“Mom, I think I’d like to be a photographer,” my 10-year-old daughter, Maya, said recently.
“That would be very cool.” Inside, I found myself thinking: I hope you can earn a living doing that.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a believer in the arts. I sang in a high school show choir before Glee made that seem cool. I worked backstage on all of my high school’s plays and minored in theatre at Muskingum College just because I loved it.
In fact, maybe because I know I have a bias toward the arts and humanities, I worry about how to correct for that. I also know very well the barriers women face in entering the male-dominated—and lucrative—STEM fields. I love sharing blog space with Science Grrl, Veronica Arreola, and I definitely gain insights from her posts. I want to try to expose Maya to those potential career paths, too.
But the National Women’s Studies Association’s annual conference in Atlanta, Georgia last week gave me a new way to think about the transformative potential of the arts.
I listed to Lisa Yun Lee, the director of the Jane Addams Hull House museum, talk about why she makes efforts to support the arts with her programs. She explained that her immigrant mother—who she knew as an accountant—had wanted to be a poet, a calling she gave up when she came to the United States.
I attended Ashley Lucas’s moving one-woman show, Doin’ Time Through the Visiting Glass, which examines the impact of incarceration on families. Before the performance I admit I had given little thought to how prison shapes and binds those on the outside.
Lee’s remarks about her mother and Lucas’s performance reminded me that I want Maya to pursue her passions, wherever they take her. I want her to be the photographer—or the poet—who can realize her vision and possibly make art that makes change.
Comments
Jessica Mason — November 19, 2011
Many people lack confidence in the arts as a career path. They view it as one filled with instability, unhappiness, and unemployment. And while a career in the arts definitely has a degree of uncertainty, those who have a passion for it by all means should pursue it. These days it seems so many go after jobs that will bring them money instead of fulfilling their desires and dreams. If people do not follow their heart, they are cheating themselves of discovery. Also the arts have value in our culture. Art not only provides escape and fun, but it also can be informative and thought provoking. Art can bring forth change, and is a powerful tool which can be used to influence and inspire many. The arts should not be underestimated as they have much to give to individuals and society as a whole.
Allison Kimmich — November 21, 2011
Jessica, thank you for this thoughtful comment. I absolutely agree with you!
Kelley Ward — November 22, 2011
My son also wants to be an artist. Of course he's only 6 but he has been drawing, coloring, painting, creating ever since he was old enough to hold a crayon. I too have wondered, "Will he be able to survive as an artist?" Do we as mother's have a role in helping them see the possible long term consequences of choosing a career that many refer to as "starving artist"? Or do we keep our mouths shut and support them on their path toward self-discovery?
Allison Kimmich — November 22, 2011
Kelley, thanks for asking these important questions. As a feminist, I hope my daughter pursues a career that fulfills her and makes the world a better place.
Deborah Siegel — November 29, 2011
That NWSA conference was truly stellar. And I loved reading this post. Can't wait to see who Maya becomes!
Yas Goldbody — December 8, 2011
I agree that the arts need to be saved. I know so many women who have a passion for something but chose a different path simply because they need to provide for themselves and/or families. Later on some of these women turn and say how they regret it. Well i don't want to regret something. If i only get to live once I want to live life to the fullest. I think women should do what they are passionate about. Maybe not as their only type of support but as one of the two or three or etc.
Nandi George — December 9, 2011
2. I love hearing stories like these and I wish more parents were like you. I have heard too many stories of my peers being forced to become doctors, scientists, and lawyers. The sad reality is that our society cares greatly about money and less about happiness. I am not an artist, but I admire art so much. Every form is so intriguing in its own way and helps me escape. Dancers, painters, actors, musicians, etc. are inspiring. When parents prohibit their children to pursue their dreams in the arts I don’t think they realize how many people their child may have the ability to touch and inspire. It is not only taking away from their child, but from others. I am a college student and am grateful to have parents who let me pursue my dreams even if they were different. My generation has so much creativity and diversity to break “the norm” and I hope we do. I thank you for posting this & all of the others who commented!