CONFLICTS IN CREATIVITY - TALENTED FEMALE ARTISTS

A comparative case study approach was used to investigate the developm ent of artistic talent among female artists who also raise families. I ntensive interviews with 10 female artists who had children were condu cted. The artists revealed that their priority in life was their famil y but that their art also was essential for creative self-expression A rtistic productivity was dependent on a number of factors, including s elf-discipline; financial support and security; spousal encouragement and support; childrearing responsibilities;job demands; access to arti stic materials/equipment, and workspace availability. The female artis ts in this study indicated they often faced difficult choices related to creative expression and development because their relationships wit h their husbands and, especially, their children often diverted their attention from their art. However, they all persevered and continued w ith their art. Ironically, the obstacles they encountered-such as the absence of support from spouses and parents, financial difficulties, a nd time necessary to raise their children-were perceived by these wome n as contributing in some ways to their creative process and the devel opment of their identities as artists.