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Author Topic:   hey artists... to MFA or not to MFA?
eightdegrees
Knowflake

Posts: 237
From: Columbia, SC, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted September 14, 2006 08:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for eightdegrees     Edit/Delete Message
... that is the question.

I just started my MAT in art education down here at the U of SC, and I feel confident that the field of art is where I'm suited. But I've only been in classes for 3 weeks and there's a nagging voice in my head saying I should go for my MFA instead. Although I'm into many mediums, I particularly like throwing pots on the wheel and I've been very drawn to sculpture lately, although I've never done it.

Here are my concerns; I have some insecurities about whether I'm good enough. I know I can make beautiful pots, but my skills need expanding, and I feel like I don't know WHAT IT TAKES to make it through an MFA program. I also wonder what it's like in the real world for an MFA grad, I've heard it can be very hard to find a teaching position in a college (I'd still want to teach, but I'm not picky as to where or what age group).

I'm almost 25, I just bought a house on my own, I really love the ceramics dep't here at USC, and so really this is the time for me, if I want to ever do it.

Does anyone have any thoughts? I'd really appreciate advice! Thanks so much!

8degrees
(Sag sun/merc/nept in 10th, Cancer moon 5th, Venus aqua 12th, Mars Virgo 8th, Aqua rising).

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cat71
Knowflake

Posts: 403
From: Neverland...
Registered: May 2002

posted September 29, 2006 04:22 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cat71     Edit/Delete Message
Not being from US I'm not sure what MFA is but...
I work with young people and there's a couple of things I would say to you, firstly do what you love, life is too short to plough away at something that is not really a joyous part of yourself. Secondly, you are young, 25! Now is the time to use 'time' to experiment as much as you can in order to find out what creates joy in your life, if you fancy trying sculpture or ceramics, give it a go, it is much better to have tried then to look back and have regrets. Lastly talk to some tutor/teachers at college, express your feelings, perhaps they'll let you have a go in different departments to see which course of study would suit you best and remember that working at what you love is much more important than what you get paid for it. Of course we all have bills to pay, but if you want to teach others, (a noble profession) then seek advice from your teachers now and perhaps career guidance people to point you to the course which will help you most - BUT don't get held back by red tape, for where there's a will, there's a way...
I hope this helps you... good luck


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...to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us some protection forever...

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