Life as an Art Student

2012

Autumn - Ready for a change in my art career, I took a flying leap and returned to college. It took a long time to reach a decision as to when, where, and whether I should go. On a scholarship, and as a "non-traditional" student, I packed up my studio and moved to Albuquerque to study Art & Ecology at the University of New Mexico, leaving my spouse and doggie at home in Alaska.

School has been an amazing challenge, but I am better suited to it now than I was when I was in my 20s. My art classes have challenged me to think about the reason I make art, and what kind of ideas I want to explore as an artist.

2013

Spring -  Many of the classes I take are part of the required curriculum, but I get to choose my art studios. I learned printmaking this term, which was very satisfying. We were able to experiment with intaglio, lithography, wood and linoleum relief. I was challenged by a Border Zones focus class, which was part of the Art & Ecology offerings. We had many stimulating conversations and had great contact with guest professors who were wonderful to connect with. My studies in History of Native American Textiles and Border Zones made me more aware and sensitive to the issues of Native Americans and their lifestyles as artists.

All of my professors have been trying to push me out of my comfort zone, although I didn't realize I had one. I consider myself pretty adventuresome. I did discover I have a "default" setting, which I have yet to determine is due to "comfort zone" or due to my familiarity with particular media and lack of familiarity with alternatives. There is little time to think outside the box when a project is due in two weeks, so it's easy to shift to "default" mode. I worked hard these two semesters, which was reflected in my grades; I made the Dean's list both terms.

Summer, June - I'm back home, in Alaska, taking classes online, working a seasonal job, teaching art classes, and making art for two group shows I've been invited to participate in. The best part is time with my spouse and doggie! The summer is flying by too quickly already! I'll be back in Albuquerque in mid-August.

Summer, August - It's time for transition, migration. I feel pulled toward school, toward my goal. I am ready to go back. This school year will likely be more challenging than last year, but I feel better prepared. I am on the hunt for a living arrangement with more space, so I can focus more energy on making art and solidifying my portfolio. I plan to apply for grad school, which means having my portfolio together by December. I am hopeful that my coursework will overlap with my final portfolio development, but I won't count on it. My coursework last year was not at all what I would consider worthy of a portfolio. I will need to set aside some time and energy to round out whatever is needed to create a "consistent, cohesive" body of work.

Autumn, August - My transition to school this year has not been as easy. I'm feeling more homesick, and I'm encountering uncertainties and red tape regarding my classes, employment, and housing. I'm still very excited to be back in Albuquerque, I'm ready for school, and I know what to expect otherwise (for the most part). I know where to find my comfort foods, places to hang out, and some people to call to have fun with or just chat. The financial strain has been more significant this year, too. In spite of that, I've not been encountering roadblocks, just roundabouts. Slow down, think about things. Answers will come quickly and favorably.

2014

Spring Semester, January -  My last semester, I graduate in May! Winter break was spent sprucing up my portfolio and applying to grad schools, the culmination of all my efforts. My spouse was able to visit me and helped with the fine-tuning. I consulted with professors, fellow students, and recruiters from schools in the development of my portfolio. I don't think I will ever consider it "finished" - it is a sort of living thing - but one must select 20 images to submit. I had planned on tailoring each portfolio for each school, but in the end I sent the same images to each school. Now I wait. And focus on this semester.

One of the challenges of applying for graduate school is obtaining letters of recommendation. Ideally, one's references are professors who have worked with a student over the course of their undergraduate years. Coming in as a transfer student put me at a disadvantage in that regard. My advice to transfer students is to work on those relationships early on; no one told me how important that would be later. I did work with professors for their opinions on advisement and my portfolio, but in order for them to write really solid letters, they need to also see you work and get to know your personality in the classroom/studio environment.

In the good news department:  my grades are awesome, my financial situation is less stressful than it was in August, and I found a great place to live. I am in the running for a national scholarship for grad school, but won't know the final results until May, right around the time I'll need to choose a school.

I'm looking forward to my classes this semester: Color Theory, Sculpture, Pueblo Pottery, Relief Printmaking, and English Composition. I've studied with three of these professors before, so I have an idea of what to expect - many hours in studio!  Here's to 2014, my year of Discovery!