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Well, this brings up some very nasty memories, and maybe it's time to write them down. My story may benefit someone else in a similar situation.
I was a big fish in a small pond, won every art award available and made all my plans to attend the Art Institute of Chicago. There seemed to be no problem as far as my father was concerned. Unfortunately I was unaware that my goal in life was to become a corporate wife, and my father had trained me well. I could mix a perfect martini by the time I was 15. When the time came to solidify and submit to the Art Institute I was told NO, and I rebelled. Left home and supported myself and attended a small community college. I tried to get scholarships or loans, but was told that my father made too much money and since I was under 21 was still technically under his big umbrella. I tried to get emanicipated and again my father refused to sign any papers stating that I was self-supporting. I finally gave up on any art schooling, had to make enough money to live, but I never went back to my father. Some day I may forgive him, but not yet. When he died many years ago I gave him a private send off.
I've done many other things since then, but have never been a corporate wife. I've missed the art so badly, and now am so glad to be back to it. My current husband supports me totally and is my angel on my shoulder. When I started back painting three years ago I never thought I would come so far so fast, and I credit this forum for it all.
It's possible that my life experiences have made me a better artist, but sometimes I really wish that I had been able to find a way to incorporate formal art more into my life. When looking back I do realize that I was compelled to be creative though, and it sometimes got me in trouble (I could write a book)!
For anyone else who is in a similar situation I say, find a way to fight for what you need to do, and if you get roadblocks charge through them.
Recently I saw my stepmother and showed her my portfolio, she started crying and stated, "Your father would be so proud, and your mother too." This was the first time she ever made any reference to my mother (she died when I was 15 after a long illness). That felt really good.
Jean
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