I need to sit back and enjoy my life at this moment. Yet, I have so much lemons [projects] these days, so I am making sherbet out of them Oh, my deadlines are really close, so if I don’t do anything I will turn into the dead line..So, within these 4 weeks, of course, I had experienced various emotions full of lights and darks! So I am gonna refresh my memories!

Chancellor’s Award. Yay! So on April 4th, I went to Empire State Plaza Convention Center at Albany with my host father, advisor/mentor/ instructor, my internship supervisor and my dear friend I think it was one of those days, when I was super excited at the same time hyper anxious! I think that was one of my “once in a life time experiences” that I get regularly hahahah It was a bit intimidating, because I was in a completely new environment! I had to sign in at first; the SUNY was making a video where student’s supposed to continue the phrase “ I am the Power of SUNY because ….” and come up with our own. SO it took me a while to think of it. I really had several options that I come up in the shower XD  i e the best place for my idea generation process heheh I guess many people do that. Water is so relaxing that I forget about worries and just start thinking about the GOOD, any kind of it, and GOOD is usually brings new ideas.  Anyways, so this is what I wrote “I am the Power of SUNY because I am curious and willing to explore vast opportunities beyond my comfort zone” Well, I thought I should write something that really describes me: yea I am crazy and really curious and I take advantage of every opportunity, because I believe there is always a hidden stash of good waiting for me I want to believe so, so I do hahaha I love my life, even though sometimes it gets moody, but who does not have that? It’s just the thing: I dig in my head and create my own monsters, so when I choose not to do so, they just dissolve in the air  My advisor took a picture of me holding that paper where I wrote my lines. That pic is just so funny! I love it

WYZIWYG

So well we were waiting in a huge room for a while when students got their lines recorded, but then we were told that we are running late and we have to get to the small orientation part about how we gonna walk on the stage to get our medal and recognition letter. Well, instructions were helpful, BUT a little misleading hehehe because we were told to shake Chancellor’s hand and then our college representatives and then go back to chancellor and get our medal and then our picture will be taken, and then we just walk back to our sits. What happened in reality though,, xD hahaha let me describe Because the college representative stands closer to the recipients naturally we had to shake his/her hand first and then Chancellor’s and then get to the medal. Well, many of us messed up because the instructions and the flow of the reality did not match exactly. Life Lesson #n: don’t be afraid of improvisation! So I ended up HUGGING my college representative xD I know very bizarre! Well anyways I had fun on the stage ( it’s like 2 minute thing) but to get there we almost waited for like hour or more, and because it was going in an alphabetical order my college’s name is SUNY Ulster ( so just imagine the placement of U in the alphabet ) Yes, I was in the last group of students. Anyways, after the orientation we went to that huge auditorium where our guests were. SO the audience applauded all of us, and the fun part for me was when we started to walk towards the stage, I passed near my guests who took their time and joined me to celebrate this event. They waved me with such an enthusiasm  and support that made me so happy! It worth to walk on the stage because I knew that I am not alone there, and that people who are really important to me are among the audience and supporting me with huge sincerity and smile. I just can’t thank them enough! Bottom line is I really enjoyed after the ceremony part! I got to talk to my guests and went to do the videotaping part, and guess what! My favorite part: WE TOOK TONS OF PICS! YES!!!! Now I have LOTS of good memories! Woohoo! So all that posing, ended up of course online hahaha
So here ‘s the official  SUNY post of my photo with the Chancellor and my college representative  You can see other recipients as well.. many of us in the pics, but we are the few statewide, just saying
Also, I made my college’s online announcements, here & here.  Kind of very happy with that Who would not ? Me. xD I know I always have mixed feelings about this, but it’s a good thing I know

Mentor & Mentee ! That round thing is a medal

Here’s are the rest of the images from the ceremony itself, thanks to my host father & my mentor  I have pictures Also, my Instructor, Advisor & Mentor [shortly IAM, my new abbreviation for it so I don’t have to write long words again! It’s America, everything is abbreviated! This is really one of my observations, when I start listening to conversations it’s like people speaking a language and words that I have never heard about… just because almost everything is abbreviated!!!] sent out email to college staff and faculty, I think, because of that now some of my instructors and staff congratulates me when they see me in the hallways! yay! It’s very sweet, how people happy for some other person’s good life experience. So I think my SUNY Ulster family is happy for me I am happy to make them feel a bit proud. They have been very helpful and supportive during these years!
FYI Just to clarify, I have another mentor from the college’s SUMS program who was really helpful with my application process. It’s like he was assigned to me by the program as a graphic design mentor, but our experience went to a new direction such as English Language  :D How sweet! I need that a lot! One more thing: I was selected to be a recipient for President’s Awards for Excellence in Student Leadership in 2012 at my college .. the ceremony is on Apr 25th Wednesday, hope to post some pics  soon

Colleges where I ‘ve applied
Cooper Union. SO it said “no”, unfortunately. It’s kind of broke my heart, because I know that’s the place for me, but I will apply next year perhaps, never giving up!
Still I am waiting from the RISD and SUNY New Paltz results. New Paltz accepted my portfolio, but I have to wait for admissions decision. I must mention something:  my RISD admissions personnel who helped me with the submissions and paperwork, was the best. I swear I never seen such a helpful and relaxed admissions staff member, who does not SCARE the perspective student! I just enjoyed our email correspondence so much. Just wanted to say that what I hear about RISD usually students complain that they are not helpful and stuff, so my experience happens to be the opposite. Just saying!!! Let’s see what’s gonna happen!

SLATE. OMG, speedy mode in designing the magazine! Slate turned into my nightmare that I can’t live with and without! It must be done by the end of the week [ as I say usually], so I had to take on the content, and redo some stuff, because the writing credits were messed up. Ugh. I hate doings things over, but I usually end up doing so. So the other designers are doing the covers. I really hope that we gonna have covers that are designed by the designers, but not the artwork itself. Let’s see what’s gonna happen! I am excited about it and I feel tired of course, it’s a lot of work, I had to ask my supervisor at the internship to let me work on that project for this week. He’s very nice, he said SURE! So I got hours from there, and from my gallery work, it’s pretty neat. I am not sleeping almost and designing, but my eyes hurt so much right now, I am gonna go and give them some rest now.

HMW. I have like a lot of sculptures to finish, and to make. A paper to write. Several presentations, and some cool drawings to make. My life is so much enjoyable that I could ever imagine!! 

What else has happened ? A new Inspiration appeared and was gone shortly xD

What’s next ? I gotta get some rest and get back to my designs!  I swear right now, there are 1 magazine, 1 newspaper, 1 booklet is waiting to be done for tomorrow Aren’t I lucky ? Indeed!!!

PS HAPPY EARTH DAY!

BLOG

 “Dear Gulnar,
 On behalf of the State University of New York, I am delighted to inform you that you have been selected as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence.
Sincerely,
Nancy L. Zimpher
Chancellor “ 

Also, I am invited to the ceremony to celebrate it with the other recipients and family, friends/faculty/staff. So I am allowed to bring with me up to 4 people! Yay! This is very nice! Well, three spots are already taken in my mind, so gotta find number 4 and ask them all… Heh, the ceremony time is like Wednesday in April, so I hope people whom I am gonna invite can make it! Another strange feeling when I opened the letter: I read it and then I am like “OK” … I spend that much time applying and all that paperwork process and excitement, but then waiting process somehow reduced my excitement. (Even though Andy Warhol says “The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” ) So I read the news, and reacted like after a while lol when it sunk in..LOL I guess I just can’t believe at first and then I accept the “reality”  Oh, well strangely every day I discover something new about myself ! We are in a constant change! Thank goodness!

I guess I have some “hope” news from Cooper Union. Well I got the answer from the Cooper Union.. it’s so strange, because I was expecting either YES or NO, but apparently Cooper has one more option such as MAYBE meaning a second chance I would think.. Well I read about this option, but did not think that it can happen to me. So I was rejected acceptance for the Early Decision admissions, yet my application and portfolio is going to be reevaluated during the Regular Admissions process. The feeling was really strange when I received the decision. So just because I have been waiting for it for so long, and checking mails  almost several days in a row starting from the February 2^nd, and because I did not know if the letters were out or not , thus  at some point I stopped waiting, strange I know.. and I told my host family if they see the mail just to open it for me. Well, they suggested to bring it to school when they receive in the mail, but I think there was no point doing so. I got my answer via text heheh.. not bad, it was strange because I got rejected but at the same time was given a second chance. Well now it’s time to wait a bit longer and hope to be accepted.  At least I felt a little better that my application was noticed!  It’s pretty sweet to know it after all that intense work on those projects. I know it’s strange, but getting a second chance from CU is worst to mention. Well I really hope and believe that I still have a chance!

So the next news is YES YES YES! I got to the SPRING 2012 ALBANY Show!! Woohoo! I was so happy, Though I thought somehow we missed the opening, because I got the email that my piece was selected and the show was like open already for a week or so…but my instructor said that there probably will be some public reception.. I hope to repeat the fun from last semester’s reception, But anyways I might go to see and take some pics for myself if we won’t get there officially  :D ..who knows when.. God knows how..  UNIVERSE I need to get to ALBANY please help me out! Sending positive thoughts and energy with my request, and now time to wait!

So because I don’t know the second chance results from CU, now I am gonna try to apply to some other schools to see how much scholarships I can get. I wish education was FREE, why it’s not I wonder…

I am going to apply for the WSA (Woodstock School of Art) Merit scholarship for the summer! They have incredible studios and local artist teach there! I have been there last summer and had a great time learning printmaking and watercolours, and I really want to continue it this summer as well! I am applying for the sculpture and printmaking classes to see which one I can get in. I really love both, but they let students take only those classes that are offered currently.

Finally I am back to myself, I was like so scattered last weeks, so much to do but now I am getting better in organizing my schedule. Trying to stick to the schedule that  I write daily  and weekly. I shall say it’s very tough, because I always miss doing something ;S makes me sad! So many thing to concentrate on.. literally A LOT! Not if I am complaining, it’s just strange that I am trying all that at once.

We are getting close to the Slate Magazine submissions deadline, which means that production period is approaching shortly! I am so excited this semester about the Slate, because I am gonna make it look a bit more like a book. I suggested to the Slate’s faculty advisor, and he said it’s strange that I said it because he was thinking about that too ! So I said great minds think alike xD hahaha I am very much inspired and pumped about this magazine project!!! I invited those students to the production that I think are good and have some experience with graphic design!  I tried to arrange a meeting today, so we can all get together and discuss the deadline, As usually the meetings looks productive, BUT WE GOTTA WORK ON THE PROJECT! The Deadlines are so close!!!  I shall say this semester we MUST publish it before the official graduation.. So the distribution process will be easier.

About my second graduation, I am gonna stay one more semester to do some more studies, With WebDesign  and more other classes! (but it all depends on my letter from CU) There are so much to learn!!!! I will most probably study to the last day of my life, at least I know that my goal  so far is Master’s Degree. I just love studying!! Of course, it gets tough after a while, especially with the age … brain starts dying, hard to memorize and stuff, but I am not 25 yet, so I am still growing heheh:P Plus I have hope that soon scientists will discover the gene of aging, and we can easily get rid of it and live young and stay smart forever at least I want to hit 100 years old, and have all those 100 candles on my bday cake!

OK, enough goofing, I am right now racing with my friend to see how many homework and activities we can accomplish this evening! We report every done homework/ activity to each other and get points! This is how I am trying to solve our Facebook distractions, so now we have a  goal to reach, and everyone wants to win of course ( I do at least ) So this is my second activity to be done, then I have two presentations, some sculpture projects to finish, and still get something in between done!!!

I will be back with new postings soon! I know I promised to write about VAC, I will .. I will I just need to organize things and write about them!! It’s going to be in a chronological order hehehe I guess… maybe not! Who knows!

Thanks for reading my blog if your rich to this point, here’s something inspirational for you: today my chocolate inspiration was “ Dare to Dream” I AM! DO YOU ?

C U soon!

Gulnar B.

Now, a little about my new classes:

Figure Drawing II class as usually nerve-wracking, because I am being impatient. I finally got a book where I just decided to do the steps that book shows and try to enjoy first of all what I am studying, instead of being angry that I can’t get the line correctly. It’s art, it does not have to be ‘perfect,’ but I want it to be as best as possible which at the end drives me crazy. My assignments are copying master drawings and redoing our in class drawings. Somehow, I do not really like the idea of redoing them, but it’s an assignment so it must be done. Yet, I can make my own assignments too and show to instructor!  It’s is great, and I get some feedback too. Done it! Plus, I like it more than doing homework ..he he he..

Graphic Design III class is alright, but I feel like I am floating in that class. We got to redo our Diversity Poster Assignment again! Client did not like what we had before, so we spent the beginning of the semester either starting from scratches or redoing previous project. Well, I think my previous project was done, so I started over a new one, and I like this. Trying to use humor, which I enjoy the most! Humor is the best way of saying “hey, listen.”  Yet, the main project for the semester is books, we are going to study them, and go to the Barnes & Nobel to make some discoveries I like that bookstore anyway, when I go there, I will look through the books, write down the names, and order them online for half-price or less xD Smart ha!

I have Independent Studies! I was like begging my advisor to let me take that class for 3 semesters! Finally, he let me do it! So I decided to study Conceptual Art in the frame of Modern Art! So far I got like several books to read, and sketchbook where I am jotting down my ideas. Interesting detail: in order to take this class I have to make a contract with my instructor, and then it goes to the dean to be approved… paperwork in other words. So I am gonna start producing some work for the transfer portfolio hopefully soon! It’s what the contract says! It includes once a week meetings with the instructor, to show the ideas or projects and talk about the reading and problems that I face during the process. I like the idea of this class because it’s one-on-one, but the annoying part is being interrupted. I dislike that because I lose my focus…

Modern Art History class is fun I shall say! I really like it. Thought the book is humongous with like 9 pt font size and waiting for me to be read. Oh! It’s thought and heavy!  Yet I like it because it’s connected to my Independent Studies class, so I am cool with it btw it’s once a week class, or they call it hybrid class, partially online and partially in class.

Intro to Web Design class, it’s fun , but still I don’t understand some stuff, I feel like I really need a book, and the screen where instructor demos the lessons is tiny! I see usually nothing, so I have to imagine everything lol. I think Mac Lab needs BIGGER screen for the projector! So far I am ok but I want to do better! OK isn’t enough for me honestly..  I have to spend more time on my own to explore the Dreamweaver.

I am still waiting for the answer from CU..  Annoyed pretty much. It’s already Feb 5^th! And this is early decision, I guess Early February can mean any day between 1^st and 10^th. Anyways, I just stopped worrying about that, no point.  Sooner or later the letter will arrive. Meanwhile I just started researching OPT options, because that school is very competitive, so I have to have several other choices what to do after graduation. OPT sounds good to me, and now I have to find a JOB on my field! SOMEBODY HIRE ME PLEASE!

Some good stuff:

I got nominated this week for the 2012 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Yay! I am one of two SUNY Ulster students who’s application was send to Albany. Now we shall wait. This is one of the best things that happened during my college life in the USA! I really hope to be the recipient Send some positive vibes and good luck to me!

And I received my first US Diploma with Associates in Fine Arts! I am proud of myself hehe… the feeling that comes to me occasionally lol But the funny part was I was expecting a framed diploma, and at the registrar’s office  they gave me an envelope and I am like “ this is it ?”  she is like “what else do you want? “  LOL It’s funny because all those years of study and we get a piece of paper that confirms that… Well, if that paper will help me to get a job, sure why not?! Oh, after this semester I will receive my second two-year diploma, hopefully! 2.5 year and getting two qualifications! Very good indeed! But I desperately want to earn a BFA! Universe send me the acceptance letter from CU, pleaseee!! I worked hard and will continue, I promise!

Another SUNY-wide Student show is approaching. I have submitted two works, and really hope to get in. That was fantastic last semester! I enjoyed it so much hahaha and now ready to live it again, hopefully. Now I shall wait for the results…again. Waiting is part of the every single process, if you notice!  Please, please, please Universe I want to be in the Albany show! Also, please send me more patience!

This is it for now. I think I am gonna write a post about Visual Arts Club separately, because that’s a BIG deal ! This is the best student club! Yes, I am being biased lol I love it! JOIN US ( SUNY Ulster students), and you will love it too!!!! So much fun activities are coming soon! Yay!

Thank you for reading my blog btw
Gulnar

PS here’s today’s quote “Life is short; live your dreams!”

I am back to studies again! This is going to be my last semester at SUNY Ulster. I love this place a lot! Someday I will be back to work here!!! I like this supportive environment!

Now about my winter break which was somehow full of events that I did not notice how it passed so quickly. So I applied to CU last year (sounds like year ago, but it was November 2011), and got home test which were 6 creative problems to be solved and a questionnaire with 12 interview questions to be answered. It looks not that much, but in reality that was a lot of work!  I could not start neither test nor writing earlier, because I had to finish my semester properly, so that week I spent working on my final projects. The next week I started sketching and brainstorming process, but still did not get to assignments because it was holiday time! Yet, I think I started my writing gradually, because I knew that it might take longer than I expected. Anyway, I was stressed out; it’s still a big pressure and responsibility! I had asked several instructors to write recommendation letters and so on. I took a break from my work, so I could spend time on my projects. Actually, it worked out pretty well, because the time that I took off I spent on non-stop creative problem solving day and night! Goodness, that was very taught times! I enjoyed the projects however. I tried to look at them from different angles, sketched out various solutions, and then I tried to give to my solutions conceptual twist, and create some awareness. I hope it will work. Finding the precise box to mail the projects was another story! FedEx was very helpful with that. I did not know that the box for the shipping is free, but that particular size is only for the overnight shipping. In a nutshell I mailed everything 2 days before the deadline, and the box arrived on time. Now, I am waiting for the early decision to arrive on February 1^st, or 2^nd. Waiting is painful, I never liked it. These days I am so busy again that I didn’t even notice how the first week of classes passed already! So much projects to do, whoa! I am excited!

Anyway, after the home test, I still had one week of ‘winter break’ but I had to go back to work, especially during the registration time it’s really busy, so presence of everyone in the office is valuable and much appreciated! Despite the work, I rested in that week so well! It’s because after those intense days of hard thinking process, my work seemed like a vacation! I can’t believe I am saying this, but everything is relative! I am actually happy that I looked at my work from that perspective, thus I felt mentally rested and ready to do MORE at my last semester at SUNY Ulster!! Grand Finale that’s what I want! and then hopefully move to NYC and work on my BFA!

Well, finally I have some free time before classes start so I am gonna summarize a little about FALL 2011. I shall say it was the most intense semester I have ever had at SUNY Ulster. If to visualize in mathematical terms then this semester will look like this: FALL 2011 = GULNAR + CUPS OF COFFEE – SLEEP ! I usually prefer sleeping less, but this semester went beyond my sleep limitations. Well the good news : I SURVIVED as you see, even after a long tough brainwork I am here, and updating my blog. Goodness, I really missed writing on my blogs a lot! I had like tons of papers, statements, essays to write so I did not get time to sit and type something to post!

So what I have done last semester ? Hm… I worked hard first of all the outcome was pretty good indeed! Got my 4.0 for the semester, and of course I have learned a lot and gained new experience.

My Internship at the Graphics & Printings went very well. I am happy with it and ready to continue one more semester!! Yay! Good part, I get to do non-credit internship which means no extra paperwork, just excellent graphic design practice on campus! And its valuable resume builder!

I felt bombarded with projects by the end of the semester! It was really mind-blowing! Literally! My brain get to change the topic, and jump from one project to another shortly! Wow, I am impressed how it manages all that non-stop work! I <3 MY BRAIN! I am going to stencil that on a helmet ©2012 Gulnar Babayeva

Graphic Design Class was another busy class. The final Poster Project was my favorite for the semester! I have spent some time designing various ideas; I really enjoyed working on that project in comparison to the Sheriff car’s wrap design project. I shall say the latter wasn’t quite what I expected. I had fun when I made artsy designs, the ones that I knew they were not going to be chosen. The rest of the project I just wanted to finish my design and let it go. The only feasible outcome is the new technique in Photoshop that I learned.

Commercial Photography project was really FUN, despite the fact that because of the computers I had to present my work like 20 minutes later from the original deadline, and I have learned my lesson from that. Never trust any equipment; they can let you down before you notice it.

ENG102 went well! For the exam I requested to use my laptop, but received a rejection due to the fact that I having English as a foreign language isn’t a disability so I can’t use my laptop. I just figured that I have easily conveyed my thoughts in typing rather in handwriting. Oh, well it all done now. I passed my exam, thank goodness.

Hunger series #1

Life Drawing I… I hope I improved a little, as I don’t see it. This is the only class where my misery is never-ending. I love figure drawing, but I get easily frustrated when I can’t draw what I want. I say I think too much with left brain, instead of letting my right brain do what it wants.. OK right brain I am gonna listen to you more, because I love you. Yet, I really loved the project that I was working on. It was about the hunger, again tried to use irony a little in some of my final drawings.

My 20th Century Design History Online class final was a little time consuming, but fun. I got to go with two of my classmates to Hudson, NY to collect some materials for the final , and write about it. I made a photo essay. I think I am gonna go back to Hudson, those store/galleries were really great places for the inspiration, and it felt like I was walking through the history. Seeing objects from like 1960 -70 was really a strange trip. But the funny part of it, I grew up in settings where some of those objects actually excised in my surroundings. Overall, I had fun, even though I complained time to time !

LIB111 or Information Literacy  That I finished at first 5 weeks of the semester was really painful class. My suggestion take it at first semester!! Time consuming, yet very userful class.

The only thing is THE CLARK was under the construction so we get to see really small amount of artwork, but our life drawing class went to see the ORIGINAL DRAWINGS from the masters. That was pretty intense I must say, seeing all those precious drawings, studies, gosh… so breathtaking! We had to sketch from them, which was a class assignment. I must say I felt really uncomfortable doing so… I shall overcome this feeling ASAP, but I have weird feelings when I try to sketch when people are around me.. I know, but the STUDIO classes are different.. Anyway, the only way to overcome it is just to sketch more in public places.

I really enjoyed Mass MoCA. I have found an interesting connection with the contemporary art. I don’t know why, I just like most of them, especially I enjoyed the Sol Le Witt: A wall drawing retrospective exhibition! It was spread in three levels!  All in all that was fun exhibition and trip where

I took a lot of photographs  for myself and to share at our fine art page on facebook. Well enjoy!

I am with my "Psycho"

Albany, NY. First of all, on Monday I went to the Fall 2011 SUNY Student show at SUNY Plaza Gallery in Albany, NY (NOV 7, 2011). Got a piece in the show, could not miss the reception!! I was a bit anxious before the trip. It’s awkward, but I kept checking my email like for several days what if the ride will be canceled! Before I planned to go with my host parent at the beginning, but then plans changed. So, I really did not want to lose my second chance getting to the Albany. Oh, I know… So my friend and I got a ride from our instructor who was going to the show as well. The ride was, I think, the best part of the trip We brainstormed some ideas for the Visual Arts Club’s activities before the holidays with my adviser, and some more artsy-shmartsy conversation all the way there and back. So in a nutshell, it was FUN.

The show was really nice, except some little ‘flaw’. My friend’s piece was placed on the floor, which I thought is slightly changes the perception of the piece. I still think that it must be on the stand; however, what I have learned from the instructor is that the show is up for like month already, so I just have to accept the situation, and live with it… I really don’t like that idea, but it wasn’t my piece so I did not go beyond the “expectations” and I said “OKeeeeeey”

I did not spend too much time looking for my artwork because it was at the beginning of the show. I was happy with the placement too! And the piece was FRAMED [thanks to my instructor!] I guess everything in a frame looks better than it is! *Imagining myself in a frame, hahah how cool I look!* That evening was one of the most gratifying moments that I’ve experienced in a while.

my adviser, me and my friend

My useless point&shoot one more time betrayed me. I did not have my DSLR camera with me, luckily the instructor had one! He was taking our photos with the Chancellor Nancy Zimpher. So guess what?! Later, I was like an obsessed photo-maniac kept asking him to take photos from different angles and to frame differently…Going back to the camera looking at the image quality.. oh well I guess I was really annoying, and he was too nice to say NO MORE PHOTOS!   Well, my urge of making memories ended up having our images at the college’s Online News and Facebook pages. I have mixed feelings about it, but mostly positive  So all in all, I am going to apply for the Spring 2012 SUNY Student Show, because my adviser said we should do it again!  This is such a wonderful experience for me as a student! Plus, these kind of shows builds my exhibition resume!   The show is up until Feb 3, 2012. If you are at Albany, go and check it out!

My friend & I at Port Authority

New York, NY. The next stop was NYC on Friday.  OMG, NYC  is too cool and polluted for me. Every street is a smoke cloud. [Smokers you should quit smoking, before I die from the secondhand smoke.] Oh it’s so hard to breath oxygen… felt like there is none.. almost… but anyway it’s where I really want to go currently because of the college. I ‘traveled’ with  my friend. Mission was to find the CU Building and attend the Open House/portfolio review day. Funny part my American friend’s knowledge of the city was just like mine, meaning 0.01 out of 1-10 scale! So anyway, good thing we left for city early in the morning: took a bus trip there, then caught a cab, but because of the traffic, the cab was not moving at all! and guess what?! We were charged around $10 for not moving! How annoying was that! Personally, I don’t trust cabs, especially in the city, at all. Because they are the tricksters! They are there just to trick tourists and anybody who has no idea how the city is structured, they make intentional detours to charge more. I dislike that so much! Why we human beings are so cheap like this? I have no answer yet.. Need to grow to understand it, I guess…Anyway, another silly move was like we made a tour around the CU Building, before we found it That was ridicules when we came back to the point where we started and found the building right in front of us! Yes, I need a map next time I go to city, or an Iphone! [I feel like I have to somehow save and get one, because internet turned to be a necessity, just like food!]

I am in the Great Hall at CU

A little about CU. That school is astonishing! I have never seen studios and workshops like those in reality! The event took place in one building, a Foundation Building. I was in the Great Hall, where guess who gave a speech? Before being elected Abraham Lincoln!!!! [and many other American presidents! ] But, Lincoln is my favorite American President, from the day I read about him at my American History class! Abraham Lincoln: Self made-man! Is that a coincidence? Oh, no there is no such thing as coincidence! Anyway, it was another fact that makes me like that school more! One more detail which I respect a lot is founder Peter Cooper demanded “only a willingness to learn and a commitment to excellence” I really feel pleased, because it is too close to my credo on the Earth.   What’s the point of doing something if you are not trying to give 100% of possible?! I guess here comes my obsessive mind… which is a new topic for another blog post.

The portfolio review though happened in other modern/new CU building across the road! I like the enigmatic appearance of the CU buildings, you see outside and never know what is going on inside. I love that mysterious tactic that I think is one of the CU’s distinguishable features! So I went to the portfolio review with the first group, we had cards with numbers, and of course my numbers sum up to 7.. as usually! Well, I kind of missed the Q&A part  at the Great Hall, where the rest of the group were waiting for the review, but I emailed Admissions already with Qs because of my transcript situation.. Have too much or too less to submit.. I don’t know yet!

So, I was in a line waiting for my turn. Interesting fact about CU portfolio review is that FACULTY actually does review student works! Not the admissions counselors, but the artists who are actually teaching the classes. I think that is way better, at least I know that it’s an experienced art instructor, not an admissions representatives who are, as far as I understood, usually art appreciators, not the real artists. Anyway, my portfolio reviewer was a sculpture instructor! What a ‘coincidence!’ So he ended up telling me to include my 3DD projects in my portfolio when I’ll be submitting my Home TEST. He said I should make more conceptual work, [ no wonder] and he looked at my drawings, and said “yes I see you can draw.” Well, it wasn’t craziest portfolio review at all… It was more like a conversation to see who I am , where I am  coming from, and what  I am interested in. Also, he said I should take off some of my pieces from the portfolio.. ANOHTER “COINSIDENCE?” well, anyway now I know what to do. When I asked what they want to see in the supplementary portfolio, he said more out of class work… Guess what?! I have no time for it ( BUT, I WILL MAKE MORE AFTER THIS POINT!  Moreover, he said they want to see what I am doing and who I am… It’s really philosophical.. Anyway, the selection is solely will be based on the HOME TEST, that I am hopefully going to receive in early December. I am excited, nervous, and want to do it! Currently working on my application, need to see transfer counselor very soon at SUNY Ulster. I wrote a little essay too, for the application.

Education & Culture

I have to say this: I feel like I can get into any art school if I am going to pay huge amount of money, and do what they want to see in the portfolio. YET, CU is a big challenge, because it’s free and the selection is based on abilities, skills, talent whatever you want to call it. I think this is what makes that school very attractive to me! The CALL that I hear as “If you think you can do it, or you worth it, why don’t you try and see ?”  It’s an invitation to challenge myself, and get out of my comfort zone! I really want to see what I can do & how far I can go. The competition is one of the highest I ever seen: 65 students per year are accepted, and only 15 transfers.. and I am a transfer! This is what I think is a real test!! I will have almost one month to solve creative problems that they are going to send [6 or more]. Evaluation will be done by the FACULTY, and they will be rating the works from 1 to 10 scale, if I am not mistaken! So all I have to do is just be creative, focus and get the work done on time, and then wait!

GOOD LUCK TO ME! My advisor said “‘luck is a combination of opportunity & preparation’ – and it helps to cross your fingers and wear your lucky hat! “  I have to find a lucky hat now!  Oh, wait…I might already have one.. that green thing..

Well, this week was fun and intensively busy, next week I am going to Massachusetts with ART DEPARTMENT! Trip to THE CLARK and MASS MoCA I’ll write about that soon!

Gulnar B.

As I mentioned in my first post I am currently majoring in Fine Arts ( & Graphic Design). Good news is my art work ( and several other students’) was chosen to represent my college SUNY Ulster in a SUNY-wide Student Art Exhibition FALL 2011 SUNY Student Exhibition at Plaza Gallery, SUNY Albany, Albany NY, from 10/12/11 to 2/3/12. It’s very cool. On Monday, I am going to attend the opening reception with my friends & instructor. I am very excited! The show actually will last almost 4 month! I guess this is MY FIRST long lasting show!

I think being an art student is literally a painful ‘duty’ besides sleepless nights, anxiety, stress, pressure, you name it! I went to the portfolio review day two days ago and all my body still hurts! I had a huge portfolio with my art work, and I was carrying it like around 3.5 hours and waiting in long lines, just to get my portfolio reviewed by art school counselors for my 4 year college transfer. The good part you can always get good constructive criticism, but the downside is every school has different portfolio requirements! Which means that, before applying to any college it’s always good to know what they want to see in art student’s portfolio. I am actually going to visit the Open House of the college where I am applying on Friday. It’s in the NYC! Unfortunately, I have to miss 2 classes that day, but the school’s all 4 Open House dates  are on Fridays and I have to attend one and obtain information about the requirements, and what they want me to submit as a portfolio, besides the home test that they send to applicants before the applications evaluation. I am very excited and a bit stressed about it.

However, being an art student at the same time can be fun, if you know how to create your very own fun:D ! One of the extracurricular events that I am involved at the college is Visual Arts Club. The good part about participating in such activities is that while planning our own activities and producing art, we learn from each other, we communicate, we decide, we suggest new ideas etc! It’s incredibly fun once a week activity for not only art & design students, but also any student who enjoys Visual Arts! Last project that our club organized was about designing tote-bags with Halloween and seasonal designs. We had sold most of the bags, which were around 50 or so… $5 each! The project was a fundraiser for the club. Club has a budged, so we students use that budget to buy supplies, or any other activities that we would like to do, which must be related to Visual Arts such as workshops with local artist, gallery visits, travel to NYC museums, club member’s exhibition and many more!. For instance, now we are planning to spend some amount from the budget on good quality supplies, so when we start our next workshop we will be able to use them and make some art for the upcoming “Affordable Art Sale” project that my instructor/advisor came up with. Well, we sold the tote bags, so we are hoping that around the holidays we can sell student artwork, which can be a nice holiday present for friends and family etc…I know people at the college who are actually interested in student art! So hopefully, some of them will buy!

OMG the upcoming week is full of traveling, studying, writing, & creating … oh well, now I am going to write another post for my college blog post. BUSY MODE ON! C U SOON!

Gülnar B.

GulnarB

My name is Gulnar and I am a new blogger for InternationalStudent.com! I start blogging officially for my college in 2010 up to date. In addition, this year I decided to blog for a special audience, International Students specifically, because I am a part of this community and I would love to share my experience with you. My blogging “career” started as an online journal keeping which had been continuing for years. Then I started official blog of my art and it kept continuing. So here I am blogging again in ENGLISH! Even thought I am challenged every single day by English, I love this language so much, thus nothing can stop me, even those tiny articles & prepositions, and perfect tense forms! I am especially fascinated by idioms and expressions every time I hear a new one! Indescribable experience!

I would like to introduce myself ‘officially’. So once more my full name is Gulnar Babayeva. I am from Azerbaijan Republic, the country in the crossroads between Europe and Asia, in South Caucasus [Mountains] on the shore of Caspian Sea. I know, such a long description…Just Google it! Currently, I am an international student at SUNY Ulster. It “is a two-year college of the State University of New York, located in the Hudson Valley and the Catskill Mountains—regions famous in art and literature for their natural beauty and historical significance. Nearby are the City of Kingston, New York’s first capital, the artists’ communities of Woodstock and New Paltz, and the New York City metropolitan region.” (Check out SUNY Ulster). I am at my 4th semester, in other terms a sophomore, double majoring in Fine Art: Visual Arts & in Advertising Design and Graphic Technologies programs. Because of my majors, I have very loaded schedule from my first day at the college [it’s my choice, not a complaint ]; therefore, I will need one extra semester to graduate from the second major. So far everything is under control, thank goodness! The plan is Master’s Degree, so I will keep working on my dream, as I do every single day.

FYI Two year college degrees in the United States are called Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS). It gives you an opportunity to complete first two years of college with a degree to get a job. The credits you earn are transferable usually, unless it says opposite. So if you are willing to have a Bachelor’s Degree in the area you have studied in two year college, those credits will work towards the degree in four year college, which means you will be studying junior and senior years at four year college. Many friends of mine are doing so, because foundation years are similar in every college, why pay more if you can pay less and get the same knowledge?! It’s pragmatic approach, but the Bachelor’s degree will be from your dream college, what matters at the end.
So much to share! Yet have to do homework!

I will keep posting my adventurous life as an international student in the United States of America regularly. There are so much mysterious and magical things are happening that sometimes blows my mind & “I’m loving it!”  We have such a wonderful and sunny day over here, in the Hudson Valley & I am enjoying the day off , as it’s  Columbus Day in the States!