better than the artificial or synthetic version.

13. Researchand process

14. The Future • Better research pages • More sketches • Work faster • Avoid artist blocks • Cycle of life and death • The individual components of nature • Beauty in traditional methods