Arcadian Dreams

The job search and application process is, thus far, turning out to be a bust. I've applied to dozens of jobs and have only been called for four interviews. Two of those don't even count as one was with Macy's and the other with the Gap Outlet. (I declined an offer from the Gap Outlet - it's not what I want and there is no way I'd be able to support myself in Philadelphia on a part time salary.) I had a phone interview with the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY. That job sounds intriguing even though it's a glorified secretarial position. At this point I'd jump on an offer from the Speed. Lastly, this past Thursday, I interviewed for an internship (unpaid) at the MoMA! I was flabbergasted. Just to interview at the MoMA, I feel, is an accomplishment. I have my fingers crossed for that internship although I'm still actively applying to other jobs.

I took a break from applications the last couple of days to visit with some friends who, excitedly, finished their Master's theses and submitted their cover pages to the department. A task I completed in May. It was a time of celebration.

This morning I visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and finally saw the blockbuster exhibition Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse: Visions of Arcadia. It was breathtaking. Contextually it was designed very well beginning with Poussin and excerpts from Virgil describing Arcadia. This set the tone for the later works of Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse and their contemporaries. I was delighted to see works by Pierre Puvis de Chavanne, André Derrain, Henri Rousseau, and Georges Seurat. Throughout the exhibition there were references to these great Arcadian images diffusing throughout Eastern Europe by way of Russian collectors so the final gallery showcased how these images were incorporated into the art of Germany and Russia.

The show is on view through September 3, 2012. I suggest taking a visit to the PMA to see all of the beautiful artworks and large masterpieces by Gauguin, Cézanne, and Matisse.

A Beginning

A little over two months ago I graduated with my Masters in Art History. You're probably all thinking, "What are you going to do with that?!" The answer, for now, is nothing. I've applied to all the jobs I can find in my field that I'm at least 50% qualified for and internships galore. Nothing.. yet.

On the bright side, I have the joy of knowing I've pursued something I love with a degree (and a thesis printed up in fancy leather bindings) to prove it. Now I need to make something of myself.

This blog will follow my journey though life as an Art Historian and my attempt to find myself while I build my future.

It's not all going to be boring job hunting and PhD application stories. Though, they will make frequent appearances. I will warn that there is most likely going to be a lot of art. I love art. However, I also like to cook and invent things in the kitchen, or play with others' recipes, so there will be some of that. Additionally, I like to think that I have an evolving sense of fashion and, let it be known to the world: I'm plus sized, so I may even post some photos of outfits and funky "fat fashion."

So, to start things off:

Hello and Welcome! I hope at least one person out there reads and enjoys this blog.