My cheeks are still rosy from the wine from tonight's art show. I started taking art classes at a local art school a few months ago, because I wanted to learn how to take better photographs. I've learned a bit about photography, but mostly, these classes have helped me remember how much I love being around art.
I signed up for art classes in college, whenever I had spare spots in the schedule. Sometimes it was an art history class. Other times, I took life painting classes. The art studio was always open, so you could work on your paintings on weekends with the majors. Later, I took life painting classes at the Art Students League of New York, where I hung out in the smoking room with the nude models. I worked in a museum in Chicago for a year during one of my off-years from grad school. Friends with connections in the underground art world in Chicago took me to performance art shows. At one memorable show, a heavily tattooed man in a speedo hoisted into the air another man dressed up as a giant penis.
When I got pregnant with Jonah, I stopped painting, because the chemicals are bad for fetuses. After that, life got crazier. I took the kids to museums here and there, but I didn't have grown up time there. I didn't paint at all. I drifted away from the galleries and the museums.
Now, I'm back. I love the wall of paint smell that hits you when you walk in the doors. I love the crazy creative people. There's a room of pottery wheels in the basement that I can't wait to play with. Wet clay awaits!
I'm in love with my fellow students. Here in suburban New Jersey, they're a slightly different breed than city arty types. There are the older retired people who mother me. And the misfit moms, who are bored with the PTA. They hugged and kissed me, as we left this evening.
Some people go to church to find a community. I go to art school.
Apt. 11d 
A woman after my own heart! I loved art classes in college too. Artists are my people. And I think the church-art class comparison is apt. Both can be quite contemplative activities.
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When I went to the Alt Design Summit last January, I felt like I had found my tribe – creative people who live beautiful things, both art and design.
Throughout my life I have gone back and forth between “responsible” paid work (my working class roots) and the arts. Started university as a music performance major. Took many art classes along the way (figure drawing is so great!). Studied jazz piano. And now passionate about photography.
My crazy newish blog is about my desire to finally commit to living a creative life. To take myself seriously. And it feels good.
I find it’s about “ands” rather than “ors” – I like the academics and current events and politics AND I like art and theatre and design and books and good food.
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I feel the exact same way about my writers club. People who live the creative life are my soul mates.
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I love this! I’m a misfit mom but I don’t have a lot of talent in the visual arts. Maybe I should try again though. After all, I can just learn…I don’t have to be GOOD. Nice post!
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Jen W – that’s what holds people back – thinking they have to meet some arbitrary standard of “good” with their art. Or make a living at it, like anything is only worth doing if you can out a price tag on it.
Get out there and try some different things and see what you like!
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Art can tend toward the annoying. I do enjoy the skilled crafts. I took a class rebuilding stained glass windows and found it very enjoyable. It does involve lead, which may be a minus for some.
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Photography is great for someone who isn’t as excited by the technical skills required to do some creative work, like woodworking or oil painting, because these days, with digital photography, you can learn to use your eye without first having to learn a lot of technical skills.
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I would have loved to have taken art history classes in college, but in Brazil college is 99% specialized and it would be nearly impossible for me to take classes in the School of Communication and Art as a student in the College of Arts and Letters (at the University of São Paulo). 😦 Then in graduate school it was complicated… so… yeah. someday. Art history & photography. I’m so glad you found “your people” again!
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