Well, this one is kinda hard for me to answer but I'll do my best.  I would not consider myself a professional artist currently.  I call my self an art student, MFA student, grad student etc. whatever includes the word student.  Which is really the word that I prefer over anything else.  In the art field, there is always room for growth and change.  I'm constantly evolving and in turn my work is too.  I'll always be a student - a life long student, isn't that the coined term? In a way, I don't even like the label "artist" when considering all the stereotypical baggage that comes with that word.  So, art student fits well for now. 
I hope to consider myself a professional artist one day.  Its a big expensive world out there, and its intimidating as hell to think that I may be able to make a living off doing what I love one day- a full time pursuit.  A goal that I have set for myself this semester is to exhibit more.  Not only to build up my resume but also for the sake of trying to get my name out there.  I finally feel like I'm onto something with my work and I'm excited to see it out there - out of my studio. 

The future, even near future, is so full of uncertains.  I'm not sure what I'll be doing once graduate school is over (2015) - its hard to imagine having a studio space where I currently live and/or being able to afford having one elsewhere.  That will be one of the first things on my to do list once grad school is over and the free space is gone.  Being a professional artist is impossible without a workspace- especially for me.  I have a really hard time doing work at home; ever since I was a kid I have done homework and "work" outside of my "home".  They have to remain separate for me.  Once a studio space is acquired uncertains may be less uncertain. 

I am sure that Brandon's answer to this question is much more interesting than mine.  He has experience in this department and I am excited to read his response.  Make sure you check it out. 

Next week we'll be answering this question: How long have you been in this studio? Did you have a plan for the layout of your studio or did it develop organically? Has the studio location influenced your work?

Keep checking in with us!


PS. If you're into country life, chickens, good food/wine, general DYI 'mericans check out Brandon's wife (and fellow BLOG WATCHER), Rain's, blog.  Its fun to read. 

Artist Brandon Smith and I work together at UK and we often have conversations about the role of an artists blog, particularly in relation to our own practices. I feel that it is neccasery in today's technology age that virtual representation is a must; and a simple way of going about that representation is a blog. Brandon and I both enjoy Joe Fig's book "Inside the Painters Studio" and are using it as resource for our blogs. (Note: although this book is geared toward painters it is an excellent resource for any visual artist- it's about studio practice which relates to us all.) For the next few months Brandon and I will be asking ourselves the same interview questions that Fig asks in his book. Posts will include studio shots, works in progress, and artists references when needed. We call it Blog Watchers and it starts this Friday Feb. 1st. So keep an eye out and take a look at Brandon's website: www.brandoncsmith.com there's a link to his blog on his website (but for you deadbeats here it is: www.brandoncsmith.blogspot.com)


Here's a look into our first question we'll address : When did you consider yourself a professional artist, and when were you able to dedicate yourself full time to that pursuit?

Check back Friday!