Conflicts in creativity: Talented female artists

A comparative case study approach was used to investigate the development of artistic talent among female artists who also raise families. Intensive interviews with 10 female artists who had children were conducted. The artists revealed that their priority in life was their family but that their art also was essential for creative self-expression Artistic productivity was dependent on a number of factors, including self-discipline; financial support and security; spousal encouragement and support; childrearing responsibilities;job demands; access to artistic materials/equipment, and workspace availability. The female artists in this study indicated they often faced difficult choices related to creative expression and development because their relationships with their husbands and, especially, their children often diverted their attention from their art. However, they all persevered and continued with their art. Ironically, the obstacles they encountered-such as the absence of support from spouses and parents, financial difficulties, and time necessary to raise their children-were perceived by these women as contributing in some ways to their creative process and the development of their identities as artists.