Sunday, January 9, 2011

The Best Clause in a Student Housing Handbook and Why I Love Art Schools

I’ve never attended an art school before. Yes, I’ve gone to school for art, but there is a difference. Arcadia teaches other things so I am exposed to a greater number of people in various subjects whereas, at art school, I’m surrounded by (mostly) like-minded people.

I knew art school would be different – that it would challenge my social and creative sides by throwing me in with a lot that I’m not used to.

My first experience (other than meeting fellow student artists, I suppose) was when I was reading the housing agreement/handbook for the Margaret MacDonald House and there was a clause called studying. Now, you see studying and you think about books and maybe some music to help, or maybe you’re even thinking well, why is there a clause for studying? That seems strange.

Let me show you…

8.5 Studying

a. Any course work must be limited to ‘dry’ work. Only reading, writing or visual work using a dry medium is allowed in residence. No practical studio ‘wet’ work is to be carried out in residence.

b. Any damage to the walls, floor as a result of wet work or spray fixative will be deducted from the resident’s deposits.

c. The use of spray fixative or solvents is not permitted

I laughed out loud when I read that. It makes perfect sense but I had never even thought about it before.

And thus, begins my experience of being an art student.

No comments:

Post a Comment