4/9/16...

So I'm here, in a new format.  I've had one of those "final straw" weeks with my old website.  It's still up, but I'm trying this new format hoping it works better for what I need: better resolution on photos, a true blog (with archived posts) and custom shop capability for future needs.  Fingers crossed that this is much better!  Please note that it will take some time for me to settle in and get all the elements up and running.  

I've also had a rather tumultuous week in my art classes.  I've resigned myself that there is very little that I can do concerning this semester other than BEAR DOWN.  Ha!  My fellow Wildcats should appreciate the irony with that.  After a meeting yesterday with my Art Advisor, I do feel better that I can be part of the solution and not continue to suffer in silence.  I believe her sincerity in that she heard me and wants me to follow up with her.  I believe her when she stated that I'm definitely not over-dramatizing current events, nor am I being overly sensitive.  I can only hope at this point there is improvement.  I don't want to continue thinking that my returning to school has been a colossal mistake.  There have been too many of those "what am I thinking" moments recently.  It tends to drag me down.  And while I can only control myself and my actions, I know that when doubt starts to enter my head I tend to think the worst.  I cannot do that!  As I said to my Advisor, I've worked too hard and sacrificed too much financially to be here.  

I've turned a corner with Linguistics class.  While there is still the same level of comprehension with the subject matter (yeah, it's rough at times with many MANY f-bombs mumbled under my breath while trying to figure out the homework) - I am having success!  I've received check pluses for the past several assignments turned in (um, consider that the equivalent of an A).  Maybe I can accomplish an A after all?!!!

My schedule is set for Fall.  I finally made the decision to not take the Pima class.  It was a very difficult decision for me.  But it became a decision based on what was in my best interests.  And...I never heard back from the teacher this past week.  That settled it for me.  I've had nothing but issues regarding the last gallery showing of my work at Pima (yes Kate, I am trying to remember to be grateful for all opportunities), and while I don't believe I burned my bridges (and well, maybe I did with speaking up for what I didn't like about how the pieces were shown), maybe it's just time to make the split from Pima.  I submitted artwork for the Sandscript publication and I'm waiting to hear back whether it was accepted or not.  At this point, I truly think it will be my last endeavor with Pima.  

Learning doesn't just end at the classroom door, does it?  It's all part of the journey I'm on.  Sometimes you learn just by persevering.  I start on my final Painting project this week.  I worked on project four at home - which was so much less stressful without having someone's opinion interfering with my creative process!  And I honestly got raving reviews when I posted photos of the work on my FB page and on Instagram.  I'm beyond if it's not liked in class, as I'm really okay with it.  I stuck to my class plan, and enjoyed myself with the set of three paintings.   

Work this week in Intaglio went very well.  I managed to dry-point etch and then print an edition of two for the second-phase of my current assignment.  Two more phases and simultaneously work on my final (which it's in progress too) to go.  I can honestly say that I'm glad I didn't lose my appreciation for this medium with all the shenanigans in class this semester.   No, it's not something I want to pursue in the future, but I definitely have a greater appreciation for it.  I'm hoping I can create a little magic with my final piece.  I've been doing more work away from class which seems to be better for me.  And if I can figure out how to post photos with this blog post, you can see the work I did this week.  :)

Anyhow....here's to new beginnings.  Here's to taking back control of my own creative process.  Here's to empowering myself in this journey.