Fox Friday: Gyamfua McPhee-Djan Uses AP Coursework to Challenge Herself as an Artist

Fox Friday is a series that highlights the accomplishments of students districtwide. We regularly feature the incredible things our students are up to — whether they are excelling academically, athletically or are quietly impressive.

Over the past six months, Fox Lane High School’s AP Art & Design students have engaged in a sustained investigation—an extended, inquiry-based exploration of an idea, concept, or visual effect. Students independently curated and installed their work, creating individual solo exhibitions.

During the art show’s opening reception, artists discussed their artistic process, conceptual development, and decision-making with community members. The feedback will inform the final phase of their sustained investigation as they prepare their work for submission to the College Board for AP credit.

We spoke with senior Gyamfua McPhee-Djan, a ceramic artist who used the experience to push herself as an artist.

What medium did you use for this project?

For my sustained investigation, I worked with both gray and white clay, along with a wide variety of glazes to add color and variation to my pieces.

Can you tell me about the inquiry that inspired your pieces?

My inquiry was meant to challenge my abilities as a ceramic artist beyond just the process of throwing and instead focus more on experimenting with glazing techniques and surface.

What was the process like?

This process came with a lot of challenges, especially considering the lack of control an artist has in the way glaze reacts when fired.

Did you learn anything about yourself or your art while you worked on these pieces?

This project taught me that even with patience, not everything works out as intended, but what’s important is how you recompose yourself.

Did you run into any difficulties that made you switch course or approach the work differently?

My initial inquiry was meant to develop my skills in throwing, using a variety of techniques, but instead shifted towards creating blank forms that served as a surface to experiment with glazing.