John Constable was my first art teacher: Construction of desire in a working-class artist/academic

Broadhead, Samantha ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9469-1233 (2022) John Constable was my first art teacher: Construction of desire in a working-class artist/academic. In: The Lives of Working-Class Academics: Getting ideas above your station. Emerald Publishing, Bingley, pp. 135-153. ISBN 978-1-80117-058-1

Abstract

The development of ‘desire’ in a working-class artist/academic is explored through an analysis of the reminiscences between the author and her mother. It is argued that the notion of cultural capital implies a deficit in working-class subjects that is deterministic and does not fully explain those who are successful in the art world and/or academia. Rather than thinking about works of art and art practice in terms of cultural capital, they are conceptualised as resources that can have existential significance for some people. This is because early interactions with the arts enable people to connect with the world and at the same time enable them to recognise their own desires and talents while learning to think critically about their lives. The findings of this study suggest a nuanced approach based on cultural assets and resources rather than cultural capital should be considered in educational policy and practice. This chapter was included in the volume "The Lives of Working-Class Academics: Getting ideas above your station", which won the Ryan and Sackrey Award for Best book by writers of working-class origins or that speak to issues of the working class academic experience. The award was presented by WCSA (Working-Class Studies Association) 2024 Awards for work produced in 2022 and 2023.

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