While pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts (MFA) is a dream of many artists, barriers like relocation, costs, and familial responsibilities may make it impossible. Such is the case for myself, as a midlife creative person living in rural Ohio where I’m dedicated to my family and land projects.
Considering my background in alternative education – I unschooled Lil from age 5 – 13 and crafted many adult education programs – I am pursuing an auto didactic option. I’m calling it the Do It Yourself Masters of Fine Arts – DIY MFA.
My objectives are:
1) deepen and expand my ceramics, drawing, and writing practices
2) explore art theory, history, and criticism
3) develop a body of work that is shared publicly via exhibition and/or publication
For two years, I’ll follow a self-designed plan of rigorous art practice with significant studio time, arts history and theory courses, artist-led workshops, field trips, community critique and exhibition.
I will share my experiences in the free*hand*salon newsletter – subscribe to follow along.
The first term is already underway with a focus on Japanese art, launching the free*hand*salon newsletter community, and studio time.
The full DIY MFA program plan will be detailed as opportunities and needs arise. I’ve included the current Work Plan below.