2007 (8th grade)Ryan: My art teacher wants me to put a face on my figure project but I don't want to. Mine is a wizard and I think it looks better without a face.
Me: What will happen if you don't?
Ryan: She said she'd mark me down on the scoring rubric and give me a C.
Me: Are you ok with that?
Dec 24, 2011 - (Senior Year) The letter he's been waiting for arrived. YES, he'd been accepted to his #1 choice, Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, to study for a BFA in Film. And, he was given a merit scholarship based solely on his own accomplishments. We are so happy for him!!
Dec 24, 2011 - (Senior Year) The letter he's been waiting for arrived. YES, he'd been accepted to his #1 choice, Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston, to study for a BFA in Film. And, he was given a merit scholarship based solely on his own accomplishments. We are so happy for him!!- The wizard doesn't have a face.
- Ryan is still an artist.
Michele, this is wonderful news! I am so happy for your son. I remember those days not long ago.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week.
Teresa
xoxo
This is a great story and I'm predicting a fabulous future for Ryan.
ReplyDeleteWhen my (now 25 yr. old) daughter was in preschool, she loved to paint. Another parent looked at one of her works and said "Ooh, maybe you'll be an artist when you grow up."
My then 3-yr. old daughter gave her a withering look and said, "I'm an artist NOW." (duh!)
Here's to the artists.
Congratulations! What wonderful news for 2012 and may your artist thrive in college (I am sure he will). We are waiting to hear of our son's residency so I know how exciting this is for you...........all these milestones! All the best in 2012. XO
ReplyDeleteSo many people out there will tell artists what they need to do, but the entire point of being an artist is being true to a unique vision. You go, Ryan, a heartfelt congrats to you and to your proud parents as well!
ReplyDeleteAwesome story. So glad he stuck to his own ideas!
ReplyDeleteLaura
www.happyroost.blogspot.com
An artist through and through. Congratulations to your son!
ReplyDeleteMichele,
ReplyDeleteWonderful news for you and your wizard!
I just delivered one son back to college yesterday and it was great to meet his new friends. He was greeted with hugs and a hey! It is wonderful to witness how they navigate without us :)
pve
Congratulations to Ryan! Love the wizard with no face. Happy 2012 to all of you! Here's to a great year.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for him. You must be so proud. Congratulations to both of you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats -thats amazing! Love the wizard.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to him! One single course I took at Mass Art changed the way I view the world. I think it's a great school.
ReplyDeleteso pleased for him. what a wonderful sense of self he must have to know what's right for his own work...congratulations...donna
ReplyDeletehow exciting, congrats to your son, you must be so proud!!
ReplyDeleteThat is incredible news. I am so happy for you guys!!!! Wow!
ReplyDeletexo Terri
I just found your blog and am so excited to be a new follower! Such a great site, coming back soon for more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your son! I hope he always remembers that teacher and draws drive and determination from her. On another note, I can't believe you have a son that old!
ReplyDeleteI went there. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! And, he was right in 2007!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to learn to trust one's instincts. Congratulations, Ryan and Mom!
ReplyDeleteMichele how exciting, I am so proud of your budding artist!! Adore the wizard!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Years and All the Best in 2012!
I hope you will come to enter my Giveaway from Serena & Lily!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Congratulations! I love the wizard -- marvelously creative. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations dahhling! Personally I could not agree more with Ryan the wizard looked far more interesting & sculpural just the way he is! How dehhvine!
ReplyDeleteLove the way he followed his vision. Congrats on the college.
ReplyDeleteThank God we didn't all listen to those teachers who tried to tell us who they thought we were supposed to be! Hooray for Ryan! May good luck and good fortune follow his every step! I love the Wizard...LOVE HIM!!! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteNews of Ryan's success spread fast - mazeltov! They start out as artists but so much talent slips away or gets turned off. Takes character to get through childhood with vision & faith intact. Good for Ryan.
ReplyDeleteYay!!! As someone who lives in Boston, I can vouch it is a great place to call home!! xx
ReplyDeleteAwesome....Michelle! And I am so glad you made good use of that fabric!!!
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic!!!! I know Ryan is thrilled and you and your husband are over the moon. I'm so happy you shared this story, as I'm a few years behind you in the child rearing....and having 2 boys who don't always fit "the mold" can sometimes give me sweats. But, I'm encouraged to see how you supported him in his artistic talents (that wizard does NOT need a face - it's incredible) and look at what he's about to experience.
ReplyDeleteTake it all in. Be proud. You did well - all of you!
xoxo Elizabeth
This is awesome!!! I love the way you handled it back in 07, you put it back on him and he was okay with a C and you didn't push on him changing his creation only to get a better grade. Good for him (and you)for sticking to his guns. (ok, why am I tearing up???) haha Love this post. Congrats to Ryan!!! xo
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!!!! So cool that he knew to stick to his artistic vision at such a young age. I love this, and clearly its paid off!
ReplyDeleteBravo to Ryan!!! Loved this story.
ReplyDeleteQuite right, I prefer that wizard without a face! Congrats to Ryan.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to Ryan for being willing to stand up for his art, regardless of the "rubric" scorers of the world.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post! Possibly one of my top 3 favorites of all time. I love that it's meaningful and personal and teaches us something. Duh! The wizard needs not a face!
ReplyDeleteCongrats,
XO
Jan
Congratulations to Ryan for knowing what he wants at that age and for getting in! You did the exact right thing with your attitude. Many would have forced him to conform for a better grade! Very excited for him.
ReplyDelete