Gift or Life Sentence ??12:07 Aug 19 2008
Times Read: 673
Mondays ‘topical documentary’ that I had on in the background whilst filling out a boring job application form was “Superhuman: Genius”. It was a documentary that told the stories of stories of five exceptionally talented people, including a man who has memorized more than 12,000 books, (inspired by the film Rain Man) the UK's memory champion and featured three child prodigies exceptional in the fields of music, art and science.
Akiane was the one who caught my eye and made my ears perk up and pay attention. Akiane is a 13 year old art prodigy from Idaho, who believes God is behind her success to date. Described as a “phenomenal talent” by art critiques, Akiane has been producing art work since the age of 4 that would give any ‘mature’ artist a run for their money in terms of technique, skill and ability. Creating what can only be described as ‘master pieces’, self taught Akiane’s talents do not end there as she is considered the only known ‘child binary genius’ excelling in poetry as well. By the age of 8, she was transferring her visions of heaven onto huge canvases that currently sell between $100,000 - $300,000 for original pieces and $1,800 - $3,100 for prints of her work. Tidy little earner for a child who is so young.
But here is the part that kinda stuck in my throat, Akiane at the age of 13 is currently the sole “bread winner” with the tremendous burden, pressure and role that ensures her family have food, clothing and shelter. She’s doing an excellent job by all accounts, having recently purchased a million dollar home for the family and everything looks rosy on the surface. It’s under the surface that concerns me.
Akiane gets up each morning at 4.00am to begin painting and does so for the most part of the day. She is home schooled, which I think is fine if the child is being taught by someone who is qualified to do so. It just made me wonder if she was missing out on her childhood because of her special gift and more importantly is she missing out to support and provide for a family at such a young age. Being gifted as an artist is something that is innate to the person, it’s not something that is lost through lack of practice. I haven’t painted in years but I know if I was to lift a brush its something that I know I could do with a little practice to renew my skills. Should she not live her youth as a child and then embark on her career when she is older and expected to earn a living to support herself?
It reminded me of walking down Hollywood Blvd and seeing the most talented young girl about 12 or 13 singing on the sidewalk, accompanied by what appeared to be an old brother. As everyone stood clapping in admiration and in awe of her, myself included I noticed her rubbing her wee eyes and at that moment I thought, that poor child is exhausted and would probably rather be at home or sitting in the garden or her room with her friends enjoying her Summer break. How long had she been singing? Did she have any breaks? What time would she get home at? Was she being forced to sing to make money or there all day in the hopes that she’d be spotted in Hollywood as the next Britney Spears? God forbid and as talented as she was, was she being exploited? Is she any different that the young children In India who work all day in sweat shops to cloth me in cheap fashion in order to put food on the table? That was the big question on my mind.
On a personal note, I really don’t know that for example, suddenly one day Noah (Dark Child) began to show tremendous talent in a particular area, whether or not I would encourage it to the point where I cashed in on his abilities to benefit the entire family whilst resting on my laurels or should I say his laurels and at his expense …..
Akiane
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