agrobaby

When I read aschelp's response, I was surprised by the claim that painting theory doesn't exist, and that I was referring to all art theory. Painting theory is a huge, very specific discussion revolving only around painting. Is repoussoire anything but a painter's discussion? I don't know how someone could say they studied paintings without acknowledging the thousand year build up to the conversations we have now surrounding painting. Very specific conversations, that simply don't take place when you are talking about sculpture or performance. I studied with professors and visiting professors who were academic descendants of Paul Klee and Hans Hoffman. There were rigorous painting-related arguments occurring constantly. Yes, douchamp, I spent 4 years talking picture planes, death of painting, studied pentimento, took two years of color mixing and color theory (Arnheim to Albers), studied painting restoration from a master in Italy, even made rabbit skin glue for sizing....all merit badge activities in a painting heavy program. The work I made in that program and the work I make now has progressed dramatically since I found my own voice and got over not being a painter. I just don't want that experience again in a grad program of being well-versed in a conversation but having very little interest in the outcome of the discussion.

Check out VCU as well!

Thanks jaybird! I actually didn't go to Mary Baldwin, I went to Hollins U. But thanks for the positive recommendation for VCU! :-)

Each program has image requirements that are different. Keep in mind that some schools (Including Yale) do not allow composite images to be submitted.

Hi Naira! I have visited RISD, SAIC, Cal Arts, Pratt, Yale, Mica, and Bard. ALL of them are amazing. None of them really care about GPA, unless yours is terrible, it won't be a deciding factor. RISD and Yale seem to have the best programs for painting of the list I just made. Everyone has a different opinion, but this is what I have experienced. They look at: 1. Portfolio 2. Statement 3. Recommendations 4. GPA/school records

Oh, and Im thinking about UCLA too, any thoughts on their program??

I think no matter what program you enter, the art world is already too saturated for what the market allows. Just getting an MFA doesn't equal success, in a financially supportive way, even from a top school. I hope that is something we all realize! I fully anticipate, no matter how famous my work becomes, to be scrappy, overworked, and underpaid forever. That aside, aschelp, I feel that I belong in a sculpture program, specifically because I am primarily engaged in sculpture. I see all other disciplines I practice to be somewhat tangental. I want to learn how to discuss sculpture problems, and I don't want to talk about painting or printmaking at all, if I can help it. (I went to a painting/printmaking heavy undergrad program, and always felt supremely disinterested to the discussions revolving around painting theory). I'm really interested in studying with Martin Kersels (who makes humorous performance/sculpture/installation) and AA Bronson, who is a magickal artist that deals with identity, sexuality, and the body in his work. Both teach at yale sculpture. At VCU I've been following Kendall Buster and Matt King's work for a while. Really respect them both. I am open to rethinking a multi disciplinary program though. Do you have any suggestions? Or people you think are amazing and worth dropping two years of your life and tons of energy and resources towards spending time with, and learning all their thoughts & tricks? thanks for the response!xo

I work primarily in sculpture, but I draw and perform also. I have literally worked in every medium, including sound, but I think maybe chose a program whose language fits your main interest? I am more object oriented (including my body), so I'm applying to sculpture programs. I want to talk about stuff and bodies, I don't want to talk about picture planes and painting theory. It doesn't seem like departments have caught up to actual artist's practices. ALSO, I'm looking at the work by all the professors in departments I'm interested in. If they are working across mediums, in all likelihood, they will be open to me doing the same. hope that helps :-)

do you do you have any mentors to help you out??

I'm applying for sculpture (I also do performance). My new body of work needs to be finished and photographed, but my statement is current. trobinette.com

Anyone else applying for sculpture programs? if so, which programs? and WHY!?

Is anyone applying to sculpture and/or performance (art, not theater) programs? If so, which ones? I graduated in 2010 from an all women's university, with a degree in Evolutionary Psychology, and a BA in Art. I've been doing what I fondly refer to as "homeschool grad school". Reading, making new bodies of work, challenging myself with new projects, and building a budding career (group + solo shows + performances in the US and Europe + residencies & grants). I have been selling as well, more so lately from a new body of gauche paintings on paper. I am getting to the point though, that I am really craving a competitive environment that will simultaneously kick my ass and hold me like a slimy infant. In a way, I don't "need" an mfa. I'm getting shows and I don't care about teaching. So Im only applying to dream schools that will either be extremely challenging mentally or physically or both. I mostly make objects/spaces/performances, so my top two programs are: Yale (decent facilities, but an amazing faculty and very theory oriented) VCU (top grad program for sculpture, insane facilities, fresh faculty, funding) Not applying to SAIC because I don't want to be in the Midwest. Should I just get over that though? I'm open to international programs as well, as long as English is spoken. (Checked out goldsmith, not for me.) any thoughts????