Despite being discouraged by his printmaking teacher, who told him he would never be an artist, the individual persevered through support from friends and further research. This experience led to the realization that many individuals have been told the same. The narrative expands into discussing the talent mystique, the great man mystique, and the genius mystique in various fields of the arts, highlighting the common trend of discouragement faced by artists.
Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discuss her legendary career as a distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist.