As a couple of you are aware, I've been enthusing over this one really fabulous art program I've found. It seems to be the only grad program in the country focused on classical figure drawing -- most/all other programs tend to focus on avant garde/modern art, tend to be interdisciplinary, and are more focused on self-directed exploration (which has its advantages, granted). However, this is an entire two-year program built around teaching you to draw the human form really well -- anatomy classes and perspective classes and classes on assembling multi-figure compositions. I've been super-geeked.
I noticed, looking at the student work, that while some of it was impressive, most of it, frankly, was not. However, I knew of at least one graduate whose work I considered spectacular, and I figured I could use the classes to better my own technique even if my classmates weren't quite as advanced (although I started to worry about why the school's admissions requirements were so lax).
Then, very accidentally, I noticed yesterday that it isn't accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. I hadn't heard of NASAD, but it seemed important, and this prompted further research. As it turns out, School of Choice isn't regionally accredited either.
Poop.
It took a few hours for this disappointment to fully sink in, by which time my mother was over for dinner and able to provide me with a shoulder to cry on and someone to rant to. It turned into an entire evening of waxing and wailing about my concerns and thoughts about going into the world of art in general. She listened very sympathetically and quietly, until finally she chimed in with her grand input for the evening: "...And I heard on NPR the other day that schools are more and more often just hiring adjunct for $2,000 a class instead of taking on new full time faculty."
...Which is the story of how I ended up lying awake past 2am, quaking and crying and unable to decide whether I could most easily face suicide, starvation, or a life wasted toiling away at a job I detested.
Why I couldn't have been born with a brain that tends toward engineering or health care, I'll never understand.
Aw, I'm sorry, sweetie. That sucks to hear. I still don't think art school is the wrong choice, particularly if it's what you want to do. There must another program out there that has what you want. Still. :(
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, Cath. I've recovered my good mood and positive outlook for the most part, but it's still frustrating to be back at square one (and I'm still scared stiff about getting a job afterwards). :)
ReplyDeleteThis is how I feel all the fricking time.
ReplyDeleteUgh. Getting your scripts in the finals of those competitions is a great step in the right direction at least! I usually wander around ignoring those fears, going "I know there are only a few jobs out there but I'm totally going to get ONE OF THEM I CANT HEEEEEEEAR YOU LA LA LA LA."
ReplyDeleteDarling Hollyhock, while I totally get your fear of employment (or lack thereof), I think it's best not to worry too far into the future. You know you love this, you know you want to do this and you're marvelously gifted. Deal with the job thing when you're waaaaay closer to the end part where you actually need to start looking (she says, as if it's just that simple). The world may have drastically changed by then; allow for a game-changer in your favor.
ReplyDeleteSucks about the school. :(
Hey, if I ever become a state folklorist or something like, I'll totally hire you as the state drawer of culture and people, m'kay?
Aw, thanks, Kasey! Yeah, that's pretty much the conclusion I've come around to. Like, if I go to art school, rack up a bunch of debt, and fail, I might be unhappy, but if I don't go, I know I'll be unhappy, so. Also, I've discovered I'm more afraid of being bored and miserable than I am of failing, so... yep. ;) And yeah, it's impossible to predict the job market. Fingers crossed for both of us!
ReplyDelete