Stepping up from undergrad to MFA admission standard

[liebkuchen]

I'm a uni grad from the UK in a social science subject. I've got back into art now in my 30s and I'm technically on a par with most of the work I see at the undergraduate degree shows. My work is figurative urban/rural landscapes, architecture and portraits. Using mainly pen and watercolours, oils, oil pastels. I can make work that 'looks nice' but I want to communicate personal ideas. 

 

I'd like to challenge myself to improve my art by aiming towards MFA admissions standard work. I'd love to go to art school but unless I suddenly meet the millionaire of my dreams, it's not happening anytime soon!

 

There seems to be a massive gulf between undergrad and post-grad art works. I 'get' the undergrad works (except the Art practice/philosophy type courses which leave me bamboozled). Projects exploring an idea, seeing where it takes you.

 

Can you suggest any good websites or books I can learn from? I've found that just looking at people's portfolios isn't helping as the artist statements can be hard to get my head around. I've got Vitamin P2 on order. 

 

As an aside- if you're looking at UK art schools- why not Duncan of Jordanstone at the University of Dundee? I've visited Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee and done summer/evening classes at Chelsea and Edinburgh and Dundee would be my first pick if you can live without the 'GSA' label

[thepictureisstill]

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

[liebkuchen]

Hi Ruth,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.  You've made me realise that this is where I need to take things but I'm a bit apprehensive. Not with the work involved but more the outcome and how the themes involved might wrankle some viewers (especially in the internet age) having been used to making pretty pictures that depict but don't communicate.

 

I've been bouncing around ideas in my head for years now re:women's history, rights, achievements and everything it's enabling us to do now. But, I also feel that many young and middle aged women around me appear to be either oblivious to or refuse to take up the opportunities that our grandmothers and their mothers etc campaigned for and indeed, in times of war, died for. I badly want to give certain groups in society metaphorical shake of the shoulders.

 

Then again, I guess if enough people saw my work and I got any backlash then maybe I'd be doing something right...

 

P.S.  Good luck with your GSA application! Glasgow's a vibrant city- great young arts scene with lots of bands if you enjoy music.

[thepictureisstill]

Hi Ruth,

 

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply.  You've made me realise that this is where I need to take things but I'm a bit apprehensive. Not with the work involved but more the outcome and how the themes involved might wrankle some viewers (especially in the internet age) having been used to making pretty pictures that depict but don't communicate.

 

I've been bouncing around ideas in my head for years now re:women's history, rights, achievements and everything it's enabling us to do now. But, I also feel that many young and middle aged women around me appear to be either oblivious to or refuse to take up the opportunities that our grandmothers and their mothers etc campaigned for and indeed, in times of war, died for. I badly want to give certain groups in society metaphorical shake of the shoulders.

 

Then again, I guess if enough people saw my work and I got any backlash then maybe I'd be doing something right...

 

P.S.  Good luck with your GSA application! Glasgow's a vibrant city- great young arts scene with lots of bands if you enjoy music.

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!