2003-04-06 - 11:24 pm
One thing I value the most about attending art college this year has been being more accepting of other people and myself. I think it is because the majority of the people that are around me every day, the majority of people who attend the school, were "outcasts" in their own high school careers. I bet at one point every person who attends ACAD was called a "freak", a "loser", or a "faggot".
This is what's so great about attending ACAD because everyone just accepts each other (well, for the most part because I know you can't escape prejudice no matter where you are). I haven't felt out of place since I've been there nor have I felt uncomfortable. It has just been a great environment for me to be in, especially after two years of not belonging anywhere in this city.
I think this is why I always get taken aback when I hear judgemental comments and remarks. Skeptical agreements and that really annoying "Uh, oooo-kay." Maybe I just take everything for granted because I'm around creative people doing creative and exciting things every day that I just assume everyone is as interested as I am about it all - that everyone is just as curious.
This is what I get for living in my art bubble for the last six months. I forget how things work on the "outside".
During my next three years I'm sure there is going to be a ton of stuff I'm going to produce that my parents will think is strange and weird. That I will get judged and looked at like I just stepped on a kitten. I think I'm prepared for that, though. I think I can take the criticism and the snide remarks. I've managed to build a thick skin thanks to the Internet and webdesigning (because nothing is quite as cruel as annonymous and unsupported attacks on one's integrity).
I know I've said it a million times before but I'm going to say it again: I'm so glad I'm going to art school.
A friend asked me yesterday what my future plans were in regard to a career with art. I laughed because I don't even think about it anymore. I'll worry about it when graduation is looming and my final grad pieces have been subjected to emotionally damaging jury crits. Right now all I can think about is weaving intricate fabrics with silk and human hair, designing my collection for ARTaWEARness in 2004, and creating modern versions of Girl Guide badges. I'm not thinking about careers.
For all anyone knows, in four years I could be going into a teaching degree or getting a BA in english. Or I could be working at the mall and practicing my art on the side. Or I could be interning at a textiles company in BC. Or I could be barefoot and pregnant, knitting striped booties and hats that look like apples.
I'm still so young and I recognize that I have so many possibilities open and ready for me when I'm ready for them. For once I'm perfectly content with not knowing what's going to happen.
Hm. I just completely lost my train of thought. Oh well.
Currently I'm struggling to write a short review on the group presentations that we've had in Art and Design Now over the last few weeks. I have to hand it in tomorrow morning along with a few other things. Thankfully I wrote the guest speaker review for the current issue of I'm in love again a few weeks ago so I didn't have to worry about that.
I don't know what it is because I just can't buckle down and do work. I have an exam next Monday and I haven't done any studying for it at all. I'm so screwed. I have to do a drawing tomorrow but I have no idea what to draw. Tomorrow afternoon will be spent in the studio figuring something out. I really wish it didn't snow last week because I would love to draw outside. Oh well.
I really only have this week and next Monday left then I'm done for the summer. The whole idea of getting a summer job right now seems really daunting. In that respect I kind of wish I went to school all year 'round. I'm sure I'll figure something out.
Ugh. Well, I guess I better get back to writing that review. Daylight Savings really screwed me up today. I'm terribly confused as to what time it is and what time it actually feels like. Stupid stuff.
I'll end with a list of good things:
1. Counting my US funds and realizing I have reached my goal of money to send to Austin (yay!)
2. I have two vodka cranberry coolers left.
3. The lounge station on Spinner.com
4. Wearing legwarmers without socks.
5. Talking to Mom, even if it was only for a minute or two.
6. Coffee tomorrow morning. Mmm.
