Good for you holding true to what you knew you could do. Your art is so joyful and beautiful, and gives pleasure to many people. This harshness and belittling seem to be a bizarre feature of some teachers. I am a lifelong non-knitter, having received 6 of the ruler from a class teacher on my tender palm at the age of 8 because I wasn't knitting fast enough, and having my work held up for ridicule in front of the class. And when the only thing I could do in secondary school PE was cross-country running (hated all the ball sports and gym, but would come in first and way ahead of the field in running), all the teacher said was "Pity you can't do that in the rest of your sports". So much possible enjoyment nipped in the bud plus crushing blows to self-belief. However now that I've retired I've plucked up courage to go to a beginners' knitting class, and have started to run (ploddingly!) at the age of 64.
I do wonder if some people realise the depth and damage of their words? I’m always bewildered to hear of teachers who speak to young people this way, or use humiliation to make a point - it can only cause harm. I feel glad that you have found your way back to what you enjoy. That’s incredible! Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment 😊 xxxx
Heartbreaking story, but I’m very glad you got over it eventually. Your art is wonderful! A world where people didn’t get to see it would be a sad world indeed.
(I also carry this ONE comment in my heart, and that one wasn't even made by an authority figure, I don't even know who it was made by, it was on the internet !)
I had an art tutor who told me that painting wasn't my strong point and it knocked me sideways. I eventually went to uni as a mature student and avoided painting, thinking I had no talent for it and did sculpture instead. Since then with my passion for colour still burning I painted at home and in the following years had a lot of exhibitions of my paintings. I'm not saying I'm a success story because I still feel as though painting isn't my strong point but I still keep going because I love it.
I wish your art tutor could see you now with your beautiful paintings Julia, they'd feel very ashamed of themselves! xx
Thank you Jess! I think you are a success, you picked up your brushes again and carried on making art. So many people aren’t able to do so, paralysed by the fear or failure or unable to move past the opinions and criticisms of others, so it’s brilliant that you managed to overcome what your tutor told you! Thanks for sharing your story Jess 🩷
Thank you so much for writing this Julia. I think a lot of us might have had similar experiences. My tutor certainly seemed to have the same office with two chairs squeezed into a tight corner and a giant monstera plant! I struggle with self-belief too, a few comments here and there can burrow their way inside your heart and take root in a way that makes them extremely difficult to dislodge. I'm really glad you were able to overcome your tutor's ridiculous judgement and am excited to follow your work! Sarah x
Thank you so much for your comment Sarah, I wonder if we went to the same college? 😄 I don’t know if all creative people struggle more with confidence and self belief, but it’s something I’ve had to try really hard with all my life. I like what you said about the comments taking root - that’s absolutely what happened, and it was a wonderful way to describe it. Thanks again for stopping by today and reading 🩷 xxx
Good for you holding true to what you knew you could do. Your art is so joyful and beautiful, and gives pleasure to many people. This harshness and belittling seem to be a bizarre feature of some teachers. I am a lifelong non-knitter, having received 6 of the ruler from a class teacher on my tender palm at the age of 8 because I wasn't knitting fast enough, and having my work held up for ridicule in front of the class. And when the only thing I could do in secondary school PE was cross-country running (hated all the ball sports and gym, but would come in first and way ahead of the field in running), all the teacher said was "Pity you can't do that in the rest of your sports". So much possible enjoyment nipped in the bud plus crushing blows to self-belief. However now that I've retired I've plucked up courage to go to a beginners' knitting class, and have started to run (ploddingly!) at the age of 64.
I do wonder if some people realise the depth and damage of their words? I’m always bewildered to hear of teachers who speak to young people this way, or use humiliation to make a point - it can only cause harm. I feel glad that you have found your way back to what you enjoy. That’s incredible! Thank you so much for reading and for taking the time to comment 😊 xxxx
It is very sad that comments such as this can have such an impact and thank goodness you didn't take heed!
Thanks for reading Deborah, it is sad when you think about it, and how comments like that have the ability to change the direction of a person’s life.
They certainly can and I hope that now that has changed. Encouragement matters so much at that age.
I think so, it’s such a tender age. Encouragement can make all the difference 😊
Heartbreaking story, but I’m very glad you got over it eventually. Your art is wonderful! A world where people didn’t get to see it would be a sad world indeed.
Thank you so much for such a kind comment, and thanks for taking the time to read xx
I'm glad you found your way back to art.
(I also carry this ONE comment in my heart, and that one wasn't even made by an authority figure, I don't even know who it was made by, it was on the internet !)
Thank you ☺️ I am too, I can’t imagine not making art these days, it becomes a part of you I think 🥰 xxx
I had an art tutor who told me that painting wasn't my strong point and it knocked me sideways. I eventually went to uni as a mature student and avoided painting, thinking I had no talent for it and did sculpture instead. Since then with my passion for colour still burning I painted at home and in the following years had a lot of exhibitions of my paintings. I'm not saying I'm a success story because I still feel as though painting isn't my strong point but I still keep going because I love it.
I wish your art tutor could see you now with your beautiful paintings Julia, they'd feel very ashamed of themselves! xx
Thank you Jess! I think you are a success, you picked up your brushes again and carried on making art. So many people aren’t able to do so, paralysed by the fear or failure or unable to move past the opinions and criticisms of others, so it’s brilliant that you managed to overcome what your tutor told you! Thanks for sharing your story Jess 🩷
Thank you so much for writing this Julia. I think a lot of us might have had similar experiences. My tutor certainly seemed to have the same office with two chairs squeezed into a tight corner and a giant monstera plant! I struggle with self-belief too, a few comments here and there can burrow their way inside your heart and take root in a way that makes them extremely difficult to dislodge. I'm really glad you were able to overcome your tutor's ridiculous judgement and am excited to follow your work! Sarah x
Thank you so much for your comment Sarah, I wonder if we went to the same college? 😄 I don’t know if all creative people struggle more with confidence and self belief, but it’s something I’ve had to try really hard with all my life. I like what you said about the comments taking root - that’s absolutely what happened, and it was a wonderful way to describe it. Thanks again for stopping by today and reading 🩷 xxx