When I was in Chattanooga last week, I was invited by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, to visit the studios of some of the BFA students. Here’s what I found:
Love! I spent about 6 hours with them, and what impressed me most was how open they were – so interested in experimenting, playing around, and finding their own way. When I did my undergrad that was not encouraged – it felt very competitive, and quite frankly pretty negative – the critiques were rarely positive and seemed like a chance to bash each other, rather than encourage each other. These art students were so excited, and supportive – it was a joy to be around! And their studios, in an old carriage house on the University property, are filled with painted floors, twinkle lights, and art supplies on the floor, shelves, walls, couches, and table tops. Made me wish I was a student again… well, as long as I got to be in this program! I found these two things up on the walls of the studio, which I think summed up their refreshing attitude perfectly:
So awesome… GO UTC!
makes me miss art school
me too!
Makes me wish I went to art school. I had a mentor who felt like the best way to get you going was to tear you down. It’s the military approach. ‘Cept I wasn’t in the military.
Really love the ‘play on playa!’ I might need to scribble that on one of my walls. 😉
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hell yah. So honored to have made it on the jealous curator blog…. thats a dream come true!!!!!! =D
We enjoyed your visit soooo much and we are all still talking about it. You are such an encouraging, funny, and wonderful person! The show was absolutely outstanding as well… so seductively beautiful.
For the record, I feel so lucky to be in this program with such an amazing crew of professors and peers. I don’t know how i got so lucky. You’re right: we are encouraged to experiment and play above all else. PLAY ON, PLAYAAAAAA. (i’m making shirts with this phrase for my art tribe, btw.)
=) =) =) =) =)
THANK YOU!!!
nice! i wear a ‘medium’ ; )
duly noted. 😉
; )
Hi Jealous Curator , I just found your blog accidentely and yes I am Jealous, what a nice blog You have. Greetings from the Netherlands