got my BFA, now what?

[Saint B]

Alright, I am in debt $60,000. and I have got my BFA, now what? How important is it to go to grad school for a sculptor? I think that I want to go but the idea of more debt is so,........hmmmmmm, depressing. Help!, how many of you have pursued a BFA in the first place and followed it up with a MFA? And do you think that it is necessicary at all? I am having a hard time finding my groove, being that my sculptures are more fiber based I am concidered "non-traditional" which I like but am having a difficult time finding a college that offers a criculum that would be a good match for me and my work. I guess my question is what is the next step?, you would think that after paying so much money I would know, but I find myself lost in the answer. How can I continue to create with out lowering my standards? (as to what kind of work I am willing to do, ie. waitress, gardener, sales.....) I imagine that this problen is a common one and would like some ideas of ways to move forward... or something! thanks
B

[kestonh]

Saint B-

I didn't want to go to graduate school at all after graduating. After 7 years trying to "make it" as a sculptor, working jobs that take too much time away from my art, I have decided it's time to go to grad school. I figure after my MFA I'll try to get a teaching job- I may have just as little time to make my own work, but at least I'll have the satisfaction of helping others learn. I was lucky enough to work in a support postion at a college for a couple years, and I enjoyed working with the students.

[sculptorsam]

I'm of two thoughts on this. My first was to not go to grad school, just make some work and perhaps get a job at a fiber-oriented business somewhere. That way you could make some cash to pay down debt while perhaps using the equipment in the evenings.

My next thought was that being a non-traditional form with many programs not including it, it appears there may be a niche for you as a prof if you got your MFA. That would also allow you to pay down debt while working in the art community. But take these suggestions for what they're worth. I never even got a BFA myself, but I don't have any debt either.

Sam

P.S. Saint B-I see you're from KC. If you've ever been to the Zone Gallery (or know someone who has), please see my thread down in the Community Help Center. Thanks.

[Saint B]

yes, I think that the teaching idea is a good one, guess i am just in an end of school slump. I know that options are there it is just finding them. Thanks for your ideas. I have only been to the zone gallery briefly and do not know stretch, it seems to be a pretty cool place though, a little more grass-rootsy than alot of the other galleries in the cross roads district. I'll check it out again though before I leave KC (when i havent had a few too many glasses of wine on first friday). Does anybody know about the sculpture department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?
B :o

[rjustin]

my suggestion take a year try to figure out what it is like to make work out side of school it is a lot different. Find a cheap study it is easy in kc. Get a job that pays the bills and see what happens. It won't happen over night. And at the very least you had this experience to take with you to grad school.

I've also posted this a couple of times latly but it just seems to fit. It helps me a lot.

http://www.kleinart.com/html/discussions_-_some_words_for_a1.html

rjustin

[delanimamia]

I'd have to agree with the last post - take a year(or even 2) to find out what it is like to make work only for yourself and not for a prof. or specific class. Find out what your level of conviction is to your work that way and build up a better portfolio. I think most BFA portfolios will not make it through MFA reviews unless they are mindblowing.
My decision to go for a MFA was not with the goal of teaching but to allow myself the time and place for intense exploration into my self and work. It allowed me to take my work to places I am not sure it would have been able to go to without that time.
Good luck!

[Saint B]

I agree that a little time will help to work things out. Although, it is important to note that I am not a "traditional" student. I decided to get my BFA after about ten years of art classes at various jr. colleges, all the while trying to get by (waitressing, gardening etc...) while doing my art. So I have some experience in the "real world" and know its challenges. I guess I was just feeling kind of disapointed after my graduation, like I had expected to have it all figured out by now. That after getting my BFA I would feel secure as to what direction to go in. Is that naive or what! So I think that the idea of time is a good one, delanimamia. (trying to convince the bank of that is a whole nother matter). But hey it is only money! So long as I can keep making art and working on my protfolio, the money part really does not matter.

The page that rjustin reccomended was quite helpful and encouraging, got it bookmarked so that I can reffer to it. I am heading back to California (small town) where the art scene is not as active as it is here in K.C. so that will be another challange as well. I have to say that Kansas City really surprised me with how active the art community is and how responsive the general city is to the arts. Its been great fun!

[Easynow]

I have an MFA and I don't regret it, even though the primary purpose for it is to qualify to teach at the college level. It is intense- (or as intense as you make it). And it is the terminal degree. And it is expensive. Speaking of which...Some important advice- some schools will give you FAT scholarships to attend, especially if they are trying to grow their art program. Posting a question about that might get you some possible schools. One thing it is, is a feather in your cap as far as academia is concerned. Ultimately it's the art that counts, but MFA on your resume certainly won't close any doors for you.
On the other hand, once you get an MFA, you are still just another person with an MFA just like the millions of others. Your mind and your art always count the most and many people choose to find their own way.