Recently graduated from high school, I've been trying to afford my way in to a decent school for the arts, however, I can barely afford to attend Virginia Commonwealth University, an in-state public school. Though equipped with sufficient classes in the arts and renowned to be one of the best public art schools in the United States, it doesn't offer the special programs and unique environment that other private schools such as MICA and SAIC provide. That being said, here is a perfect example of why I consider myself a starving artist. In my Advanced Placement Studio Art class my senior year of high school, we were assigned to turn in a painting by the end of the week. I had ran out of yellow and blue paint and only had enough money for a cheap bottle of either one. Before giving up entirely, I used the money I had to buy several multi-colored packs of cheap bubblegum and individually chewed each piece to make a "painting" on canvas. Once completed, my fingers covered in sugar and my jaw very sore, I covered the piece with gloss medium to reduce the stickiness and preserve the work's lifespan. I hope you enjoy!



by hardsethead