I honestly believe being an artist is a gift. This gift is nothing without hard work. In other words, you may be given the “gift” but if you don’t use it properly or work to achieve it the gift will just cease to be. If the ideas and skills are there but the artist doesn’t follow up on them, the art work won’t exist. It is just like any other gift you might be blessed with if you don’t act on it the gift will dematerialize, or will never show at all.
This idea is true actually in anything a person may set out to achieve. You only reach the top unless you work hard to get there then work twice as hard to stay. Even if the “gift” seems to come naturally it will be elusive unless you reach out to tap it. It is only as good as the attention it gets. Isn’t it a shame when you know of someone who has this innate talent but chooses to ignore it? This would be so easy for them if they would put out the effort to interest themselves with the work, but their precious talent goes untapped for whatever reason they choose not to pursue it. All kinds of excuses you hear; not enough time, too hard, too expensive to buy supplies, just not interested. How sad.
In my opinion I think we should think twice about something we are drawn to. Whatever it is you seem interested in there must be some reason there is the attraction. How will you ever know unless you do try something that pulls your interest? Jump into it and give it a chance at least.
History teaches us there have been people who overcame serious odds that could have kept them from pursuing a career in the arts. Some of those obstacles came from parents who did not want them to be involved with the arts for whatever reason. Early on fathers especially thought it unmanly for their sons to want to paint, or write music, sing or dance. Yet during those same days it was frowned upon for a woman to be an artist. It wasn’t until the change from the 19th century women were actually able to sign their full names on their pieces. It was believed women were not capable of producing worthy art work. Even then they were signing first initials, last names. Frightful.
I would hope that those of you with children will foster and encourage any interest your children may have in the arts. Listen and observe carefully what your children seem drawn to or talented in and let them go for it. This may be their “gift”. We don’t want to be the ones who have said no to our children who were given such a precious gift.
If you see these interests in yourself give yourself a chance to go there to fulfill your given talents. Don’t ignore the pull. Make time for yourself to try what lie in your interests, take lessons if you want, get the materials and paint, sing in a local chorus, get yourself a camera and take photos, or act in a local theater group. This is what this is all about; challenging yourself to face and practice your God given talents, your “gifts”.