The Art Process: post-graduation

So, post graduation is worse than I thought.
There is less to look forward to than I realized, and more alone time than I anticipated.

I have very specific ideas about what I want as a money-making time-filler. I feel as though I have at least a few months before I have to re-evalute them.
I've been submitting applications to dream-jobs (full-time art teacher at a local Friends School), spending lots of time formulating convincing sentences about my teach philosophy, and making the corner spot of my L-shaped couch a little squishier.
Today, I spent a few hours tearing apart and packing up my studio 813 at PAFA. It felt like I was putting down a pet, or saying good bye to a friend. Forever. My heart is heavy, but I know there's so much more right around the corner. The option of a shared studio space has me caught between emotions - excitement and fear (of not being able to afford it).

I'm not a self-starter. You'd think with all this down time I would have gotten all my house painting done, deep-cleaned the wood floors and jumped back into my exercise regiment.

picture via rachelclark twitter

I did get a rejection letter. Accomplishment? Sure.

My family-friend graduation weekend was spectacular. I was terrible - terrible - at taking pictures, but family and friends with awesome-er cameras stepped up. I've collected a few pictures from the opening and the weekend.
[I always get really upset when I have visitors, and realize that we didn't take enough pictures while they were here.] ...OH well, move forward :)

my wall with Julie Jung (collector) and myself

parents with classmates (and more of my thesis work behind them)

Michael and I

mom and I (I have her blue eyes)

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The public opening was extremely overwhelming and crowded. I didn't expect it to be quite so draining. Thank you to Michael's father, Rafael and Ruth for taking such great pictures. The evening included a long and wordy graduation ceremony, a very enthusiastic Pafa alum (who purchased 6 of my pieces, yay!!), and foods upon foods at home with family and friends. And yes, I did spill red wine on my white dress by the end of the night :)

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The next day included cheesesteaks from both Pat's and Geno's (shh!), Reading Terminal, and more drinks and food:

Sunday morning was short and sweet - a walk to and breakfast at Honey's. It was perfect weather, and I look forward to the day when my childhood friends come back and share more time with me in Philly.