4.2 Skill & Synthesis

Demonstrating skill

Skill shows technical command: control of material, form, construction, and craft. Selected Works should display confident, deliberate making.

Synthesis in action

Synthesis means the parts cohere — a work where form, material, technique, and idea reinforce one another feels intentional and complete.

Intentionality

Strong Selected Works read as intentional: every choice — material, form, scale — serves the idea. Nothing feels accidental or unresolved.

Key terms

Skill

technical command of material, form, construction, craft

Synthesis

form, material, technique, and idea reinforcing one another

Intentionality

every choice serves the idea

Deliberate making

confident, controlled use of material

Resolved

a work that feels complete, not accidental

Try an AP-style question

Synthesis in the Selected Works means…

1. explaining the work in text only
2. using as many materials as possible
3. copying a style
4. integrating materials, processes, and ideas