An Artist's Children

My daughters have certainly experienced a few perks being the children of an artist. 

Terrific variety of professional art supplies for school projects and for fun.  Exposure to many different art forms and experiences as well as other creative people.  They saw live theatre, symphony and ballet plus many, many galleries everywhere we went and met so many talented artists and authors.  I'm afraid I didn't allow much children's programming as they often felt to me as though children were being spoken down to, though there isn't anything wrong with it, but I didn't enjoy it so I didn't believe my daughters would either.  I love documentaries and BBC television so my children learned to love them, too.

But I also know there has been a down side. 

They have been judged on the quality of their work based on mine.  They have had supposed friends who were only interested in spending time in my studio.  Sometimes my advocacy for the arts is in conflict with another adult whom my child has to work with which can be challenging.  And trying to explain what your mother does professionally while you're in school can sometimes be confusing.  Also too much exposure meant they didn't always appreciate it.  Wanting to be different from Mom created a challenge in finding their own way, even though they are both extremely creative.  Fortunately they've found their way back.

Plus, it must be difficult to live with someone who is constantly living in her own imaginary world. 

When I get an idea I have to write it down, or sketch it, or paint it before it disappears or loses it's magical hold on me.  I have full conversations in my head I sometimes forget that others don't hear it as well and will begin wherever it left off.  I can read, view, talk about visual, performing and literary arts at all times.  I am never bored. 

But I do encourage them to be who they are.

I want them to do what they love, and not to worry about what I might think, or say, or feel.  That is my issue, not theirs.  In doing so, my hope is that they trust themselves and learn to make choices that will make them happy.  I feel very lucky to be their mother.