#art, Is There Such a Thing as «Contemporary Art?» Becoming an Artist…

Art schools come in many shapes and sizes, and even one size fits all. But are they all the same? What do you expect to learn at Art School? Are you thinking of the uni? Or are you thinking of a small, private academy? Or are you thinking about an apprenticeship with an established artist willing to accept students. All three of these ways of becoming a professional artist exist. It is the choice of the would-be student. Now, you may be asking yourself, what is this guy trying to tell me? And I will…

If you are thinking about going to a college or university, I would recommend that you think again. And I would also suggest that you ask yourself what kind of artist do you want to be. If you are fine with being led on, manipulated, had on, and misguided, go to uni. They will do all that there. They will tell you who you have to love and admire, who you have to emulate, who should be your major…and perhaps only…references. And they will ultimately guide you towards what is known as VIP. This means «V»= Video.»I»= Installation; «P»= Performance. This is what they love. Frankly speaking they are worth nothing to me. I do not even think these «subjects» belong in a university art school. Perhaps in the Theatre department? I do not know…

If you are thinking of a private (small) academy, or a large one, but independent of a college/university, I would say you are probably on the right path. I cannot, and will not recommend any as I have no idea what is out there, but if you look and check some of them out, I am sure you will find what you really need to begin to transform yourself into an artist. And do not be fooled, we are not all artists, nor can, or will anyone become an artist. An artist is a professional, like a pharmacist or an engineer. You must receive formal training and you must also want to be an artist. At least in a private academy you can explain to the professor/owner what you want to do…your specialty…and he or she will guide you in that direction without making you waste time with things you’ve no interest in. Bang on! I truly support this decision.

If you are thinking about becoming someone’s apprentice… Well, if you know the artist and you like his style and you sort things out and arrive at a mutual understanding and agreement, this may work out phenomenally. But be very careful with artists who say they are open to apprentices because there are those that will exploit you, use you as a model and perhaps only teach you about how great they are. So I would be careful with this option.

And one more option that I did not mention, but… The do it yourself (DIY) route so that you can say you are «self-taught». But you know, no one is self-taught. Knowledge comes from something or someone. So if you think that because you bought some «how-to» books or watch some videos you are self-taught you are deluding yourself. You learned from books and videos who were your teachers. In any event, use this method only after a real life, living, breathing teacher teaches you how to draw and how to paint (or how to model and sculpt if you want to be a sculptor).

An artist needs training just like any other professional. And he needs to enrich, re-invent himself continually and continue with his education. And please, do not neglect Art History. Without knowledge of Art History you will never be a complete, rounded out artist.

BEST OF LUCK!

CHEERS