The Cabin
Height: 7" x Width: 10" | Material(s): Camera, outdoor lighting, Adobe Photoshop | Process(es): Exposure and sun warmth altered to make the plants from the roof distinct from the surroundings. | Idea(s): When I discovered that color (or a lack thereof) played a major role in how "alive" an abandoned scene appeared, I began to utilize different levels of saturation. | Curatorial Note: The student was certainly able to depict the serenity of this seemingly abandoned house. The house is teeming with life with the lush vegetation and soft textures, almost inviting you to touch it.
Landon Weber
AP 2-D
Mount Spokane High School
Mead, Washington
Enrolled at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington.
Student statement
Student statement
How did this artwork relate to your sustained investigation inquiry?
My sustained investigation was about how light and color can serve to emphasize various forms of deterioration, so the intent of this piece was to highlight a surreal sense of overgrowth. I was lucky enough to find a subject that had been overtaken by the environment in a fairly unique manner, so through editing I mainly aimed to draw attention to the already lush vegetation on the roof. I adjusted the exposure and saturation of various sections to achieve this, while also warming the photo to help it feel inviting instead of ominous.
How did you choose your inquiry?
I've always found abandoned structures and locations to be visually captivating, but it wasn't until I took a photo of an abandoned barn near my school that I thought to use that concept as my sustained investigation inquiry. I really liked how the shot turned out, so I began seeking out other abandoned buildings, aiming to see how I could experiment with different styles.
I decided to explore how light and color can be used to highlight deterioration in abandoned places. In particular, I tried to see how much variety I could cultivate between the photos, as I hoped to depict abandonment as something that exists beyond the stereotypical "sad and forlorn."
Describe how your inquiry evolved as your sustained investigation developed.
Over the course of my sustained investigation, my inquiry shifted from a general focus on abandoned places to the specific question of how light and color could highlight the deterioration within those scenes. I had already been looking for a variety of visually distinct subjects, but as my inquiry became more focused, I started to search for subjects that encapsulated those specific forms of deterioration. Overgrowth, collapse, rust, discoloration, and disuse were all examples of this.
How did your art teacher support your artistic development?
My photography teacher, Mr. Nelson, provided me with a lot of the necessary foundations in prior classes, so with the portfolio he encouraged me to apply that knowledge in whatever manner I saw fit. He gave me lots of freedom and creative control, and with his support and feedback, I was able to experiment and ultimately find a topic I was drawn to.
What is your advice to other AP Art and Design students?
My biggest piece of advice to other AP Art and Design students is to not be afraid to try out styles and/or subjects that are different from what you've done in the past. When I was still uncertain regarding what I wanted the focus of my portfolio to be, it was through experimenting with a variety of different ideas (some that turned out neat, others that turned out poorly) that I found one that I ultimately loved.
Landon Weber
