This, my 8th semester, has very nearly killed me … both physically and motivationally.

Taking four studio classes this semester was a mistake, for all that one of them was an independent study. Four studios simply meant that when time I needed for one of the other three regular studios (usually Video) ran over, the time I designated for Independent Study (which doesn't have any regular schedule of turning in work, as long as it all gets done before the end of the semester) inevitably got the shaft. So now I have 3 of 6 paintings done, and two weeks remaining to finish.

(On the other hand, I know that taking only three studios per semester has its own set of problems. Mainly in that the need to maintain 12 credit hours for full time status requires a fourth course. Because god forbid that an 8-9 hour/week class (plus the frequent time necessary outside of the regular schedule) give you more than 3 credit-hours (what you get for a normal 3-4 hour/week class). This means that, as likely as not, the fourth class will wind up being either an unwanted, useless, and probably completely distracting course, or else nearly impossible to fit in the cracks around the studios.)

Taking so many art courses, on top of the four RPG nights (in a two week period) that I am involved in and their concomitant between-session activities, means that I'm also completely drained on the creative end of things. My artist's block may have started last semester after BFA reviews, but this semester hasn't seen much improvement because of the constant demands of projects from teachers who seem to have forgotten that their classes aren't the only ones we have. As soon as I get one project done, the deadline for another is looming almost immediately. I feel like I'm trying to maintain four or five different art careers simultaneously. I am looking forward to summer, if only because it'll allow me to staunch flow of the idea-hemorrhage.

What's worse, not only are my ideas lately slow to arrive and lackluster when they do, my execution (and enjoyment of the process) has also been suffering. I haven't had any discernable artistic development in months, mainly because I've been so busy just trying to keep up that I can't really put anything into making progress. My videos, in particular, have been kinda lame (or at the very least they were “not entirely successful” in critspeak). Which is annoying, because that class was the worst offender in terms of time consumed.

I've starting to get pensive about my prospects post-graduation (mainly because I keep getting updated on my ever-worsening financial situation and ever-decreasing time remaining to sort my plans out).

The past year has all but destroyed any remaining interest in academia and the Fine Art world (as either a healthy environment to work, or as a career goal). Not that I ever really saw it as more than a backup plan, mind you.

On the plus side, I finally got around to upgrading my computer and Lightwave, and investing in a pool for this summer. :)

School wasn't even entirely bad this year. Met more friends, like Allison and Melissa. Learned a few new tricks. Found a new favorite artist or two, like William Blake. Grew more convinced that I couldn't possibly care less about Fine Art (as opposed to the other kinds), which is good, as it'll save me trouble down the road.