Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Not that I mind... or that it's a big deal but I'd like to set the record straight since there seems to be quite a bit of confusion and quotes on blogs that I am a recent MFA grad from School of Visual Arts. Though I would love the extra debt (ehem.. no) I wanted to state that I am indeed a recent graduate of School of Visual Arts.. but from the BFA program. I had a wonderful time there and made great friends in both the BFA and MFA depts. But there you have it..

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Other than having a good time and making good friends, what is the value of a BFA or MFA? How has it helped your photography, or would you have gotten to the same place majoring in social science or biology?

I'm not being sarcastic, but I actually want to know what I missed by majoring in Math and getting a BS (so very long ago).

I always wonder if you really learn anything with a BFA, or if it's just about building a career network.

Amy Elkins said...

Well I guess the answer to this question could possibly be different depending on who you ask. Yes I had fun.. but I also waited quite a while to go to school and was a good 5-6 years older than most of my peers. I wasn't really there to have fun but to really refine my photo skills. I made great friends, some I'm keeping for life.. I had great instructors and I made the most out of being there. I'm not sure you missed much by going to school for something else.. the thing that I think mattered most to me was waiting to go to school until I was really focused and then going to the city I thought would be most embracing/tough/inspiring for my education. As for an MFA.. well I haven't gone there yet. If and when I do perhaps I'll find the value in doing so.. for now I'll just ask my MFA graduate friends. Hope that answers your question.

Anonymous said...

Yes it does, thanks.

My fear is that the BFA or MFA becomes a membership card that opens doors that otherwise remain closed to those who took other paths.

And, that the BFA programs themselves force a set of expectations about the work produced, and if those expectations are not met, the work isn't recognized.

But, it just means that those of us outside the BFA/MFA club just have to work that much harder.