Wednesday 11 December 2013

Could do better

                                  Self portrait by Roger de la Fresnaye


When I was a teenager at school I was a mediocre student thinking more of playing sport, laughing with the other boys and eying the girls. Instructed by the teachers I would do the minimum to get by and my reports would often have the phrase “Could do better”.  All that changed when a temporary Art teacher came for a couple of terms. My free flowing mind soon received her approval and she would single me out to talk about my future and my attending her class was the highlight of the week. She even said once that I should devote my whole life to art and asked if I would dare to go to live with her and her husband and concentrate solely on the creative side of life. She told me they lived in a converted barn with a huge studio. To this day I have no idea whether that suggestion of hers was serious as I never submitted to the temptation as my parents were dubious to say the least. However the seed was sown and instead of criticism I had received praise. Instead of feeling negative about myself I became positive and this has made my whole life worthwhile.

9 comments:

  1. It is amazing that someone changed your whole life around with some encouragement and belief in you. Did not pick you as a visual artist ! Your nice comment on my poem may not be life changing but it certainly will enable me to get through a very busy afternoon with a smile so I thank you!

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  2. I wonder ...

    "So: lucky escapes
    Or missed opportunities?
    We shall never know"

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  3. I enjoyed reading about your experience and the transformation.. anything can trigger change. sometimes a reflection in the mirror...

    http://rameshsood.blogspot.in/2013/12/nothing-extra-ordinary-about-it-3ww.html

    RS:)

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  4. Such people are priceless. I had an art teacher who took me out into the mountains to paint when i was about 12. He painted in oils, I painted in watercolours. All above board. A great experience. Sadly, probably couldn't do that now.

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  5. Where did all those phrases come from..I think you did..do better that is (if this indeed is auto-biographical)

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  6. Nothing untoward happened but it did a great thing for you! I left my painting for years until an event in early November got me going again. It is so refreshing! It's great to make a start again. Wonderful write oldegg!

    Hank

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  7. sometimes a little praise goes a long way and helps someone find confidence in themselves.thank you for sharing

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  8. We each have areas in which we can excel. The key is to find it early enough to not become disheartened with the world.

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  9. O, this is so wonderful that you run in someone, who gave you a praise! It is so important for self-esteem! And if you loved to be creative you must do whatever it takes to keep doing this...Why we don't know it earlier? Probably, because we have to learn our own lessons. Thanks for sharing, OldEgg!

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