How I Was Almost Thwarted By A Dragon, A Ribbon, and Poor Penmanship

Marker on paper, Currently on display in my Parents' Basement

People often assume that I’ve always wanted to be an artist, and while I have always been creative, the truth is that there was a pretty good chunk of my life where I believed that I could never, NOT EVER, be an artist….and it was all because of Becky Roberto, a dragon, and a blue ribbon.

Let me back up and explain.

You see, in about third grade, our school district implemented the Learn Not To Burn fire safety program.  At the end of the unit, we put our new knowledge into action by creating fire prevention posters in art class.  As you can imagine, the halls were filled with helpful advice.  Signs plastered the walls, urging kids to throw away frayed electrical cords, change the batteries in their smoke detectors, and of course to practice Stopping, Dropping and Rolling.

I went a slightly different route with my poster.

I was a serious student and made what I thought would really grab the attention of other 8 year olds…you know, to SAVE LIVES.

Oh man, I was so proud of that poster.  

Apparently the judges liked it too.  It won first prize -  complete with a blue ribbon, an official certificate with one of those gold foil star stickers on it, and a $50 savings bond, all written out to Becky ROBERTO. 

Handwriting has never been my strength.  So, I’d very carefully written my name (Becky Roberts at the time) on the front. As luck would have it, the judge in charge of recording the winners got my name off the back of my poster (where I’d scrawled my name in my typical horrific chicken scratch). My family tried to make light of it. They joked and laughed - encouraging me to shrug it off. 

But alas, I wasn’t really much of a shrugger, not when I was embarrassed.  And truthfully, I wasn’t just embarrassed, I was MORTIFIED.  Shame seemed to settle deep into my tiny kid bones.  

The judges had been wrong.  

They’d made a terrible mistake.  

I couldn’t POSSIBLY be an artist if I couldn’t even write my name legibly.

There was no other explanation that made sense to me. In that moment, I was sure that I was definitely not an artist.

I didn’t give up on art completely but I sure did back away… for a REALLY LONG TIME. 

Decades later, I’ve found my way back to art and I’ve found compassion and gratitude for Becky Roberto.  I’m proud of her for giving it a shot - for trying to use her unique voice, even if it was a bit shaky.  Much of my art practice revolves around embracing imperfection and vulnerability, and that itty-bitty, sensitive, spirited, dragon-loving, tortoise-shell bifocal wearing kid is often my muse and my guide.

So, if you think you’re not creative, that you don’t have an artistic bone in your body - it’s okay.  We ALL are completely misguided and wrong about things sometimes!   

All people are meant to be creating - whether you’re painting, or doodling in margins, or sculpting in play-doh, or cooking, or gardening, or writing, or building teams, buildings, communities or lesson plans. Learn from Becky Roberto, and remember that you don’t need to be PERFECT to flex your creative muscles.  You can be messy and make mistakes and still have a positive impact if you’re willing to give it a shot.  

What’s Next?

I’m taking classes, trying new techniques, and making enormous messes in the studio as I find my way into my next series, focused around ebbs and flows.  I can’t wait to share it with you.

xo-Rebecca