Daily (February 26, 2007)
Based on a drawing by Jim Steranko. Steranko earned lasting acclaim for his innovations in sequential art during the Silver Age of comic books, particularly his infusion of surrealism, op art, and graphic design into the medium.
I got an email from Karen Wooly
I met Karen during my first Vermont residency. She was visiting to see if she would like the program. I am going to put my reply to her here because I am finally feeling some affirmation that my blog may actually be used for it’s intended purpose – a glimpse into the real life/trials and tribulations of an artist who is trying to create art and go to grad school.
So here goes…My response to Karen (slightly edited to remove phone numbers and personal information):
Hi Karen:)
It is so great to hear from you! I am currently trying to figure out a schedule for all the work after residency but I am enjoying myself. Everybody is amazing at Vermont. My group is still very connected even though we have been home for weeks now. I think this entire experience is going to be one that I will remember/will make a great impact on the rest of my life.
To try and answer some of your questions…here goes:
I am an instructional technologist at the College of Charleston. I wasn’t able to pursue an art undergrad due to time/life/expenses, etc. I went back to school later life also for my Bachelor’s in Education. After I completed my degree I took an additional 36 hours in studio courses so that I could apply for grad school. It took me 8 years to get 20 slides/36 hours of studio credit together. It was difficult for me to send my slides. I was worried they weren’t good enough and I was attached to them since I had invested so much time. I just decided to bite the bullet and do it. All my friends thought I was crazy but as you said, art is a way of life.
The essay was difficult and I had the same feelings that you are describing. Hang in there and just do it. My original essay was six pages and I had a really good friend help me hack it to 3. I have had a few moments here and there where I have started wondering if I was doing the right thing. To date, these thoughts are fleeting and they pass. Overall I am really happy that I am doing this.
I will add that I did the whole process of applying thinking that I would have to do it again and I think that helped. A lot of people told me not to get discouraged if I didn’t get in the first time. I did but I was surprised. I think it is important to communicate that you have thought about what your doing, what it means to you, why you are doing it, and where you think you want to go with your art.
I would love to talk to you anytime:) If you want me to read your essay or look at your slides I would be happy to. I sent my stuff around to people for advice too.
Here’s something that you might find interesting. When I was applying I was a little vexed that I could not find any real-life "here was my experiences" at Vermont so I started blogging. I have blog posts from the beginning (trying to get in) and the first semester. I plan on blogging this entire experience. If you want to read the posts you can go to http://www.jpvanarnhem.com/blog/?cat=22.
Keep in touch! I hope to see you soon in Vermont!!
Joey
