Saturday Lynne and a couple of her fellow crazy-people-who-like-to-shop stopped by for a visit between retail excursions. They then took Tom along with them for a trip to Texas Art Supply and some of the shops in the Heights. Later, they returned to The Compound for iced tea and pizza–and Lila established herself as the visiting artist.
Painting a teapot requires a lot of concentration. An old undershirt as a smock is also helpful–especially when donated from a gifted artist like Tim.
Some people say Lila is bossy because she’s an Aries. I say it’s a genetic link to two women whose names also start with the letter “L.”
Form and function: The artist is pleased by her first drink of clear “tea” from her finished tea set.
The day made me think a lot about creativity and how we foster it in children. Almost all of the artists I know–in whatever field–had someone who encouraged them, often with great resistance from those with more “practical” agendas–the ones who start whispering in your ear as you get older about all the ways you’ll never make a living from what you love. I think the tortured artist is a cliché, but I also think the unhappiness of an artist comes more from having creativity stifled or belittled than from the drive to create–and really, that experience is hardly limited to the arts.
Some people do and some people don’t make a living from what they create. But I often remember a college professor who said, “I’d rather know the world is being looked after by a statesman or scientist who understands and appreciates poetry than not.” I agree. I believe we’re all born with the enthusiasm to create. No matter what we pursue in life, we should always show some love toward our creative selves. I think it makes us better at everything else we do.
There’s nothing like a visit from the little people in our lives to lift the day up. I visited mine on Saturday. It was my birthday, but my daughter and son-in-law had Vinny’s birthday party on that day so that everyone would be able to get together. It was a lot of fun. They booked it at an indoor playground, so the children played and the adults talked. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.
I’d love to post pix, but my son-in-law and daughter are wary of having pix of the kids out in cyberspace. I’ll email a couple. THAT they okay.
Happy birthday–to you and Vinny!
Totally understandable about the kids’ photos. I try to keep identifying information as limited as possible. Most of the kids in my family live in states all over the country, and I never say where when I talk about them.
Sometimes the best part of my day is spent with you, so thank you!
Aw, thank you! I’m always happy to share my time with you.
thanks for the hosPOTality. We had fun. I knew you would not mind an extra craft day!
Never! Nor a visit from friends.