mirror_logic

More contrived than attempting to learn the deep secrets of space and light second-hand, in an MFA program, after Turrell's brought his light-show to the masses and sold out the tickets to the megaplex? I wish it *were* the 70s, when "Light and Space" actually meant anything, was any kind of frontier. Good luck getting your information download thru the tried and true, the commercialized, and the traditional avenues your heroes never had any interest in. and obviously this has nothing to do with you, as i do not know you, tho it has everything to do with your approach, which is not unique to our times, and i get it, you seek your fast route to an ephemeral knowledge, I sincerely hope you find it.

friend, what you seek is very unlikely to be able to be taught within the confines of a traditional institution pedagogy, if at all. Irwin in particular was v. famously (or notoriously, depending) cagey w/r/t/ teaching in programs for any expanse of time. I would recommend taking up studies in Zen buddhism, alone or with a mentor. Perhaps a degree in physics, philosophy or ecology might be advised, for those less austere or spooked by the austerity of the void.

"Worth" is an extremely personal matter. It is an entirely different word than "value", which is what I think some of the last commentators above may be confusing it with. Especially when what we are talking about is an education, not a 24-count pack of toilet paper from Costco. everything is proportional in these matters. Getting a full ride to a state university may seem like a good deal on paper when stacked up against a potential debt load, but you're largely missing the intangibles when thinking with the broadstrokes of cost-analysis. You're even missing the extremely tangible, if you choose to attend one of the aforementioned state university programs, which may not have the facilities, faculty support and commitment, network access (sadly, this can't be overstated in the case of our particular field), and just straight-up school rep. If you're curious for more detailed and obviously totally subjective information on this, it's a topic very near to me, as I too felt like I'd gamed some kind of system by not paying tuition for my MFA. I wish I'd thought beyond the grabby, tired chestnut of "going where the money is". It is absolutely terrible advice if it isn't balanced with the various other and crucial considerations. Cal Arts is a vastly different program than SDSU's, I'm sure of it. What do you need from an MFA program? What's your aesthetic, who do you want to work with, what resources do you need in the way of facilities, critique, fellow students with energy and intellect who will stimulate you? Can you stand to live in Valencia, CA or make the commute from LA? Do you need a larger city, to join an art mafia post-graduation, who will bring you work opportunities and wow even enduring community in those wierd miasmic years after you've gotten the degree? PM me, if you want more advice from a stranger on teh internet, of course.

SAIC, i believe

hey eggieyoke, i attended SSP last year, it was a wonderful experience and reccomended for anyone who has been out of school for awhile and is considering returning for an MFA. I attended as a "trial run" for an MFA environment and to work on some new things and recieve targeted feedback, as well as uninterrupted studio time. In terms of structure, SSP will likely vary year-by-year with the fluxing involvement of profs and visiting artists. Last year, the program worked out to usually include the following elements weekly: 1. what they were calling "pro practice" class (professional practices) , which was geared towards addressing various questions related to the arts industry: MFA programs, the gallery system (representation, shows, various makes and models), artist statements, fellowships and awards for artists. Last year, the conversation's direction was guided by the group's interests and specific concerns. 2. a seminar class, which might have its analogue in an MFA seminar--discussion based format with guided readings which will depend largely on who will be conducting the class. Last year, we had a diverse and enchanting reading list which ranged in thematic from contemporary responses to expanded art practices ( for example, brad troemel's athletic aesthetics and michael sanchez' art and transmission) to george orwell's Big Brother to Werner Herzog to selections from annie truitt's Daybook. It was very rich. I've kept the packet of readings and dip into it every so often when I'm reminded of a thought or seeking inspiration. 3. studio visits. these were sign-up based and rotated between SSP's core faculty and the visiting artists, which are announced at the start of the program. last year we had visits by Corin Hewitt, Artie Vierkant, Karen Archey, Ester Partegas, Carlton Newton, and few others. Each of those visiting artists will also give an artist lecture/talk. Last year the visits were 30 minutes each. If you find studio visits to be essential to your process, I would sign up for as many as possible; even if you don't, the visits are useful practice for this ritualized interaction that will likely have to become a skill if you make the arts your career. 4. critiques. these begin on a weekly basis a few weeks in. last year they were assigned randomized, though there was wiggle room and some trading and swapping amongst the group. 5. misc. artist talks/gallery visits/ BBQs + potlucks /screenings-- you should TOTALLY self organize and host social events, workshops, screenings--SSP was very open + encouraging in this regard.... in between and through all of that, you will have plenty of time to be in the studio, if you prioritize it. SSP faculty and the program manager Julie (<3) are responsive to your experience and at least last year, the format was flexible and could be adapted to meet the needs of the group, within reason. if you have any more specific Q's, feel free to DM me.....

just wait-listed at NYU :-) ....check the inboxes, if you've been waiting....to wait more.

hey Benjamin, i just saw this, thanks for adding UIUC to this, i do indeed admire stephen cartwright's work ( and an ex-chicagoan here ;-) SaintClaire, CMU is such a good addition to this list, after 6 yrs in the midwest,I wanted to go West-west or east-east, personally, though I've heard Pittsburgh is unique/magical/interesting and CMU is a great (albeit tiny) program.....,,,,, aS for me, my journey's come to an end, I'm headed off to UCSD <3 but Let's keep this thread going, for posterity's sake, and 2015 MFA aspirants. Heres a Rhizome thread, pretty dated but still relevant IMO..... http://rhizome.org/discuss/46736/ I will + to this list, U Wisconsin-Madison's Art+Tech program, as well.....

aslkjd*kajs@Lkjl!!!!! i am *still* waiting on NYU, do i have other comrades in anxiety in this? after contacting department, I don't have any more information than 'soon'.....

Thanks mlk, bubu2014. fingers crossed for you and all those others waiting . . .

heyo, is anyone anticipating or having had, already recieved news from NYU? I skyped in an interview in early March~~~~radio silence since. euoii?

rawbdee, i applied to the photo dept. but in the phone chat i'm apprently falling in the cracks between photo and video; i'm pretty interdisciplinary as far as these things go. congratulations to you right back! have you visited campus?

hey alexandria, i just checked and the decision status hasn't been updated from 'No decision'. seems like the phone calls/acceptances are coming in stagered, so don't lose hope if yyou are still waitin

RUTGERS is notifying around now, I just got a call and i'm in! I'm psyched and can't wait to visit the program, they sound lovely.

UCSD interview over here, as well, check the online message portal.....AND they're covering travel costs for some ?!? too cool! how many are being interviewed, i wonder?

i recieved an emiaL re. a supplemental application from Rutgers today and immediately f'd something up in the chain of URL commands and locked myself out of this mysterious supplemental form. lol whooops. the email mentions "If you have any questions about the Mason Gross Supplemental Application or your audition/interview", is this an interview request? anyone else get this email today :-?