The Parable of the Talents

Once upon a time there were three children and they all had a talent for drawing. One of them was born into a well-off, creative family. They encouraged him by subscribing to art boxes, art clubs, art classes and eventually helped him to go to art college. He completed his training, worked as a landscape painter in his spare time and as a graphic designer for a big London company. He was able to buy a house and take holidays abroad where he visited wonderful art galleries and encouraged his own children in their artistic journeying. Later on in life, he was able to focus entirely on his landscape painting, exhibited at the Royal Academy and became remembered as a minor but important artist in the 21st century British pastoral tradition. He died happy, with enough money to leave his family provided for and few regrets.

The second child was born into a poorer family, but they were supportive and encouraged her to engage with the various free arts activities the school and church offered. She was able to take a degree in illustration and design and made a living as an art teacher. She has illustrated six books to date and gets better with each one. Sooner or later, she will probably write her own children’s book to go with some of her illustrations and we’ll see what the market makes of her. I think that she’s going to do rather well.

The third child had no access to drawing materials or art classes. He was difficult at school and was punished by not being allowed to do the “fun” stuff. His most artistic creations were the graffiti he daubed on the local school and church. He ended up in jail and struggled to find work when he came out.

Who should be investing in their talents? They themselves? Or society around them?

(Vicci Davidson: 2019)