Artsy kids might seem shy at times. They might retreat into their sketchbook, or coloring book or picture book. Their christmas list might be filled with items like colored pencil sets, air dry clay, and anything with “Crayola” in front of it. And if an artsy kid grows and matures into an artist as an adult, the wish lists hardly change.
i was a super shy kid, always had my nose in a schoolbook or sketchbook. My family consisted of 4 kids, plus mom and dad, and we were all scholar athletes as was demanded by our parents. Not demanded in a bad, restrictive, “you’ll do what i say” kinda way, but in a “we want you to be all you can be and we think developing your body AND your mind is a good route to take” kinda way. The only problem was, that as much as i excelled in school, i never really got past “so-so” in sports. My siblings could all kick my butt up and down the court, or field, or driveway blacktop. i was a little jealous, but i was also super supportive of them. i’d cheer the loudest from the stands and be fiercely protective if someone knocked them down. Those 3 had a drive for sports and an affinity for competition. i loved watching them dominate their competitors. i was so proud of them.
But i just wanted to draw.
i guess you could say my childhood artistic inspiration sorta came from feeling like the odd man out. i needed something that was just mine and that i was passionate about, good at…something that spoke to ME. Art fit the bill. It should be no surprise to anyone who has seen my work that COLOR, and the possibilities contained within a box of vibrant new pencils were my muses. i drew clothes. i drew houses. i drew people. i once drew a picture of a hamburger ~ or was it a cheeseburger? And my Mona (mah-nah), my paternal grandmother, put it on the cover of the menus at her old-fashioned soda-shoppe type luncheonette. She was so proud. i was so proud. She bragged about me to the older gentlemen sitting at the counter an they’d nod their heads to appease her.
When i think back on my childhood, i remember more broad feelings and snapshots than i do specific events. But i surely remember getting a Crayola interior design kit one year for christmas. i remember getting my first sewing machine when i was probably too puny to even pick it up. i remember paint sets and big, blank drawing tablets. i even remember sitting on the beach during one family vacation, sculpting figures in the sand with all my concentration while my siblings dunked each other in the surf. It was totally ok. Being the odd man out provided me with a quiet space in which to create and dream. It gave me my own unique voice. It lead me to enter and occasionally win little art contests for kids. It made me feel like i had something special to offer.
…and every once in a while i’m pretty sure those lovable, knucklehead siblings of mine were pretty proud of me.
Well, I’m supposed to be working but I got sucked in. Love this….I can relate 100%. I’m so glad you were “so-so” in sports too….we are kindred spirits
I once tried out for basketball and they politely told me to never try out for a sport that requires coordination again…..or risk certain embarrassment. I’m SUPER glad you had so much time to spend on your artwork……I see big huge things in the future for you Mrs. Corfee 
thanks ashley ; ) yup. i was not a star athlete. i was just OK. had a few lucky moments here and there, but nobody was recruiting me, that’s for sure! that “polite” recommendation is hysterical! guess we got coordination more in our fine motor skills than our gross ones. that’s ok. beyond some friendly backyard volleyball, i don’t crave sports so much anymore…..just DRAWING/PAINTING….maybe sewing?! : )
I just love your site Stephanie, i visit it regularly to see what you are up to and to be inspired!
thanks so much Ginny!! oh, definitely comment and share feedback with me! it’s always nice to “meet” readers/visitors to the site. never fails to make my day : )
I loved your article and can totally relate. Gymnastics was the sport of choice for me and they allowed me to be on the team. The word allowed is an appropriate choice because I was terrible at it and surely they just felt bad for me. It was fun to watch anyway
Ashley, your comment made me laugh out loud “I once tried out for basketball and they politely told me to never try out for a sport that requires coordination again”
Thank you again for a wonderful story
Allison
hi allison! but i bet you made up for it with other, wonderful talents, right? ; ) i’m glad you liked the post. i cracked up at Ashley’s coach’s comment as well!
I was the odd man out too. Although my family wasn’t short of creative types. My mom was as crafty as can be (and still is to this day), my brother was a musician, and my sister came out later in life as a fine art photographer.
But being the artist helped develop me as a person, I would never change it or exchange it for anything else. My parents were supportive of my choice (or unknown path) and continues that way to this day.
Great post Stephanie!!!
I was never good at sports. I run & the only reason is because it doesn’t require too much coordination. My mom saw that in me at an early age & really encouraged my artistic side. So I can totally relate to the gifts of art lessons, lovely paints, molding clay. I’m so thankful for that. Glad I found your artful site. You are one creative lady!
thanks erin! i think you are just as creative! : ) glad you like the blog : )
thanks diane! it’s so nice to hear of other artists who’ve had similar experiences : )