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Across the Fence:  Question for you artists?  |
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knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 05 2008 : 09:21:57 AM
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I really didn't know where to put this so I decided here would be as good as any place.
I have just about decided at the age of 53 to go back and get my college degree. The only problem is I have no desire to pursue my previous studies of Criminology and Journalism.
The two true loves of my life are art and reading.
Now, for my question, for those of you who are artists or have studied art, do you think art can be taught to someone or is it a natural talent.
I am by no means an artist, I paint some and have always dabbled but never enough to really show anything I do. But I cannot tell you how much I love art and was just wondering your perspective on the subject. I would really love to major in Lieterature and Art (this may be a midlife crisis thing here)
Thanks
Kathy |
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Lavendar fields dreamer
True Blue Farmgirl
1032 Posts
little monkeys mommy
washington
USA
1032 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2008 : 10:36:58 AM
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Honey if you love it go for it. If your passionate about it then it doesnt matter if you have a natural talent for it(although its helpful). i say go for your dreams and enjoy yourself.
lavendar girl |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2008 : 10:46:09 AM
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I agree, Kathy. If you love it, go for it. You must have some kind of talent if you love it so much and while what we produce may not appeal to everybody, it certainly appeals to some. Take Picasso, for example. His work is highly sought after but I wouldn't want one. His work does not appeal to me in the least. Some folks like my work and some don't. It's all a matter of taste preferences.
Your age should have no factor in your decision. Some of us are simply late bloomers and it's never too late to pursue a dream. You go girl!
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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Tina Michelle
True Blue Farmgirl
6948 Posts
Tina
sunshine state
FL
USA
6948 Posts |
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kydeere40744
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
Jessica
Kentucky
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 05 2008 : 11:57:48 AM
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There was a guy at my ole alma mater that was 73 years old when he graduated. I think art can be something that is self learned, but you can learn about different perspectives through studying it. I took more music lessons and wish I had taken at least one art class while in college. I highly recommend at least taking a few courses. You'll learn new things that you may have never thought about. :)
~Jessica in Kentucky & Miss Wilma's Niece~
Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow... |
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italianchildhood
True Blue Farmgirl
172 Posts
172 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 06:38:41 AM
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I think that being exposed to art in classes and to other artists and having your work looked at and critiqued (hopefully constructively) can add to your innate "artistness."
It sounds exciting, in fact--best wishes with whatever you decide.
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http://YouCraft.org ... free crafts classifieds listings |
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sunshine
True Blue Farmgirl
4877 Posts
Wendy
Utah
USA
4877 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 07:07:37 AM
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I have always done art and believe every person is an artist. Any one that can look at math and see rhythms and patterns is a type of artist to me as I just can't fathom the stuff. Same goes for people who can write well I have never been able too.
That was the one of the reasons I started a blog a way to force myself to write each week and to put it out in front of people for critic like in my art classes. Some critics are harsh some are positive and happy if you go in thinking you can learn from it both are educational. Every thing can be taught or learned if the desire is there.
My oldest daughter is taking art classes in school she comes home and we have critics on her work. Some things the teacher teaches her some things mom does. In the end it is best to have a wide variety of teachers as each has differnt knowledge they can pass on.
Sad to say because a lot of art came easy to me I didn't listen as well as I should have in my art classes (100's of them) I wish I had now. School is some times wasted on the young as they don't know what they want yet but think they do. I should have taken more fiber arts and drafting and computer art as the stuff I took was pretty much old hack by the time I got to collage.
I had women in their 70's 80's and 90's in some of my classes one lady graduated when I did and she was 93 she said she was taking art for the love of it no better reason. I would love to go back and get a masters in fiber art not really conducive to my life at this point I hope to go back when I get older when my children have grown. It is never to late to learn something new.
I would love to be posted on how it goes and if you have questions I would love to help where I can.
Take care
sunshine
have a lovely day and may God bless you and keep you safe
my bloghttp://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/
my web store http://vintagethreads.com/ |
Edited by - sunshine on Jan 06 2008 07:14:17 AM |
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junkjunkie
True Blue Farmgirl
1306 Posts
Judy
Lawrenceville
NJ
USA
1306 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 09:26:47 AM
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Remember Grandma Moses? Go for it and have fun! Never too late. I don't mean that you are old...I'm the same age...you know what I mean, I hope....  
"To have life in focus, we must have death in our field of vision." Benedictine monk John Main |
Edited by - junkjunkie on Jan 06 2008 09:28:47 AM |
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knewslady
True Blue Farmgirl
555 Posts
Kathy
Russellville
KY
USA
555 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 10:31:13 AM
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Thanks everyone so much for the encouraging words. I guess my biggest fear is someone asking "what in the world are you doing here?"
When I studied photography one of the first things the instructor said, was if you can't take criticism then you need to leave now. I think the only reason I stayed was because I was afraid I would turn the desk over trying to get out of the darn thing.
But I do appreciate all of your support and I will let you know what I decide to do. |
Edited by - knewslady on Jan 06 2008 12:49:37 PM |
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lisamarie508
True Blue Farmgirl
2648 Posts
Lisa
Idaho City
ID
USA
2648 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 10:47:39 AM
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No need to fear what others think. This is YOUR dream so who cares what anyone thinks about your being there, anyway? Do what you want! Besides, non-traditional students are very common now. You won't be the only one there with high school waaaaaaay behind you.
Farmgirl Sister #35
"If you can not do great things, do small things in a great way." Napoleon Hill (1883-1970)
my blog: http://lisamariesbasketry.blogspot.com/
My Website:
http://www.freewebs.com/lisamariesbasketry/index.htm |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 7:17:58 PM
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As much as I would love to advise you to not worry about what others think, I cracked up when I read your post about sticking the class out because you feared knocking over your desk on your way out! How refreshingly honest!
It is my very humble opinion that despite what we intellectually know, which is, that what others think is often inconsequential, emotionally, we care. Face it, when others offer criticism it can sting. We take it personally and many of us haven't developed either tough enough skin to let it roll off or a strong sense of detachment to not care and continue on. When someone pursues any kind of artistic expression it can create a real sense of vulnerability. You create something. You put it out there for the masses to like or dislike and they you deal with it. The insecure side of us wants everyone to like our work. The intellectual knows not everyone will like it. The egomanic in all of us wonders, "why not?" The grounded humorist in us all says, "earth to artist...earth to artist!" We can now laugh at ourselves, feeling once again empowered and strangely more free after having experienced taking a risk, being vulnerable and coming through unscathed.
Art at 53? to me, it begs the question, what is the "right" age for pursuing one's passion?
Mid-life crisis pursuing art and literature? Could be a lot worse!
I say, take a deep breath, remind yourself that this is a passion. Tell yourself that now is the time, because it is. Walk in that classroom knowing full well that you belong and embrace yourself as a "curiosity" if you are the oldest student. You can't blame people for wondering about you. Trust me, everyone will be inspired! I can pretty much guarantee 2 things will happen: your instructor will be thrilled to have someone in the class who is truly excited to be there and not filling some prerequisite and second, your insecurities will be NOTHING compared to the insecurities of the twenty-somethings in there trying to out-cool everyone else!
Best of luck to you as you make this decision, Kathy!! Keep us all posted!
Julia Hayes
being simple to simply be |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 7:24:03 PM
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My mom is an amazing artist. She works with just about every mediu you can possibly imagine. She continues to take classes as each artist has their own technique or style that they have created. I would say go for it! If nothing else it will get you to be out there doing art all the time and just by using your natural talent it will improve.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and I our our new blog: http://FarmgirlAlee.blogspot.com |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Jan 06 2008 : 7:48:09 PM
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Kathy, I forgot to mention that one of my all time favorite water color painters began painting at the age of 92!..no lie.. she was also the aerobics instructor in her assisted living home AND she told everyone that she was in her 60's and people believed her. She dyed her hair jet black and had more energy that you can imagine. I was very honored to know her for 4 years. She developed cancer and in a very short period of time died. I was also very honored to have been able to be with her about a minute after she had taken her last breath. It was something I'll never forget and she was someone I'll never forget. Her funeral was a hoot..all the gossip going around was really something else! She really had the last laugh!
~Julia
being simple to simply be |
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amyartgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
991 Posts
Amy
Junction City
Ohio
USA
991 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2008 : 05:36:22 AM
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Kathy...do it. I went a different path in college (more of a health degree). About 4 years after I recv'd my degree, I decided to take artsy type classes at a community college to "fill the creative void" that I wanted to pursue in college the 1st time but doubted my artistic abilities in the highly competive world of art. There, while taking those classes my perception changed a bit. I am still working at my transitional office job tho (something that I did in college to make a living) and I am still trying to figure where I can make this into a career that I "can live on" to get out of the "rut" that I am in...but I went and did something to help feed my inner being and to prove that hey, I can do this after all. So it is never too late to head on another path.
I remember in my 1st round of college when I did take some art classes, I also had a photography teacher that was not so "encouraging" and some of the students durring the critiques had the very same attitude :(
We are ALL artists in our own right......we all have some sort of artistic talent weather we believe it or not...and it manifests itself in a variety of ways sometimes.
Good luck in whatever you decide to do :-)
Farmgirl Sister #21
http://artfulheart.blogspot.com
http://farmgirltales.blogspot.com |
Edited by - amyartgirl on Jan 07 2008 08:03:54 AM |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2008 : 08:01:30 AM
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Let me chime in here! I tried to post yesterday but I guess it got lost in cyberspace! I am an art teacher. I think that ABSOLUTLY you can do it! I actually went to college with very little art background. I had always choosen band in high school rather than art but I managed. It was truly what I wanted to do an I think I make up for what I lack in natural talent with passion and excitement. I believe anyone can learn to draw given the right tools.
That being said an art program is VERY time consuming! You will spend MANY MANY hours and lots of money on your projects. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed by the talents of some people in my classes but I made it through. You just have to stick with it and develop your own style.
I think it is a great choice if that is where your heart is! If you have any questions about what to expect in a program, let me know!
GOOD LUCK!!!
Farmgirl Sister #17
Blog
www.willowtreecreek.wordpress.com
Felt and Fabric Crafts
www.willowartist.etsy.com
www.willowtreecreek.com
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jan 07 2008 : 10:27:13 PM
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Yep, adding my two cents. I've been an artist in many different mediums, performance and fine art. I WILL differ here and say it's NOT easy, sometimes, to be an artist--I sometimes think this country does not value it's artists as it should, or maybe where it once did, but--as everyone else is saying...it is YOUR dream and you definitely have a right to pursue it!
You seem to have a lot of support here, Kathy, so ignore the nay-sayers and live the life you deserve! :)
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View my work:
www.bigtownfarmer.com
www.pumpkinpatchparlor.etsy.com
And Blogs:
www.bigtownfarmer.blogspot.com
www.queenofcrows.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Question for you artists? |
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Question for you artists?
