An Infinity of New Beginnings

I'm almost half way through my semester in school (and about half way to my BFA), and I've been drawing/painting/creating for as long as I can remember. I still have some drawings I did when I was about 11 years old. I remember whenever career day came around in school, I was always the "Artist".

I am so proud to have come this far. I'm at a college that I love, studying a subject that I wouldn't know what to do without, in a city that I'm proud to call home. I often question, why I am so lucky? and especially, how in the hell did I get here? I haven't been the best student in the past, but I can't help but put forth my best effort in recent times. I want to do well in school, and learn everything there is to know about art.

 I've only recently grasped a better understanding of the art world. Needless to say, I have so many questions. As a newcomer to this strange and beautiful arena, I've continued to experience new perspectives that I wasn't aware of before.

I've gone through different levels of understanding of how I've viewed everything so far.

In the beginning, I was starting to apply to schools and looking into art programs. God, did I want a spot at Memphis College of Art more than anything. But that was way of my league, and price range. I was making random art, whatever popped into my head. I never thought to make art for a reason, or a purpose, and hadn't even discovered the term "concept" yet. I did, however, experiment with various materials and mediums thanks to Mrs. Neal, my art teacher. She was an amazing teacher, one that always pushed me to challenge myself, most times giving me more work than other students. I think teachers can recognize a student's passion when they see it. I only wish that I could've been more prepared for art school. But, hey, in a small town in Tennessee, where agriculture and health sciences are the top areas of interest, there wasn't a huge demand for art courses and serious art instruction. 

I wish some mysterious art genie could've swooped in and told me what art school would be like:

*in mysterious art genie voice*

- You will be judged for choosing art as your major by non-artists.
- People will tilt there head, and express concern for the stability of your future.
- Some students can be quite distant and hard to communicate with at first.
- Some will scoff at the fact you use acrylic paint instead of oil.
- Prepare to fully expose your mind/life through your art.
- You will meet the most amazing, creative people along the way who will inspire you.
- Your teachers will push you further and further, which will make you insane at times.
- You will get a studio where you can do whatever your artsy heart desires.
- Exhibitions and shows are a must for meeting new people and keeping up with local art.
- Supplies aren't cheap, but there are always alternative mediums to experiment with.
- Change is good.
- Don't take one person's opinion too seriously. Everyone has their own interpretation, 
  which is what makes art so great.
- Listen to your peers and professors.
- Research other artists and their work.
- Namedropping is a huge deal.
- The more art/artists/movements you study, the better off you'll be as an artist.
- Make friends, have fun, and remember to go your own way (as Fleetwood Mac famously put it.)
- I've got a lot of learning to do. I'm going to try and stick to my roots, but I want to grow as a person and as a student of the arts. Cheers to new beginnings!

Until next time!

-Paige

Ps. Here's my studio, I still can't believe I get to have a space to work in!