Kiwitini

Hello, I graduated last May with a BFA after attending 3 different undergrad schools. I had a diverse education over the course of 6 years and feel ready and excited to attend grad school. I have a very loose, expressive hand that relates to Abstract Expressionism. I would not call my work conceptual, however it is not realistic or naturalistic either (NY Academy, for example, would be too geared towards anatomy). Basically, my paintings are about the burden of having a perishable body. I express this through loose interpretations of the body and abstraction. I am not sure what programs are the best fit for my aesthetic. Many of my professors suggested PAFA. Currently, I own an apartment near NYC, so it would be really great if I could find a program here. However, I would relocate for the right program and do not want to limit myself. I would really like some feedback on what would be a good fit for me. Right now NY Studio School, Pratt, PAFA, and Boston Museum School are high on the list for me. Also, I was wondering about Bard. I can't seem to get a good feel for the type of work the students make. Sorry, that was long. Anyway, take a look and let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

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Hi all! I'm new here. Like most people on this board, right now I am deciding the next big step in my education! Background info: I am currently 24. I switched undergrad schools 3 times, so I am graduating a little late. This coming semester will be my last. I am graduating in May with a BFA. I live in NY, but I am very open to moving. I am very close with a lot of the faculty at my school and they have been honest in saying that most students graduating from my school are not prepared to make a direct transition to grad school. Usually students take a year off to figure out/narrow the type of work they make. I, on the other hand, am a bit older and seem to be a bit more developed in my work. Mainly, I paint and draw figures and animals, but I also enjoy sculptural/installation work. I use the figure in a conceptual way, though visually I am most similar to abstract expressionism or Cecily Brown. I need a program that embraces that. Big questions: A representative from PAFA came to my school and discussed my work with me. He made me feel very confident about enrolling in their post-bacc or grad program. Unfortunately, it is already too late for me to apply to most MFA programs for next year. It is not too late for Post-Bacc apps though. I am most interested in PAFA, SMFA Boston, RISD, and NY Studio School. I am also open to researching other schools as well. I suppose my real dilemma is figuring out if Post-Bacc is a good idea for me. At the school I attend now I do not have enough space to work in and the facilities do not offer a wide variety of materials. I would like to learn welding and other skills that these grad school would allow me to develop. So, on the one hand, it seems like a Post-Bacc program would allow me some good material experimentation. On the other hand, when researching Post-Bacc programs I have also noticed that they are geared towards people who were not Fine Art majors in undergrad and need more experience. Basically, I am torn between applying for Post-Bacc programs or waiting a year and applying for MFA programs. I do not know anyone who has done a Post-Bacc and would like some opinions. I also have to consider my financial situation. I am wondering if having Post-Bacc program in my past would make me a better candidate for scholarships. I am also open to suggestions of other grad schools. Thanks!