Kid’s say the darndest things…

And in our house, being homeschoolers, usually around midnight. I want to believe that most homeschoolers can relate, but really, it’s probably just in my house. Anyway, last night, my daughter made me aware of a couple of things about myself that I found interesting. How is it that a 15 year old knows more about me than I do?

I have always believed that I don’t draw pictures because when I was growing up I was surrounded by adults who a) could draw really well, and b) were very critical of the fact that drawing was not taught in schools in the way it had been when they were young. To be fair to them, they were not particularly critical of my work, they just excused it because after all I wasn’t being taught at school. No one ever offered to teach me to draw “properly”, though. However, last night, way too late, my daughter made me realise that I don’t draw, mostly, because I don’t want to draw. I’m sure that makes no sense to her, she is a very talented artist and I often hear, “I just need to finish this picture before I lose it!”, but it’s true. I have done some drawings that I’m pleased with, I know I can draw if I want to, I just really don’t want to. It’s not my passion in life.

Thankfully, my daughter’s God-Mother is a retired art teacher, if I had to teach my children art we would all be in trouble. Firstly, the two children I’m homeschooling have very different artistic styles. My daughter does very realistic, detailed and beautiful drawing. My son is very nearly an abstract artist. Fortunately my friend is able to see great worth in both styles and is able to encourage them to develop their abilities within their own styles. I couldn’t. I don’t understand enough about my son’s style of art to not squash his creativity with some well meant, but completely useless, comments so I am very grateful that we have the opportunity to have art lessons from someone who can constructively encourage him while at the same time developing my daughter’s talents in her own artistic field. I am always inspired watching the three of them around her table working on completely different types of creative and artistic work and knowing that they value each other for their differences. And I’m also happy to know that I can just sit back and watch, I don’t have to draw… unless I want to, of course.

So, what’s the point in all this rambling? I’m not sure, but I think the point of this is that you should never assume you know all about something – even if it’s about you.