Earlier this year I mentioned that I had been accepted to the Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) as a first year student pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). Now that I am halfway through the first term I thought I would share my experiences so far.
It was during the two days of mandatory orientation, early in September, when I quickly realized that I was going to be immersed in an energy far different from my life so far. The orientation was jam-packed and fast-paced. We were placed into small groups for orientation activities. I ascertained that there were definitely other “mature students” in our midst, and as wide-eyed groups of new students passed each other in the halls and stairwells, us older folks caught each others’ eyes. As the mornings turned into afternoons, our glances at each other shared a common telepathic message: When do we get our nap? Well, a nap or some kind of break at a pub. Either would have been fine! Sadly neither happened, but AUArts did a fantastic job of orienting all new students to university life. And my group won first place in a competition to create fashion out of found objects. An auspicious beginning!
As I settled into my new routine and started attending classes, the difference in the energy compared to my daily life before was palpable. It’s GOOD to hang out with younger people! They are full of ideas and full of “trying to figure things out.” They form friendships quickly. They have different issues and problems that distract me from my own worries. I immediately knew that I was going to be challenged by both their creativity and their talents. In fact, there are already a few first-year students that have caught my attention as being artists to watch. The vibe is dynamic, and casual – yet at the same time, very serious. It’s given me new life and new curiosity, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
The assignments are plentiful and time-consuming. It’s definitely been a challenge to balance work, studies and domestic life. I quickly learned that I can’t let a day go by without working on at least one of my classes. Even one day of mindless bliss and abdication of responsibilities comes at a heavy price.
Instructors and technicians at AUArts unanimously promoted an energy of “all things are possible”. Comments such as “You can’t light a fire in the building, but if you WANT to, make sure you see a tech. There’s probably a way to make it happen.” or, “You are not allowed to have remains such as bones here, but if you want to bring them in, see a tech first and we’ll figure it out.”
In other words, if it’s art, you can probably do it. The benefit is that it leaves our minds free to think of anything from ridiculous to sublime. I believe that a free mind is a very good place from which to cultivate meaningful art. It meant that a first-year student submitted a drawing of a collection of sex toys for her first assignment, and another submitted an assignment based on holding various types of papers over smoke – to see what kinds of marks the smoke could make. It also means that cohorts of young (and older!) students are able to free ourselves to create from a genuine place. Authenticity is a challenge in our society. AUArts demands it.
Another amazing part of the Alberta University of the Arts is that there are gallery spaces absolutely everywhere. Any student can apply to display their art – from an individual piece to an entire show – at just about any time! This gives us all the opportunity to build our professional curriculum vitae with respect to formal gallery shows. In fact, my recently completed hat – wet felted from merino wool – is on display in a spot reserved for the National Gallery of Contemporary Fibre Art. How cool is that?
So far I am loving university – despite the intensity of the material and the panic of deadlines. It’s so challenging, and I can FEEL the effect of being exposed to an entirely new environment with new mental (and even existential) challenges has on my mind, body and spirit. It’s invigorating.
One of the biggest lessons so far has been realizing how ingrained I was in my routine and my patterns, prior to starting university. My life had become routine and predictable. I had often thought, “Tomorrow, I’ll wake up and do something different.” but my tomorrows turned into more tomorrows. Voluntarily thrusting ourselves into an unfamiliar situation wakes us up! I am so pleased that I have put myself in a situation where I NEED to create art every day. It hasn’t taken away the magic of it. In fact it’s given me permission to indulge in one of my greatest joys – something I didn’t think I had time for, before. I’ve carved out some time, and I am loving it.
Art of Small Things 