$588

Yesterday was my first payday as an artist.  It's been a while since I brought home a paycheck and this was a welcome surprise.

$288
First, taking care of old business.  Right before the holidays last December the Art Department opens its doors and hosts a sale of all our various work.  At that point 2 critical things had happened: I had just learned that we would be moving to California and I had reached a threshold in my tolerance for my mediocre ceramics.  I was no longer nostalgic about holding on to all of my learning pieces - all I saw were alot of things that did not need to follow me to CA.

So I boxed up a whole lot of stuff, priced it low, and crossed my fingers that I wouldn't have to take anything home.  I didn't really keep track of how many items I had listed or at what price.... I had no clue how much I was putting out there.  Cups - $5, Mugs - $10, Bowls - $10.  This was not nicely finished work, these were glaze tests and practice throwing cylinders.  The Ceramics Club gets 30% of the work, the artist 70%.  Poor bookkeeping or lack of funds in their account prevented me from getting my paycheck until yesterday.  I knew I didn't take a whole lot home... but I was shocked to learn how much I made.  $288!  All I could think was 'That's significant'.

$300
Every spring the USC Art Department hosts a student competition where both graduate and undergraduate submit pieces across all mediums to compete.  Each student is allowed 2 entries.  The show is first juried to see which pieces made the cut (eliminating about 50% of submittals), and then awards are given.  Several Honorable Mentions, then 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place awards for in 2 categories: undergraduate and graduate work.  Then one award is given to 'Best in Show' across all categories.  Cash prizes go along with each award.

I entered two pieces, both which were accepted in the show.  But I couldn't believe the news at the opening yesterday - that my Dress Form piece won 'Best in Show'.  The award was $300.  Woohoo!

From the Juror's Statement:
"The artists singled out for special recognition this year demonstrate a dedication to innovation in craft or content.  Their sincere engagement with the world through works of art is commendable and represents the highest calling of artists to make work that explores the many facets of our shared experience.  These works exhibit a undeniable ambition in their scope and execution.  To me, their merit was immediate and undeniable and I hope my small encouragement will help usher them to attempt even greater works in the future."

What timing - right as I'm trying to figure out whether or not I should look for a position as a Landscape Architect in CA.  I get this sign, this nudge.  A nudge that has absolutely nothing to do with money.  I was thinking this meant I should stick with art and try to go to Grad School.  I asked Matthew to interpret.  He said it means I should start selling my work.  I guess that's not a bad plan either.

More Photos  from the USC Student Art Competition.  The show will be up in the McMaster Gallery until March 25.