Art: Nature or Nurture?

When I was a little girl, my father would create kaleidoscopes for me. I collected tiny pieces of colorful plastic and broken glass so he could make them. This handmade creation brought me hours of magic. Since I started creating my art I wondered if his artistic genes passed to me or if I’ve nurtured my talent and skills over time. Perhaps it’s a mix of both—an innate gift, honed by hard work and patience.
Research shows that nurture plays a larger role in shaping an artist than nature. Even when there’s a natural inclination, it still requires dedication to fully flourish. As I look at my artwork displayed at galleries and exhibitions, I often reflect on how I got here. Was it my environment that sparked my imagination? My curiosity and my passion? The cultural events I attended.
The journey from a blank canvas to a finished painting, worthy of being exhibited, is long and often challenging. Could it be that creativity is simply part of my nature—a need to express my emotions through art?
I also wonder if this artistic spark was passed down to my four sons. They each express creativity in unique ways: through music, video, and other visual mediums. I know that nurturing their talents through creative classes—piano lessons, theater, and art—helped shape their skills. But ultimately, their hard work, combined with emotional support, led them to pursue careers in the arts.
Whether creativity is inherited or cultivated through effort, I’m deeply grateful for the countless hours I spend creating art. I’m thankful for my close-knit family, whose feedback and encouragement fuel my success, and for living in a city that embraces the arts. Creating art brings me immense joy and fulfillment.
Naomi Young is a teacher in Santa Clarita who brings over four decades of experience in Jewish studies and bar/ bat mitzvah training. She is a seasoned writer and multimedia artist. Connect with her via email at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com or explore her creative endeavors on her website www.naomiyoung.com

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