studio arts, the plastic arts, teach material use skill by direct studio interaction along with the awareness of other artists, artists of other times and media. at a graduate level preparation for inclusion in the art world is stressed. your dictionary increases beyond craft; beyond the grammar of sales counter — what to buy.

association with others at various skills and idea-experiences. you will be introduced. it is up to you to use the introduction. 

Be aware: The people who couldn’t open the door in their time are not showing you the way to open the door in your time. they couldn’t make it when the field was growing how do you expect them to guide you in this dying field. they couldn’t plant they couldn’t harvest they sat on the sidelines until in this present age they’re able to sell you their experience at a discount of free.

what photo-enthusiast forums teach:

MFA QUESTION– i’ve seen a variation on this at least three times in the past decade. twice on Forum A  and once on Forum B: ‘i’m considering getting an MFA in photography. I would like to hear from those of you who have your MFA. Was it  worth it?

 The poster wants targeted advice from those experienced in the past they are considering taking . They want to speak to people who have an MFA about that experience; as well, whether it’s satisfied their goals. In short, whether it’s been useful to them.

at forum A The two people who asked no longer participate. they were told that it wasn’t worth it academia is a scam.  all you learn is that Art speak. how to fake it. Of those two, one got their MFA and came back to brag about how much money they’re making teaching at a private boys school. The other person continued in their career as a filmmaker..

Recently at forum B The same question appeared. With that appearance as a trigger , I have written a series of posts about the MFA ,my experience and  The general occasion of asking for advice from people who don’t heed your request, yet feel compelled to express their ardent opinion that their life ,and likely yours ,would be better off not being around MFA people; those ‘artistes’