Tony Ferguson on mon 4 aug 03
Ellie and Terry,
I am 33 and now that our 3 children are older (I started grad school in 1=
996
for an MA as was married in 1997, had children "shortly" there after) I w=
ant
to complete what I started as my original goal: to earn the MFA and teac=
h.
Funny thing is with having a family, I've grown up and had to learn what =
it
means to actually be an artist (not the training ground of the secure
environment of the graduate setting) and figure out how to support my fam=
ily
on my artwork. Setting up a studio, marketing on the web, doing art fair=
s,
galleries, giving and hosting workshops, etc has truly been the education.
Nothing like a family to motivate you and focus you.
Being an artist is not a life I would recommended to anyone. It is hard,
insecure, never knowing how much money will come in, but would I trade, n=
ot
yet, but I would clean toilets again if I had too. I was blessed with a
patient and faithful wife. She is also a dancer and so we are dancing an=
d
enjoying our family and our art forms in an artist cooperative with over =
50
households of artists across all mediums--it has been a wonderful experie=
nce
of 5 years but it is now time to move on. I, of course, have the teachin=
g
bug and want to contribute to or build a program at a college or universi=
ty.
I need an MFA to do this.
As for the instructor who told you to forget it--forget what he or she sa=
id.
A good professor or teacher will always encourage you to pursue your drea=
ms
whatever they are, however unrealistic or unpractical "they" think they
might be. I think the competitiveness is a given--but why not go for it!
You got one life (at least that you can remember). Why not manifest the
dream if it is in your power, destiny? You will find out at least if its
not meant to be.
One thing about graduate school is they don't teach you anything about
marketing your work, the business side of it, professional development, e=
tc.
It is a place professors with a consistent income and pension can
comfortably from the arm chair say things like, "sell $3 pots for everyon=
e,"
"Don't prostitute yourself making widgets," "go to New York" and other su=
ch
things. In their defense, it is their job to aim you to the highest high=
,
even if it is perceived as idealistic or even unpractical or even elitist
sometimes.........AND I would challenge many to quit their jobs and see i=
f
they could make it with their artwork outside the academic circles in the
trenches with many of us.
And perhaps it is irrelevant if they could make it in the real world as t=
hey
are making it in the academic world--if they are inspiring their students=
,
providing concise and accurate content, and can at least connect them to
some aspect of eventual success, then they have played their part in that
students development. In my search, I believe I will find among the best
professors those that either took time off to really develop their work
and/or are actively and consistently making their own work while they tea=
ch.
I tend to gravitate toward those that have "been there" then those that h=
ave
read about it and can tell a good story.
The good professors will tell you its a hard life but if you MUST make wo=
rk
as many of us must, then you will find a way to make it happen--the bette=
r
professor will provide options or mechanisms for you to achieve this and
help you however he or she can. Academic idealism and optimism is not a =
bad
thing--it is a given, it must be there to help inspire and motivate stude=
nts
(to also retain them!). However, coupled with real world experience, your
chances of success are that much better. We are fortunate on clay art to
have some of these very busy folks contributing. This is truly a unique
place with diverse contributions. I for one have had much of what I have
learned independently outside of books validated by others experiences on
clay art. It is refreshing!
I aim to correct this lack of real world connection if I have the
opportunity to teach. The notion of the cr=E8me will flow to the top is =
and
has been always elitist and in some respects, it is true. But, why not he=
lp
if your students get that much closer to their perceived success? I want=
to
teach and have been repeatedly discouraged by many MFA.'s retired
professors, studio artists, and encouraged to continue my work and niche =
as
it is "so competitive out there." If you tell me I can't do it, I will s=
how
you I can. I have taught 3 semesters at a local community college and lo=
ved
it. I have taught many classes now through my studio (raku, wood fire, pi=
t
fire, kiln building) and residencies and enjoy teaching tremendously. Fo=
r
me, there is nothing higher than passing on theoretical and applied
knowledge that develops an individual in a variety of ways--and in many w=
ays
this effect of being engaged in a creative process and the confidence and
other skills acquired carries into and throughout a student's life. A
teacher of mine, Mike Weber, had and still has a profound effect on my
inspiration toward clay. He showed me a new way and it was his example a=
s a
fine artist and his energy that still pumps me up when I think about wood
firing or making work. As I tell my students, "it is inevitable that you
will progress and get better if you are diligent." It is like any other
academic subject: learn the foundations, the basic techniques and others
that build on each other and practice, practice, practice. Replicate the
masters and innovate...make it your own. I recall something Volkous said=
,
"have the vision and you will acquire the tools necessary to complete the
vision."
If I was your teacher I would encourage you to pursue the desire of earni=
ng
your MFA--the experience will develop you in a variety of ways which will
aid in shaping you and your work--and you will have a dam good time doing
it--clay people are still the funniest and friendliest group of artists I
have known. Be aware the costs. You will want to look for a program wher=
e
your age is not perceived as a detriment, but rather a blessing. Like yo=
u,
I will have to find a program where they pretty much let me do what I wan=
t
with subtle guidance and respect that I have a family that depends on me.
My business grows each year, I learn new things all the time, but I miss =
and
love the dynamic learning environment of the university setting. You are
53, you have much to draw from and now it is a matter of further developi=
ng
your skills in the way you choose so you can express you experiences both
past and present--you CAN do this in or out of an MFA program-the choice =
is
up to you. Your age has nothing to do with anything in a respectable
program. My best students are those whose children tend to be grown up.
They have raised a family, have a good work ethic, know how to focus and
burn the candle at both ends when required--they've changed diapers--they
are not afraid of getting dirty. They are successful and have made much
more developed work than the 18-20 year olds I taught at the community
college. There are, and forever will be, exceptions to this rule.
I will certainly let you know what programs I come across as I will also =
be
hunting for assistantships and fellowships--this, unfortunately, is a maj=
or
factor in my continuing with an MFA as it should be the best program for =
me
that comes first.
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
----- Original Message -----=20
From: "Ellie Blair"
To:
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: rate current MFA programs
Tony, I would like this information too. I completed my degree in cerami=
cs
in 2002. I wanted to go on and get my masters but my professor told me I
should forget it and just make pots. I was too old to take on that
pressure. I am 53 and it really ticked me off. I can't believe that his
opinion is the norm out there. I still am checking into the possibility =
and
would like the info.
Thanks
Ellie Blair
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Ferguson
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 11:17 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: rate current MFA programs
I will be applying for MFA this Fall in the attempts to complete a dream
that has been back burnered.
I would be curious as to the top 10 MFA programs in clay? I am looking f=
or
a strong program in clay as well as sculpture and possibly glass. All 2
cents and opinions very welcomed. I understand there is much variability=
in
what makes a program "top" out there; none the less, I know many of you a=
re
aware of who is dynamic and providing an exemplary experience for MFA
candidates. I am somewhat aware in my region. I also understand there h=
as
been much turn over in terms of new professors, so there may be many
programs that are "new" in the sense of new leadership in teaching.
Also, has anyone heard anything about the two new professors at Universit=
y
of Minnesota and the future of what appears to be a new program?
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Ellie Blair on tue 5 aug 03
Hi Tony,
You know you are right about being an artist. I have been an artist for =
the past 35 years. It is a challenge to try and make it on art alone. I=
was hoping to get my masters so I could teach. I am not afraid of the h=
ard work, in fact I thrive on it. It seems the more pressure I have the=
better I do. I have finally gotten into ceramics full time and have my =
studio up and running. I am gettin my work in galleries and things are s=
tarting to look up. I wish my professor would have had your attitude but=
he doesn't. It is hard to get anywhere with this when he is head of the=
department and decides who gets in and who doesn't. I will keep pluggin=
g along. Who knows what the future will hold.
Thanks for your response.
Ellie
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Ferguson
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 11:38 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: Re: rate current MFA programs-long
Ellie and Terry,
I am 33 and now that our 3 children are older (I started grad school in 1=
996
for an MA as was married in 1997, had children "shortly" there after) I w=
ant
to complete what I started as my original goal: to earn the MFA and teac=
h.
Funny thing is with having a family, I've grown up and had to learn what =
it
means to actually be an artist (not the training ground of the secure
environment of the graduate setting) and figure out how to support my fam=
ily
on my artwork. Setting up a studio, marketing on the web, doing art fair=
s,
galleries, giving and hosting workshops, etc has truly been the education=
.
Nothing like a family to motivate you and focus you.
Being an artist is not a life I would recommended to anyone. It is hard,
insecure, never knowing how much money will come in, but would I trade, n=
ot
yet, but I would clean toilets again if I had too. I was blessed with a
patient and faithful wife. She is also a dancer and so we are dancing an=
d
enjoying our family and our art forms in an artist cooperative with over =
50
households of artists across all mediums--it has been a wonderful experie=
nce
of 5 years but it is now time to move on. I, of course, have the teachin=
g
bug and want to contribute to or build a program at a college or universi=
ty.
I need an MFA to do this.
As for the instructor who told you to forget it--forget what he or she sa=
id.
A good professor or teacher will always encourage you to pursue your drea=
ms
whatever they are, however unrealistic or unpractical "they" think they
might be. I think the competitiveness is a given--but why not go for it!
You got one life (at least that you can remember). Why not manifest the
dream if it is in your power, destiny? You will find out at least if its
not meant to be.
One thing about graduate school is they don't teach you anything about
marketing your work, the business side of it, professional development, e=
tc.
It is a place professors with a consistent income and pension can
comfortably from the arm chair say things like, "sell $3 pots for everyon=
e,"
"Don't prostitute yourself making widgets," "go to New York" and other su=
ch
things. In their defense, it is their job to aim you to the highest high=
,
even if it is perceived as idealistic or even unpractical or even elitist
sometimes.........AND I would challenge many to quit their jobs and see i=
f
they could make it with their artwork outside the academic circles in the
trenches with many of us.
And perhaps it is irrelevant if they could make it in the real world as t=
hey
are making it in the academic world--if they are inspiring their students=
,
providing concise and accurate content, and can at least connect them to
some aspect of eventual success, then they have played their part in that
students development. In my search, I believe I will find among the best
professors those that either took time off to really develop their work
and/or are actively and consistently making their own work while they tea=
ch.
I tend to gravitate toward those that have "been there" then those that h=
ave
read about it and can tell a good story.
The good professors will tell you its a hard life but if you MUST make wo=
rk
as many of us must, then you will find a way to make it happen--the bette=
r
professor will provide options or mechanisms for you to achieve this and
help you however he or she can. Academic idealism and optimism is not a =
bad
thing--it is a given, it must be there to help inspire and motivate stude=
nts
(to also retain them!). However, coupled with real world experience, your
chances of success are that much better. We are fortunate on clay art to
have some of these very busy folks contributing. This is truly a unique
place with diverse contributions. I for one have had much of what I have
learned independently outside of books validated by others experiences on
clay art. It is refreshing!
I aim to correct this lack of real world connection if I have the
opportunity to teach. The notion of the cr=E8me will flow to the top is =
and
has been always elitist and in some respects, it is true. But, why not he=
lp
if your students get that much closer to their perceived success? I want=
to
teach and have been repeatedly discouraged by many MFA.'s retired
professors, studio artists, and encouraged to continue my work and niche =
as
it is "so competitive out there." If you tell me I can't do it, I will s=
how
you I can. I have taught 3 semesters at a local community college and lo=
ved
it. I have taught many classes now through my studio (raku, wood fire, pi=
t
fire, kiln building) and residencies and enjoy teaching tremendously. Fo=
r
me, there is nothing higher than passing on theoretical and applied
knowledge that develops an individual in a variety of ways--and in many w=
ays
this effect of being engaged in a creative process and the confidence and
other skills acquired carries into and throughout a student's life. A
teacher of mine, Mike Weber, had and still has a profound effect on my
inspiration toward clay. He showed me a new way and it was his example a=
s a
fine artist and his energy that still pumps me up when I think about wood
firing or making work. As I tell my students, "it is inevitable that you
will progress and get better if you are diligent." It is like any other
academic subject: learn the foundations, the basic techniques and others
that build on each other and practice, practice, practice. Replicate the
masters and innovate...make it your own. I recall something Volkous said=
,
"have the vision and you will acquire the tools necessary to complete the
vision."
If I was your teacher I would encourage you to pursue the desire of earni=
ng
your MFA--the experience will develop you in a variety of ways which will
aid in shaping you and your work--and you will have a dam good time doing
it--clay people are still the funniest and friendliest group of artists I
have known. Be aware the costs. You will want to look for a program wher=
e
your age is not perceived as a detriment, but rather a blessing. Like yo=
u,
I will have to find a program where they pretty much let me do what I wan=
t
with subtle guidance and respect that I have a family that depends on me.
My business grows each year, I learn new things all the time, but I miss =
and
love the dynamic learning environment of the university setting. You are
53, you have much to draw from and now it is a matter of further developi=
ng
your skills in the way you choose so you can express you experiences both
past and present--you CAN do this in or out of an MFA program-the choice =
is
up to you. Your age has nothing to do with anything in a respectable
program. My best students are those whose children tend to be grown up.
They have raised a family, have a good work ethic, know how to focus and
burn the candle at both ends when required--they've changed diapers--they
are not afraid of getting dirty. They are successful and have made much
more developed work than the 18-20 year olds I taught at the community
college. There are, and forever will be, exceptions to this rule.
I will certainly let you know what programs I come across as I will also =
be
hunting for assistantships and fellowships--this, unfortunately, is a maj=
or
factor in my continuing with an MFA as it should be the best program for =
me
that comes first.
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
----- Original Message ----- =20
From: "Ellie Blair"
To:
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 5:53 PM
Subject: Re: rate current MFA programs
Tony, I would like this information too. I completed my degree in cerami=
cs
in 2002. I wanted to go on and get my masters but my professor told me I
should forget it and just make pots. I was too old to take on that
pressure. I am 53 and it really ticked me off. I can't believe that his
opinion is the norm out there. I still am checking into the possibility =
and
would like the info.
Thanks
Ellie Blair
----- Original Message -----
From: Tony Ferguson
Sent: Sunday, August 03, 2003 11:17 AM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: rate current MFA programs
I will be applying for MFA this Fall in the attempts to complete a dream
that has been back burnered.
I would be curious as to the top 10 MFA programs in clay? I am looking f=
or
a strong program in clay as well as sculpture and possibly glass. All 2
cents and opinions very welcomed. I understand there is much variability=
in
what makes a program "top" out there; none the less, I know many of you a=
re
aware of who is dynamic and providing an exemplary experience for MFA
candidates. I am somewhat aware in my region. I also understand there h=
as
been much turn over in terms of new professors, so there may be many
programs that are "new" in the sense of new leadership in teaching.
Also, has anyone heard anything about the two new professors at Universit=
y
of Minnesota and the future of what appears to be a new program?
Thank you.
Tony Ferguson
On Lake Superior, where the sky meets the Lake
Stoneware, Porcelain, Raku and more
by Coleman, Ferguson, Winchester...
www.aquariusartgallery.com
218-727-6339
315 N. Lake Ave
Apt 312
Duluth, MN 55806
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
_________________________________________________________________________=
___
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
_________________________________________________________________________=
_____
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclin=
k.com.
claybair on wed 6 aug 03
Ellie,
I do not like our litigious nature however
it would seem to me that the college regent(s) would be
alarmed to hear of this potential serious legal problem.
Your original posting described age discrimination.
Once in the program one you would surely experience
extra challenges he'd place in your way.
These guys (both sexes) are entrenched and are
very hard to move. He would not make it easy for
you to prove him wrong. However I'd sure love to
read about it when you do!!!
Gayle Bair
Bainbridge Island, WA
http://claybair.com
-----Original Message-----
Snip< I completed my degree in ceramics
in 2002. I wanted to go on and get my masters but my professor told me I
should forget it and just make pots. I was too old to take on that
pressure. Snip>
Snip< I wish my professor would have had your attitude but he doesn't. It
is hard to get anywhere with this when he is head of the department and
decides who gets in and who doesn't. I will keep plugging along. Who knows
what the future will hold.
Thanks for your response.
Ellie
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