The document is a concentration statement and sustained investigations portfolio from an AP art student named Finley Caughran. The concentration statement explores how disabilities are portrayed and how the student aims to challenge stereotypes through their artwork. They drew inspiration from campers with disabilities and artists like Anderson. The sustained investigations include sketches, photos and mixed media pieces depicting subjects with physical or developmental disabilities in order to express their inner emotions and uniqueness. Advice to future AP students encourages early work, feedback, fun, respect for teachers, and choosing the AP art course.

1. FINLEYCAUGHRAN
APART2019-2020

2. Selected
Works

6. CONCENTRATION STATEMENT
How is the outside appearance of disabilities guiding the viewer’s mind to create a
stereotype for all people with disabilities? How can I portray people with disabilities & show
something that makes them (themselves) and in turn, change people’s original stigmas? I
met these amazing humans at a summer camp I work at. By practicing art journaling SI #1-3
I bring you into my thoughts and show how I get inspo from famous artists. Anderson’s color
palette & balance inspired me to create simple backgrounds to not distract from my subjects.
SI #4-9 depicts people with physical disabilities & my background shows an expression of
their inward emotions. In SI# 8 I strayed from center positioning to show my subject’s goofy
nature. In SI#10 I show how someone who looks a certain age may not be that age
developmentally. In SI #1-3 sketchbooks help me emphasize the importance of talking about
disabilities. Sustained Investigations 4-9 used photos & backgrounds to express the
emotions they cannot express themselves. In SI #10 I used a wooden box, printed photos,
yoyo & crayons to express & unite 3 pieces & show something that makes them unique & to
show unity & connection with all my pieces.

7. SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION

18. ADVICE TO FUTURE AP STUDENTS
- Do your work early, if you get art done first you will have a bunch of other time for the
rest of your grueling schedule.
- Express your opinions and get a second pairs of eyes on your work, of course get the
lovely Prof. Robson, but also ask like a dad (whos an amazing cinematographer) or if
you aren’t as lucky as me, ask someone who knows art to give you pointers.
- Have fun, art is supposed to be fun don’t let the stupid college board ruin that.
- Don’t drive Prof insane. Turn stuff in, be vocal during critiques, and make sure to tell her
on occasion that she’s a pretty cool lady.
- And if you are reading this before you decide to do AP try and get at least some of your
pieces done during the summer or the year before! You’ll thank me later I promise.
- P.S. if you are deciding between AP and Art 3 choose APit’s definitely the way to go
don’t be a wimp choose AP.