Young artist at work
I had a funny conversation recently with an artist. Upon learning that I have kids and make art she remarked, “Oh — I have two grown children, and I think they really suffered as children because I was an artist.” I am not quite sure what to do with that bit of information: abandon all art-making quick, in an effort to spare my still-young kids? Or keep working, but brace myself for that future day when they announce I’ve ruined their lives?
My theory has always been that an art-household can be a great place for kids, but I do often feel guilty about the time and money that go into my art. So this artist’s comment, and the inescapable “difficult economic times”, really made me think twice. Does my artmaking foster a creative household or is it just a selfish, expensive hobby? I decided I wanted a larger sample size. I asked a bunch of artist-parent-friends to share their impressions of making art as parents (or what it had been like for them growing up with artist-parents). I also got the chance to talk with Todd Deutsch, a photographer and parent of three boys on his experiences making art in — and about — his very busy home.
Over the next week or two, I’ll post the responses.
Oh, I’m eager to read what you hear back from your artist/parent/friends. I share many of the same worries you mention, even though I’m not really an artist; actually, I wonder if they’re not shared by lots of folks with self-driven careers, whether they’re working in the arts or not. Anyhow–interesting topic that I’m sure lots of us are considering.
Comment by Susannah Schouweiler — March 16, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Really, how many parents inspire the young artist at home. When I grew up my parents made sure that I was able to get on the bus and get to the Walker ARt Center and the Art Institute. I was a budding artist from age 6 on. Still learning, and that is the point of art in the home, so to speak. My son had the opportunity to express himself through the employ of an artist friend who came to our home, and gave a mini lesson to him. He had shown alot of interest in comic books at the time, and way into Dungeons and Dragons, and my thought was that if he felt empowered to add to the fantasies that he was interested in, he could express himself, not just parrot around the subject matter. He loved it. Has never evolved as an artist, but, as a family we have a great time experiencing all kinds of art, science, and other important ways to enjoy life. Cool article.
Comment by Suzi McArdle — March 16, 2009 @ 11:29 am