After yesterday's post and the comments about incorporating black and white photographs into a drawing I suddenly remembered a similar exercise we had to do at school. Our art teacher had cut small pieces from black and white photographs in magazines and we had to select one, glue it down on the page and work it into a finished drawing, without seeing the original source. After a quick rummage under my bed I found a folder of old drawings and unearthed this.
I was pretty certain this was the example I drew at school but I can see that I've dated it and by 1978 I had left sixth form so it must have been something I did at home a couple of years later... but still using the same technique.
When I was in sixth form it was my dream to go to art college and get a job either as an illustrator or working in fashion. I don't think my parents were that keen and my school definitely weren't. I think they just saw it as a pathway to degeneration and unemployment. I didn't have the courage to persue that dream and mostly I remember it was because I never believed I was talented enough. I don't recall ever being encouraged and told I was good at art at school (they tried to convince me not to take art A level) and so I never had the confidence to believe I could succeed.
Which is somewhat ironic really... because now I can see anything is possible if you believe in yourself.
That really is a fantastic drawing. I'm glad you didn't just give up so many people would have missed out on everything you have to share and teach.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning drawing, Gina and what a shame we have been raised in a time where we couldn't really pursue our dreams, you definitely got talent. But at least we can fulfill part of our dreams and encourage our children to do so. xx
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Gina, both our two went to art college and we always encouraged them to do so.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame we don't have the confidence of middle age as teenagers but I suppose that's how life is!
Brilliant drawing by the way! :)
V x
Now that is truly a find - what an amazing drawing. What do they say? Don't hide your talents under a bushel, or indeed bed!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab drawing, and a great idea!
ReplyDeleteYes, dreams should definitely be followed. I wish I'd had the courage to follow mine (I wanted to be a theatre/costume designer) but a combination of being encouraged out of it by my grammar school and not thinking I was good enough (despite getting an A grade in Fashion at A level) put a stop to it.
ReplyDeleteGreat picture btw :-)
That's a wonderful drawing Gina and your tutors should be ashamed for not giving you greater recognition and encouragement. It's such a shame that anything artistic is not seen as a 'proper' job. Good luck to your sons if they decide to follow their dreams.
ReplyDeleteWow Gina, what a beautiful and characterful drawing. You are proof that it's never too late to pursue a dream, it's wonderful that you are still drawing today and your experiences obviously influenced you to be the open-minded and encouraging mother that you are to your talented sons.
ReplyDeleteA marvellous drawing, superb. This post speaks to me too -- I wasn't even allowed to do Art O level and I've bitterly regretted not going to art school ever since. I think it's great that you're encouraging your kids in this way.
ReplyDeleteNot talented? Ha! That's a wonderful piece of artwork. I just was listening to a podcast about giving yourself permission to be yourself. Wouldn't it be nice if the schools encouraged that instead of discouraging it?
ReplyDeleteback in "those days" it was either university/secretary or housewife at my school. gosh Gina ... if you could draw like that just post-school... makes you wonder what turns life would have taken if you had gone on a different course doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteOh my word! You were robbed but thank goodness you found your own way. Every time you struggle with a drawing look back at this piece, in fact put it in prominent view and remind yourself how talented you are. I too would have loved to go to Art college but didn't know what I would do afterwards, it didn't feel like a route to a 'proper' job and nobody at school suggested it would be a good idea. In my case I went off to train as a teacher, that didn't lead to a job either! It does seem though that creativity will find its way through.
ReplyDeleteThat is an extraordinary rendition Gina, absolutely marvellous.
ReplyDeleteI went to Art College in the 60's I studied Commercial Design, got my Diploma (the highest level at the time) took my portfolio to all the right places but was informed that as I was a woman I'd never get anywhere so why was I bothering. Crushed, I put away my pencils and paints for over 30 years.
I'm glad you stuck with it.
Fantastic drawing. Thanks for sharing it here.
ReplyDeleteAnother one not encouraged, although all I ever wanted to do from the age of five was draw... I was good at shorthand so was given a typewriter to practice on....it would "stand me in good stead". I got my degree VERY late in life and had simply the best time doing it, even though it drove me to distraction at times with frustration. As you know, I am a cleaner, but one who has never, every let go of creativity. You are so right to encourage those boys.....
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put, Gina, and your drawing is very fine indeed.
ReplyDeleteWhat you describe about early choices and early encouragement rings a bell whose tune I do recognize.
Isn't it grand to continue to be creative as years pass by, no matter what form that creativity takes?
xo
Wonderful drawing and technique ... and very well said!
ReplyDeleteFab drawing Gina! Great that you are following your dream now and I have the same sentiment about life but I guess it is a good idea to get 'sensible' qualifications first then go on to find what fans your flame...as you have. M x
ReplyDeleteThat drawing is superb Gina and a great technique I might nick and have a go with. There are a lot of us '50 something' girls out there who seem to have not had the arts encouragement at school yet who have blossomed with it late in life.We can't turn back the clock but we can adopt your call to arms at any time. It should never be too late to follow a dream and I hope your sons achieve theirs. With your encouragement and support how can that not happen?
ReplyDeleteI so identified with you and 'menapausalmusing', I was one of those who wasn't allowed to take art O'level too, my art teacher thought i was rubbish.
ReplyDeleteI took my degree late too, when I was 42, and it was the best creative thing i've ever done, I think there's a lot of us out there who belong to this era, thanks for telling your story.
A very talented sketch :-)
Wonderful drawings Gina, certainly creativity wasn't valued years ago, thank goodness it is now!! I did a similiar idea with Year 6 children, they chose a photo copied face (cut in half lengthways to complete).
ReplyDeleteWhat an exquisite drawing Gina. Sometimes it takes a while to realize what one is meant to do in life. It is never too late to follow your dreams and it seems like you are living yours now!
ReplyDelete