  Alex Gabriel Bernstein
AGB Glass Asheville, NC
Son of two working artists, Alex was not initially attracted to an art career. He took a college route, earning a bachelor's degree from University of North Carolina, Asheville and a Master of Fine Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology. Now age 37, he's taught on 3 campuses, but he earns his living as a working sculptor.
What came first in your life: skill or talent?
Talent and creative energy. Before I had any training my mind was filled with ideas. For example at age 12, I designed tools in my head lying in bed at night. Around the same time, when my parents had our home remodeled, I spent many hours working with scraps of wood, a hammer and nails. I steadily became more curious about how things worked.
Who recognized your early talent, and what did they do about it?
My parents taught at Penland School of Crafts, and I spent a lot of time there as a kid. I had exposure to a wide array of artists and craftsmen there, and was often invited into classes.
What knowledge did you seek as a college undergraduate?
I had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. I entered college as a sponge, and I soaked up everything in sight and hearing. I particularly enjoyed the intensive humanities curriculum offered in Asheville. I loved the liberal arts. I consider that knowledge to be the foundation of who I am - and the foundation of my art as well.
What were your grades in high school and college?
Average until graduate school, where I believe I caught my stride.
What was the purpose of graduate school?
Every artist has a vocabulary with which they express their art. In graduate school I built my vocabulary, while learning a sculptor's skill from peers. I don't think this was a purpose or an intention necessarily. It happened, because at R.I.T. we were free to pursue our art, but we were nudged and questioned each step of the way. The questions encouraged each artist to question himself and consider his next step carefully.
 What work has made you happier: teacher or working sculptor?
Difficult choice. The best rewards come from challenges. I've had great challenges and great rewards from both.
What work is more financially rewarding: teacher or working sculptor?
I make a very good living from the sale of my art. From 2001 to 2003 I taught full-time at Cleveland Institute of Art as an adjunct professor, and I was grateful for the regular paycheck. But within three years, working artist became more lucrative and remains so.
Are there abundant opportunities for young Americans as working artists?
There are opportunities, but I'm not sure how abundant. AT R.I.T. there were at most eight students in my MFA glass sculpture program. Now, eight years out of graduate school, five of them have achieved some success as working artists.
TOPICS: Executive Briefing, Marketing, Teaching & Learning
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