thepictureisstill

Manchu, It really depends on if you're really ready for school. I waited a couple years and was incredibly happy I did- my work is in a totally different place than when I first left undergrad. But look at facilities, faculty, whether the programs are traditional or interdisciplinary, where you want to live, what former grads are doing now and cost. Hope that helps you begin your journey! Ruth

I totally feel you. I'm about 15 hours worth of work into my SOP for Michigan (my 1st choice). Things are starting to clear up now though. I am trying to look at my images subjectively (how would a stranger look at these) and decide the order in which they're submitted. Daunting. I'm with you on my current work. I think it's because I've been spending so much time writing and editing that it's all coming through into the piece. You can see I'm happy to work with my hands rather than talk with them. Good luck at VCU. Let us know how it goes. I'm heading to Michigan on Monday.

So there's not much buzz on this forum. Where is everyone at with their SOP's/portfolio? What challenges are you guys facing? Has anyone been to schools to visit?

Yep. I'm very glad I went.

Would you suggest the artist interviews? Or scholarly articles? Shoot me some more info

I agree with beriredux- maybe file it into your SoP.

It's scary. Putting yourself out there is frightening. You're going to face rejection and successes. Just keep making things. A lot of my work is about awareness of one kind or another so I certainly relate to you on "giving a metaphorical shake of the shoulders". Check out the work of Holly Hughes, she's a feminist to the max and she's also freakin' awesome. Feel free to post your statement/link to your work, I'm happy to give more feedback! Good luck!

Hi liebkuchen, The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron is a great resource for putting oneself on a "creative" schedule. If you have friends that are writers/artists, ask them for their eyes to look at your writing. I've noticed the bridge from my undergrad work to what I'm making now really reflects what I'm personally interested in. I focus on a subject (maybe it's a current political event, or an idea/question that's been bouncing around in my head for years) and then let the art manifest from that critical thinking. Sometimes the work is a conclusion on an idea/theory and sometimes it raises more questions about whatever is being addressed. Just make stuff. Then make more stuff. You will find a lead in all the work you're making and from there, follow that

Hey! Yes! Traveling from Ohio to Chicago for the event. I work in sculpture and larger forms so I don't think I'll be bringin any original work, but it depends on your media. I highly doubt they will offer anyone admissions on the spot (I think that probably goes against code) and never take someone's word for something you have to get in writing (a spot at a school, x amount of grants/funding). I may bring a smaller sculpture with me, but I have to map the drive/walk from our hotel to SAIC and that wil be the deciding factor.

Thanks Lolapola! I've decided not to apply to CCAD. I was advised by quite a few people that it's too young of a program and for what I'm setting my sights on, wouldn't be the best use of my MFA money and time. I'll definitely look into VCU, thanks!

Anyone have recommendations for programs in Ireland?

Freakin' out! Makin' stuff and freakin' out.

Hi there! Look at the professors work and recent students work. Does the instructor look like someone you'd want to be critiquing you? Do you even like their work? Regarding the "undergrad-ish" work...I look at that as work that seemingly had a prompt to it. I agree with Papers, experimental isn't bad. I still haven't developed a definite style of working and my style of thinking is still very pliable. This results in a pretty wide range of artworks that make up my portfolio. I'm going to choose the best ones (ones that I love and have been received highly by my local art community) and submit with those.

Michelle, I like your statement but what are you working on now? "This notion of self-preservation has influenced the subjects that I choose to study as well as the materials that I use." I think this sentence and the ones surrouding it would be a great in the beginning of your statement. Transitioning from your general philosophy into specific works always flows better for me (total opinion). I enjoyed your "Images of Movies", definitely don't be afraid to talk about what you might do with these images. All statements are living documents and can easily be changed, but what are you thinking about doing with these images? just some thoughts your site was nice and clean. easy to navigate!

I would love any feedback on anything! www.ruthkburke.com i'm going to be applying to (at least) the following schools: OSU (Sculpture) Yale (Sculpture) Indiana University (Sculpture) SAIC (Studio) CalArts (Studio) University of Michigan ((Studio) School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (Studio) University of Wisconsin-Madison (3D/4D) CCAD (Studio)

www.ruthkburke.com feedback much appreciated and will be returned.

Hello friends, I know the University of Michigan is quite generous in their funding...but can anyone else recommend some affordable programs that offer intermedia? Also, feel free to check out my website www.ruthkburke.com if you have time! I'll do the same for anyone else!