WP3: Statement of Purpose

The main purpose of this project is to describe the construction and appearance of Arietta II and to reflect on the effects of those things. The description of the sculpture and my reflections on it are to be presented with a distinguishable structure within a letter. Additionally, the second purpose is to communicate my letter directly towards Arietta II. This will be done by reading my leader aloud to the sculpture.

The letter will be posted online along with being read aloud. Although it is in the letter format, it still needs to be formal. However, it should read differently than just a paper, because it is directed to a specific object. What it is addressing, Arietta II, is also what the letter’s topic will be focused on. I need to focus on structuring my paper as a letter, and not like the other projects we have done. The second form of communication is verbally. Both pathos and ethos are both naturally involved when speaking. This will call for practice to perfect my tone, facial expressions, hand gestures, etc.

The main audience of this project is very unique compared to the others. My communication will be directed primarily at Arietta II. This is difficult because it is an inanimate object, which cannot actually hear what I am saying. However, we are to pretend that these sculptures are animate and need to convey emotion to them just as we would to others. Again this emotion can only come as a result of my facial expressions, my gestures, and the tone of my voice. It may be helpful if I can relate the sculpture to someone I know personally and address it accordingly.

My secondary audience is my teacher and classmates. As the other projects, virtually anyone could possibly read it online. Also, anybody walking by at the time of my letter reading could hear my letter. When I read the letter, towards Arietta, I will need to be sure to articulate my words and speak plenty loudly so the human audience can hear what I am saying. I will also have to captivate my audience, demanding their attention, because due to the presentation being outside, it is likely there will be a multitude of distractions.

Because this project is unique to anything I have done before, it comes with some new concerns. My biggest concern is with the reading of the letter. Unfortunately, I might shy away from the emotional expression I will practice ahead of time. Since I may not particularly feel as passionate about what I am reading as I should portray, it will take a little acting, and drama was never a skill of mine. Also, I am concerned that my actual writing will read more like a paper than a letter. To counteract this, I need to keep in mind the main purpose of this project.

The best outcome of this project would be to communicate the importance of Arietta II. Along with that, I would like to explain to my audience what the sculpture represents. An additional positive outcome is learning the techniques and process for communicating verbally and practicing it. I would really like to captivate my audience, so I can share with them the amazing starling act that Arietta II depicts in sculpture form.