I can, I can, I can.

Last week, someone told me that I “painted like a woman”. The blatant sexism in that comment stung painfully. I want someone to tell me that I “paint like a painter”. What does it mean to even paint like a woman? Besides, when someone sees a great work of art, they rarely know if it was done by a man or a woman.

But also, lately, I have had a lot of wonderful and supportive feedback about my art.

"You have a lot to say, and you aren't afraid to say it. You are very brave." - My professor, Samantha Fields.

"You're an artist to me. I don't care if you are still in school for it. Your work is very honest and personal. I don't think I could compare it to someone else." – My boyfriend, Jarrett Tree.

“That looks very nice.” – My mother.

I’ve deiced what I want to do in the short years to come. After I receive my BA, I would like to apply to CSUN again for their MA program. Then, after taking some time off to work and learn on my own and make art on my own, I’ll apply for my MFA at different schools. Possibly, I’ll even apply for residency beforehand. I’m excited and nervous all at once.

To help ensure that I’ll stay on track, I’ve decided to make a list of artistic endeavors I’d like to accomplish by the end of this year:

• Make a professional website
• Make it into the student art show (crossing my fingers!)
• Make 100 paintings

The last one sure is daunting. Maybe even impossible, who knows. But if it is, I’d like to make it as high up as I can.

mkp.