grad school.
I started applying last week.
I've narrowed it down to four schools, six programs.
1. Concordia, masters of fine arts photography
2. Concordia, media studies with project thesis
3. School for the Visual Arts (NY) masters of fine arts photography
4. New School University (Parsons, NY) masters of fine arts photography
5. International Center for Photography (NY), masters of fine arts
6. International Center for Photography, certificate in photojournalism
I honestly think everything is a long shot except the media studies MA. I want to do it because the project thesis option would allow me to work with a photography prof and someone from the journalism dept. to create some kind of large photographic project that i could concentrate on for a year in studio - while taking classes in theory, feminism, and ethics. Its a nice blend of my art history theory background and my photo work.
All the MFA options are a gamble. they rarely (with the exception of SVA) take people without BFAs. I realize that when they do make exceptions, it is for people like me who have developed their own portfolio - but with not a single class under my belt in photography, i am not likely to be considered.
Honestly i'd like to stay here and go to Concordia. My life is here, and as much as i would like to move to New York and try it out, i cannot afford it and i cannot convince myself i am ready. I am just starting to feel settled in our new house, Jeff and i are just getting into sync with each other after all our years apart - now does not seem like the time to pick up and start over. But then again, i want options - if he takes the policy writing job in Ottawa i want somewhere else to go that isn't here waiting for him or there living with him. I truly believe long distance relationships only work if your independent lives don't center on the absence of the other - rather your own goals and interests. Simply, i have to enjoy my life if we are going to keep it together.
Also on my mind: India in 20 days. I don't know what it will be like. I'm actually frightened, not by the trip, but at the prospect of spending three weeks straight with family. Three weeks without being able to contact Jeff, three weeks away from my home and kitty, three weeks under the combined microscope of my mother and grandmother. Of course, the alternative - not going - was never an option at all. I plan on staying quiet, taking a lot of photos (film!) and keeping a meticulous journal. The kind of thing i can show my kids when they are like 'we are a third Indian? whats that all about?'. Also, Aurina and i are planning a spectacular fun day in Bombay. I intend to make her take me all the places my father wont.
Tonite is Jeff's snobby poli theory graduate Christmas party. I am not allowed in until AFTER they serve the food - me being an undergrad and all. Smart people better make strong drinks, that's all I'm saying.
I've narrowed it down to four schools, six programs.
1. Concordia, masters of fine arts photography
2. Concordia, media studies with project thesis
3. School for the Visual Arts (NY) masters of fine arts photography
4. New School University (Parsons, NY) masters of fine arts photography
5. International Center for Photography (NY), masters of fine arts
6. International Center for Photography, certificate in photojournalism
I honestly think everything is a long shot except the media studies MA. I want to do it because the project thesis option would allow me to work with a photography prof and someone from the journalism dept. to create some kind of large photographic project that i could concentrate on for a year in studio - while taking classes in theory, feminism, and ethics. Its a nice blend of my art history theory background and my photo work.
All the MFA options are a gamble. they rarely (with the exception of SVA) take people without BFAs. I realize that when they do make exceptions, it is for people like me who have developed their own portfolio - but with not a single class under my belt in photography, i am not likely to be considered.
Honestly i'd like to stay here and go to Concordia. My life is here, and as much as i would like to move to New York and try it out, i cannot afford it and i cannot convince myself i am ready. I am just starting to feel settled in our new house, Jeff and i are just getting into sync with each other after all our years apart - now does not seem like the time to pick up and start over. But then again, i want options - if he takes the policy writing job in Ottawa i want somewhere else to go that isn't here waiting for him or there living with him. I truly believe long distance relationships only work if your independent lives don't center on the absence of the other - rather your own goals and interests. Simply, i have to enjoy my life if we are going to keep it together.
Also on my mind: India in 20 days. I don't know what it will be like. I'm actually frightened, not by the trip, but at the prospect of spending three weeks straight with family. Three weeks without being able to contact Jeff, three weeks away from my home and kitty, three weeks under the combined microscope of my mother and grandmother. Of course, the alternative - not going - was never an option at all. I plan on staying quiet, taking a lot of photos (film!) and keeping a meticulous journal. The kind of thing i can show my kids when they are like 'we are a third Indian? whats that all about?'. Also, Aurina and i are planning a spectacular fun day in Bombay. I intend to make her take me all the places my father wont.
Tonite is Jeff's snobby poli theory graduate Christmas party. I am not allowed in until AFTER they serve the food - me being an undergrad and all. Smart people better make strong drinks, that's all I'm saying.