Most of we artist knew when we were very small, we had an attraction to making art. It’s weird because we don’t really know where this attraction came from. I remember as a very small youngster longing to draw and paint. My parents always made sure I had paper and at least Crayons to work with. The art projects in school were always my favorite. When we got older in school, the only time we were afforded art was on Friday afternoons, and then only if we had earned it. I used to live for Fridays because we got to do art.

Some kids as youngsters draw and paint on walls of their homes. I never did this because I knew I wasn’t supposed to do that. I was raised in a disciplined home and kids weren’t supposed to do things like that. I know I have mentioned this before, but when visiting the Bronte home in England, you could see the writings all over the walls the Bronte children did when they were small. Of course, two of them grew up to be writers, so I guess that was befitting. As strict as their father was, I’m surprised they weren’t punished for doing that. But I was glad the writing was left for us to see. It was quite impressive.

When we come in to this world it’s my belief we come in with abilities we will have when we are older. Abilities and interests that are followed. Pretty common, I think. Watching students of my own as they develop, go off to high school and college, you can see a pattern follow them that was there when they were younger and their personalities were forming. The seeds, whatever they may be, are planted way before they realize what and how they will use them. This can explain child prodigies who are able and capable of doing things way beyond their skill level and/or age. Super abilities that almost seem not normal for their stage in life.

Of course, it is of benefit for people to realize what their gifts are at an early age so those gifts and skills can be developed. So, the person can take the right path to find the training for honing those skills. This usually happens normally. People will follow what they are interested in pursuing. They may not know why, but the do follow those paths.

I remember in my early days in school they used to give aptitude tests. They don’t do this anymore it went by the wayside like IQ testing did being considered as pigeon holing students. I can understand that. I didn’t need a test to tell me what my interests were. Most people don’t. Some people don’t pick up an interest until later in life as they look for something interesting to fill their time, such as being in retirement. Nothing says these interests can’t change along the way as well. But the serious artists know young, and spend their lives working at those skills.

If you have always had a burning desire to do something, write a book, paint a painting, sculpt a beautiful sculpture, try it. Don’t delay. Get what you need to complete the task and at least give it a try. It may not come out the way you had imagined at first, but give it a chance. This is something that develops. Even if it is only a pastime, hobby, or something you do to relax, its worth a go. You will never know if you don’t try.