Art by 5-year-old Me
Recently, I’ve been thinking about talent versus skill. I wonder how much we are born with, and how much we develop our skills along the way. Is talent a mystery embedded in our DNA, or is it a skill that one develops and sharpens with hours upon hours of practice?
In light of this question, I began to look at some of my old, old art. As I did so, I began to think that at least ninety percent of talent a carefully crafted skillset. And I will show you why.
‘What Sharla Imagines in Bed at Night’
I don’t know when I drew this; I think I was four or five. There I am in bed with my worst fear coming to bite my toes. Luckily, my father is coming to the rescue with what looks like a stick, but what is meant to be a gun. Above my head you can see the thought clouds full of foxes. And if you’re wondering why the foxes are clothed, it’s because they have names— Granny Fox and Reddy Fox.
‘Happy Polar Bear’
I think this is the happiest polar bear I’ve ever seen. I can’t decide if it’s adorable or terrifying. And yes, I did learn how to write my signature in cursive before I went to school.
‘Flu Shots’
I don’t know why, but this reminds me of ancient depictions of human sacrifice. There is so much going on in this drawing, from the anatomy to the emotional support poodle standing on the floor. Please don’t neglect to notice the needle that’s bent ninety degrees.
‘Picnic with the Bees’
I really do love this one. It’s so imaginative. I’d love to repaint this now and see how it would turn out. It’s hard to see, but there are two people having a picnic in the bottom right corner. Their teddy bear is the most noticeable thing about their picnic, aside from the bees that are twice their size.
These are all drawings I completed at preschool age. I always loved to draw and create, but I often wonder if I’d be any good at it if I hadn’t obsessively done it over and over as a child. I don’t think I would be. I’m glad to know that, because I think people often neglect to realize the hours that artists put into becoming masters at their craft. We work hard at becoming better with every work we create. Often, the years we put into becoming ‘good at it’ are overlooked. Those years are important years, and I think we as artists should be proud of them. Most of all, I don’t think we should be ashamed to share our old art, because it showcases our progress and hard work.
Cheers to the journey.