A Long Held Dream Realized ...

Steven Sweeney · 10-26-2007, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patricia Joyce

Everytime I read someone's bio which states that they grew up with an artist parent/grandparent, getting mentorship and encouragement to be creative I felt envy.

The great jazz guitarist Pat Metheny was just in town. You watch and listen and you just wonder, slack-jawed, where that came from. And then you learn that he actually started out as a trumpet player. And that his grandfather was a trumpet player under John Philip Sousa. Metheny was probably toe-tapping in the womb.

I never made it as an athlete, but a maternal relative was an NFL football player and that fact itself was a huge motivational push for my son, who excelled in the sport in high school and now plays for a college team.

We are teaching always, whether by design or accident. Class is always in session.

Michele Rushworth · 10-26-2007, 11:57 AM

[quote]My dad, an underpaid blue-collar worker his entire life, was extremely well read, a self-taught near-expert in a variety of interests and avocations, including an undeniable and often manifested talent for artistic expression. A woodcarver, a pipefitter, mechanic and logskinner, musician (guitar, his father a fiddler), fisherman and craftsman. He never

Marvin Mattelson · 10-26-2007, 11:07 PM

Did you sign her up for my workshop yet? She may replace you as my favorite student.

Patricia Joyce · 10-27-2007, 08:07 AM

She asked for your workshop for a Christmas Present, I told her to get in line!!

Richard Bingham · 10-27-2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patricia Joyce

She asked for your workshop for a Christmas Present, I told her to get in line!!

If I may . . . you just want to hold her place in line, Pat!

I grew up knowing the most fun I could possibly have was to paint alongside my Dad. He promised me I could begin in oils when I was ten, and I couldn't wait for that. The smell of hIs paintbox and its odd smears of pure color beckoned, filling me with longing for "the day". When I was in my early teens, he took me along to several workshops . . . that day will come for you and your granddaughter sooner than you think!

This is so kewl!

Patricia Joyce · 10-28-2007, 11:52 AM

Richard, you are one of those lucky ones. I can just imagine what it must have been like. And yes, Alex will go with me if she indeed shows an interest. It IS kewl!!!

Chris Saper · 10-29-2007, 08:18 PM

What a lovely story! Be sure to document ALL of it.

Pam Powell · 10-29-2007, 11:08 PM

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing that milestone.

My mom waited until all the kids were grown and gone, to take up acting at 56. She went back to college to study theater and then went on to act in regional theaters for many years. She was in plays until she was 85. She was an inspiration to me, she showed me it's never too late to do what you love.

You will teach your granddaughter