Today I woke up and decided that I would not dress especially for school drop off, to only have to come home and change into my Painted Pants of Love and then do the reverse for school pick up. This morning I get to paint, so why spoil it with the expectation of looking good or acceptable to others? I have nothing to hide. I am an artist.
So in painted Pants of Love & matching paint-splotched top I took my 5 year old to school. The teacher saw me and said ‘Oh, you’re painting today?’. I proudly nodded. She asked me what type of painting I did (she already knew I was an artist, not a house painter). I told her I painted mixed media pieces as well as intuitive paintings. My sons teacher then said ‘Oh, you must bring in some of your artwork so we can show the kids’. As it happened and it happens quite frequently, I had forgotten my sons library book and had to go back for it. At home, without thinking too much, I grabbed two paintings from my studio. These two…
On the left: Me wearing my Painted Pants of Love.
I returned to school with my sons library book in hand and the above two paintings. I walked into the classroom. The teacher was addressing her class. I walked to the back of the classroom and handed the library bag to the teacher’s assistant and mentioned that I would leave the paintings with her and pick them up at the end of the day. Then I heard the teacher saying to the class ‘…and his mum is here with some of her paintings, shall we get her up to show them to you all?”.
I wasn’t prepared for how nervous I might feel addressing a classroom full of discerning art-practiced, 5 year olds. I splash paint across my studio from great heights, I spray water all over the paint, I let it dribble a bit, I smear it with my hands. How was I going to measure up to these little inquisitors? I mean…they are professionals at this sort of stuff! They have been doing it every day for 5 years. THEY know how to paint from an intuitive place with free abandon and without judgement. Who is teaching who here?
After tripping over a few of my words and thinking too much which words of explanation the teacher may need, I said very little. I asked, who could guess what my favorite colour was? The girls yelled out in unison, ‘PINK!’.
It was a blast. No need to feel nervous at all. A classroom of 5 year olds are so accepting.
My son looked proud and had a special place on the mat today. His mummy had come in and stood up in front of his class. He is telling news today also. I can’t wait to swap stories with him later.
Mrs Price has invited me back to do some painting with the kids one day…I can’t wait!
I am SO glad I put on my work uniform this morning. My Painted Pants of love showed to everyone that it’s okay to DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
I will be wearing my ‘uniform’ for school drop off and pick up more often from now on. I have no need to impress anyone. My only duty is to myself. Do what makes me happy. My kids will see me happy. It gives them permission to be happy also.
x Tanya
I applaud how you own that doing what you love gives others permission to do the same. I wonder how many of those kids went home thinking: “I want to be an artist when I grow up!”
What an inspiration to all of us to be ourselves. And how amazing that the lesson was learned from something as simple as taking your child to school! This is awesome Tanya… you may never realize the impression you made on those sweet little 5 year olds today!
Thanks for sharing…such a simple but beautiful and meaningful story. So nice to find happiness when you are least expecting it. I hope you had an extra special day of painting after such a great morning!!
Thanks Marykaye! The jury is still out. I will wait until my son comes home to find out if I did an okay job or not, lol! I will post a clearer pic up on Facebook of my Painted Pants of Love 🙂
LOVE this story! And glad you know who the REAL professionals. Makes my heart warm. I really would like to see your paint pants better.