Once, a student I taught for a few years could mimic anyone’s writing voice. Shakespeare? Easy. Poe? Scarily accurate. But, as much as he wanted to, he struggled to write as himself. Fascinated by mockingbirds and all they represent, I decided we should do a quick study of them—masters of imitation. One day he admitted, “Maybe I’m scared my own voice won’t be good enough.” In his final writing workshop project, he let his own voice sing, and man, I was blown away. Somewhere, I hope he is still writing.
6” x 8”. Oil on 100% cotton paper.
Once, a student I taught for a few years could mimic anyone’s writing voice. Shakespeare? Easy. Poe? Scarily accurate. But, as much as he wanted to, he struggled to write as himself. Fascinated by mockingbirds and all they represent, I decided we should do a quick study of them—masters of imitation. One day he admitted, “Maybe I’m scared my own voice won’t be good enough.” In his final writing workshop project, he let his own voice sing, and man, I was blown away. Somewhere, I hope he is still writing.
6” x 8”. Oil on 100% cotton paper.
