marzipanned

Sculptor, here -- sort of. My portfolio is about 3/4 sculpture, though the programs I'm applying to are mostly interdisciplinary. What's your list, bandito?

Good luck! That's funny, though -- based on my research, I was pretty sure Davis didn't do interviews. I wonder if that's changed across the board. Anyhow, I'll wait a few more days before crossing them off my list. And meanwhile, Glasgow School of Art just contacted me for an interview this Thursday. (25 minutes, phone.) So soon! Their application deadline hasn't even passed yet.

I applied to ten & may or may not add one or two more, for security. For anyone else considering the same, here's a list of programs I've found that are still open till Jan 31/Feb 1: -Glasgow School of Art -Rutgers -Syracuse -SUNY Purchase -U Florida -U Arizona -SMFA/Tufts -Cranbrook

I got a BFA at SAIC after getting a BA in another field years ago. It took me two years. They automatically waive all the gen. ed./liberal arts requirements, then they do a case-by-case assessment of how many art history and studio art credits you have to determine how many more you need. Some people just stay for a semester or two to work on their portfolios. Personally I felt two years was just the right amount of time. I made a TON of progress. But if you're in more of a hurry or they don't kick much $$ your way it may not be a good plan.

On a technical note, I'm glad you have a couple 'side view' shots, because otherwise it's hard to tell whether I'm looking at depth or the illusion of depth. I don't think you want that ambiguity to override any other thoughts your viewer may be having. I'm now looking at how Lee Bontecou works are shot, for comparison, and a lot are from the side.

I was researching Arizona State U.'s sculpture department today and found this: "The neon workshop is one of four neon facilities worldwide located at universities offering neon art programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels."

Funny, I always seem to be running into Hampshire grads-- way more so than with any other school the same size. (Usually they're doing interesting, creative things, too.) And one of them -was- actually a grad student at SAIC. I'd give you his name but I can't for the life of me remember it. Anyhow, good luck!

Sounds like Hampshire? If your writing level, recommendations, etc., are all top notch, I'd guess SAIC might be pretty open to you, since they're structured similarly (no grades/majors). What do you want to do with the degree? If you want to be a full-on academic, you'd need the PhD. If not, it might be superfluous.

Good points, thanks.

Some thoughts, partly to expand on what leee said: -I'd leave out any autobiographical data unless it is *essential* for understanding your work. -Get more particular and vivid in your language. Avoid simple declarative statements. You're not going to convince anyone that this is your destiny just by saying that it is. You'll convince them by showing how engaged, thoughtful & energetic you are with your own ideas and methods. Saying "_____ interests me" does not tell us how or why. -Saying that your work merges physical representation and a concept: this applies to pretty much *all* art, no? Also, when you say "the underlining inspiration of my creativity comes from the culture of my surroundings," this could mean anything. -Demonstrate awareness of the world outside your work -- art history, ideas from other fields, whatever -- and how you connect to it. You do this a bit with music, but I can't tell if you want us to view *all* your work through this lens, or if it was just a one-time influence. -Start with a punchy & dramatic opening sentence to engage us right away.

Hey, all. I'm still in a research phase, but right now my list is something like: -MICA Mt Royal -UPenn -CCA -Cranbrook -SUNY Purchase -Goldsmiths -RISD -Glasgow School of Art -WashU -UC Davis -UCLA? Hunter? Rutgers? Some of these I've visited and I know I like, others are in a vague "good vibes" category. Prefer fully interdisciplinary programs, but where that's not available I'll be applying to Sculpture. Are all of you asking exclusively Studio Art profs for letters of rec? I'm thinking of asking an Art History prof, but I'm not sure how relevant that would be.