CHILDHOOD PRECURSORS OF WOMENS ARTISTIC EMINENCE

This paper describes the traits and life experiences that appear to ha ve influenced the success of 21 eminent women in the visual arts. Key familial, school and social childhood conditions provided support and encouragement during the childhoods of women who became outstanding ar tists. As children, artists were creative, versatile, vital, energetic , sensitive, and found joy in their work. Corroborating previous findi ngs, early achievement predicted later accomplishments. As in the live s of eminent authors, musicians, philosophers, and other illustrious g roups, early intensive concentration in one's field of accomplishment, often to the near exclusion of other activities, is associated with h igh levels of accomplishment.