Rosemary Walls’ Paintings – The Glass Castle
A couple of months ago, I read Jeanette Walls’ amazing memoir of her childhood – The Glass Castle. Of course, the book provoked many thoughts and questions for me – as I’m sure it did for anyone who read it. And if you haven’t read it, I strongly recommend it – and don’t worry, it’s not like an Oprah selection book that leaves you despairing and depressed at the end.
But without going into the myriad of thoughts and questions this book provoked (we discussed it at a book club meeting and after two hours still weren’t done!), one overriding question remained for me:
Were her mother’s paintings good enough to “somewhat excuse” her pursuit of her art above her children’s welfare?
By that I mean: would anyone berate Picasso, or Rembrandt or Michelangelo for not devoting enough time to their kids (if they had any)? Would anyone want to tear a strip out of these artists and say that they should have been able to give up their all-consuming art for their kids? Or does the evidence of their art provide justification for the extreme selfishness of their lives?
Of course, I’m not saying it’s okay to neglect or abuse your children for the sake of your art. But for me, as an artist (singer, painter, writer), it would provide some other kind of a piece of an explanation for Rosemary’s (her mother) behaviour – which is otherwise so unfathomable.
People who do not have a strong creative drive, don’t understand that you need to create or die. They can’t possibly understand how the life of a housewife would be just like a living death to an artist. Hence, we have so many housewives who have incorporated creativity into their role – through their cooking, baking, sewing clothes, crafts, directing children’s plays and concerts, field trips, etc.
As someone who was so dysfunctional and so wounded herself, Rosemary Walls’ didn’t seem able to achieve any kind of balance or rhythm between her artist self and her mother self. And at the end of the book, it was killing me: Was her art good enough to warrant her extreme dedication to it?
Well, after much searching, I found this video – that not only shows Rosemary, but SOME OF HER PAINTINGS as well. Thank god, I can now put that question in my brain to rest. I know my opinion of her art – I’ll let you watch the video and form your own:
And just in case you’re curious, here are some of my paintings – and yes, my three children are very well taken care of, in spite of all my artistic pursuits!
KENYA ELDER – Watercolor & Acrylic (22″x30″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
WATER MAELSTROM – Acrylic (16″x20″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
LUNCH – Acrylic (22″x30″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
YOGA NUDE – Conte & Charcoal (18″x22″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
A’GHRA – Watercolor (16″x20″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
EAGLE TOTEM – Watercolor & Ink (9″x10″) – by Jini Patel Thompson
Here’s to finding the healthy balance and expression of the creativity within each of us!
Jini
I wish I could paint as lovely as both of you have done! My creativity comes from making quilts for children in need. I have been told they are really beautiful but it is not why I do it. I just want to help a child feel love and security.
Stunning, Jini. The texture you captured for the elephant skin is amazing to behold. I hope your creativity and talent is something your kids inherit – which brings me to your question regarding the mother in the Glass Castle (thanks for the book recommendation). Is the question really whether or not her art was subjectively “good enough” to warrant not only neglect – but something closer to abandonment? At the risk of coming across as overly judgemental, I would have to think that there was something inherently “off” with the woman given that neglect came so easy for her. It really isn’t normally that much of a choice. The bond between mother and child usually dominates all other “loves” – be it for their partner or their passion for their art. Evolution has seen that is the best way to ensure the survival of the species. This has probably led to the derailment of many career-minded women whose priorities just happened to change when they had their child. We know that it will eventually come to this, and I know many women competing in traditionally male dominated fields (such as Professors) who felt that they had to decide which way they wanted their lives to go because, as much as we may protest, it is awfully difficult to have it all the way things are currently set up.
Jeanne – quilting is something I haven’t tried yet, but some of them are truly amazing and even better – you can use them and enjoy them every night! You go girl.
Ashley – Yes, I’m not saying art or any other passion provides an acceptable excuse for neglecting and causing your children to suffer. I’m clumsily attempting to say that at least – if she was an amazing artist – it would have given some *inkling* of understanding to the motivation behind her behaviour. Which is otherwise so unfathomable.
Also keep in mind, that being a Catholic in that era, she probably did not “choose” to have children. I wouldn’t be surprised if it never occurred to her that she could have chosen not to have them – in which case I suspect she would indeed have remained childless. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
And glad you like the elephant – it’s one of my favorites. When I was 2 years old an elephant charged our car whilst on safari (in Kenya where I was born). I was on the side of the car facing the elephant and this painting is pretty much what I remember seeing out that window before I dived onto the floor!
I sensed that there is something rather familiar about your approach to life and sense of humour – a dear friend of mine is also from Kenya (her family hail from Mombasa) and she also wrings a grin out of me with her perspective on things. Must be that early exposure to “hakuna matata” attitude…
In regards to the absentee mother, I know you were postulating and attempting to put into play that underused tool of perspective taking. I was coming from a purely evolutionary perspective (which more often than not, has holes in its theories of the mind) which holds that the “mothering instinct” is biologically very strong – and in cases where it fails to develop that it may be reflecting underlying alteration in the way the woman is either wired or her “chemicals” are regulated. This, in itself, may do wonders for artistic ability – but may take toll on her mother ability. Regardless, the story itself is a great testimony to the resilience of children – and gives hope that – provided you are accepting of it – the universe is indeed conspiring for you to succeed.
Hi Jini, Did I ever tell you that your art is so “likable” so fresh, clean and organic. (kinda like you) I have a pretty big email that I need to send you about my probiotic update. By the way “The Glass Castle” is my favorite book of all time. Have you read “Snowflower and the Secret Fan”?…. another favorite.
Love,
Caroline Malouf
Hey thanks Caroline! And I LOVE Snowflower and the Secret Fan – talk about a book that stays with you, very powerful. Another great book is White Tiger by Aravind Adiga. hugs,
Jini