Assignment 2

Interview an artist in your own community. The artist does not need to be professional. Remember that folk art is valued, too. This kind of artwork can include everyday objects created by artists who have had no training. Seek out those who show skill with the techniques required for their medium. Be open-minded as you look for your artist. There are many kinds of art; there are many kinds of artists; there are artists in every community.

If you really can't find someone to interview, do this research on a famous artist using the Internet and library. A search using the artist's name should bring you much information. A look at the American Painting and Sculpture and European Painting sections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden collections should give you ample ideas for an artist to investigate.

Getting Ready

1. Ask your artist permission to do the interview. Ask if you can tape record him or her and if you can return for a second interview if you find you have additional questions.
2. Research your artist so that you know enough about him or her and what he or she creates so that you can ask good leading questions.
3. Prepare a series of questions that are sequenced from the simple-where were you born? Where did you go to school?-to the more complex-what materials do you like to work with? Why? (Use my questions in the Student Model if they will help.) Be prepared to ask different questions if you think of them during the interview.
4. Check your tape recorder and tape.

The Interview

1. Arrive on time. Start asking questions. BUT LISTEN!! Take notes-just in case the tape recorder breaks!!
2. Take a photograph of your artist in his or her studio, or whereever he or she works. Take close up pictures of your artist's work if you have permission to do so.

Preparing the Report

1. Read you notes, listen to the tape, transcribe (write out) what is most interesting.
   
2. Organize your material into categories. Think about the chronology (time-line) of his or her schooling, work, projects and shows. Take into consideration the ideas presented in Lesson 1 under description, analysis, interpretation and judgment (theories and aesthetics). Be sure you include the artist's intentions or purposes for making art. Identify and discuss issues in the artist's work. (An issue is a period or social problem that is controversial. For instance, beauty is an issue; the politics expressed in the art may be an issue; race and gender are issues for McIver.)
   
3. Be certain to answer the two summary questions: What style is this art work? Why is it effective?
   
4. Write your report; it should be about 1,000 words. Include the artist's name, date, times and place of the interview. Start by telling us why you chose this artist. Use headings for each topic you discuss. Conclude the paper by telling us how the interview went. Check your spelling and grammar. Check the Rubric for this assignment and do any rewriting you think may help you to do your best work.
   
5. Send a copy of the finished report to the artist for her or his approval; take into consideration any additions or deletions suggested.

Hand in the paper along with the photographs.