The purpose of this study was to gain insight into creativity and creative talent development in order to address the problem of underachievement of creatively talented females. The experiences of ten female visual artists were investigated from a feminist, interpretive perspective using open-ended interviews and a focus group, which was observed by a reflecting team.
Using grounded theory, the data analysis identified seven themes. The themes are: educational experiences, urge to create, gender issues, talent is not enough, connections, obligations and expectations, and need for support.
Results revealed that talent alone is not enough to ensure realization of potential. A variety of supports are critical to the development of talent. Strategies to promote talent development included mentor programs and career-training programs specific to the needs of creatively talented females. There is also a need to provide professional development for teachers in both art and creativity.
A further result demonstrated that while life and work may, at times be distinct, they are not separate. They are inextricably linked and influence each other in reciprocal ways. As such, in determining how to support talent development, one must consider supporting life choices.
A model of creative female talent development was developed to represent the intersection and influence of professional and personal lives of the participants. It is in the form of the two rails that make up the double helix framework of the DNA molecule. One rail represents aspects of personal life and the other rail represents career components of creatively talented females. The rails connect the various parts of a life together. The rails are meant to convey the fact that the career development of creatively talented females is not a linear process. There may be many ups and downs, twists and turns. The two strands are ultimately connected and, as such, events or developments in one area, can affect the other.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:uottawa.ca/oai:ruor.uottawa.ca:10393/29050 |
| Date | January 2003 |
| Creators | Harris, Eileen Ophelia |
| Contributors | Leroux, Janice A., |
| Publisher | University of Ottawa (Canada) |
| Source Sets | Université d’Ottawa |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 166 p. |
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