A few months ago, I watched an episode of PBS Art Talk about a young life that will forever stay in my memory. It's the story of an accomplished American artist named Nathaniel Mary Quinn. Some people live through tough childhoods and he is one. He grew up in the poorest and toughest part of Chicago. His parents were illiterate, raising four boys on almost no income.
He drew on the walls of his parents' apartment. His mother thought she should punish him but his big brother stopped her, pointing out that Natianial actually showed talent for good art. Then she encouraged him, repeatedly washing the walls so he could have new space to keep drawing.
His art saved his life in many ways. As a young boy, he drew sketches of gang leaders so they would feel good about themselves and it stopped them from beating him up. As a teenager, he won a scholarship to a high school where he could live in residence. During this time, his mother passed away and he never learned the cause of her death. A few weeks after her passing, Nathanial went home for Thanksgiving but arrived to find an empty apartment. He didn't know where his father and brothers had gone.
He gained a new appreciation for his school, seeing it as the place that gave him a secure life: three good meals a day, a roof over his head, and a chance to learn and grow in safety. He worked hard to gain top marks so he could stay in school. He won awards and world-wide accolages for his art. His art is very original, and when you learn about his life, it makes sense. He creates pictures of broken people; people who are still holding together somehow. Damages souls.
He added his mother's name to his name to honour her. knowing she always wished she had an education, he made sure that her name would appear on his degrees and awards by having her name as part of his. I found this very moving. His life is very inspiring but, in the interview, he talked about it in a matter-of-fact voice, not complaining at all or feeling sorry for himself. He only expressed gratitude for the life he lives now.
I tried to find that interview on the internet so I could share the link with you, but my technical wizardry only goes so far. Other, shorter interviews are available but not the one I saw. Watch out for him. His is an inspiring story.
His story taught me a few things about life: to appreciate the safe and privileged life I live, for to take the opportunities offered and make the most of them. I hope you will do the same.
Three Good Questions:
Simplifying your life is simple but not easy. here are three questions to ask when making decisions, setting goals, or planning uyour day:
- Will it matter tomorrow?
- Will it matter in ten years?
- Will this matter at the end of your life?
---Jennifer Louden, The Woman's Comfort Book
Monarch of the Wild 
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