passion above concern of the perception of others. It is one of the acid tests as an artist one is motivated by an inner compulsion of the creative process to do what you do, regardless of what anyone else thinks.

Maybe Jonbenet Ramsey would disagree, perhaps this child is an exception and truly fulfilling his own artistry, but so is the man editing the pictures, and he does not have to acquiesce in requests that violate his sense of childhood freedom from his own unique point of understanding. She asked and he denied explaining himself, there is nothing ugly about it. Children should be allowed to be children and not pushed into anything, so he maybe erroneously assuming the child is being pushed into social conformity, nothing ugly about it, just him stating what is important to him from his perspective and why he will not do the work. They probably just had someone else do it and dismissed his comments in error, no big deal. Part of any true artists life is knowing your passions must be pursued regardless of everyone patting you on the back. I think Van Gog would testify to passion about concern of the perception of others.

I didn't get the impression that he was putting the kid (and his mother) down because he doesn't like boys wearing makeup. I know that in our "offensensitive" society, that's the conclusion too many people would jump to. I read it as him saying that no kids, boys or girls, should be wearing make up. It's too "grown-up" for them. I see his point, however, personally, I don't quite agree. If this child (or any child) has developed a passion for the art of make up, why quash it? Who knows, with practice he could, as you say, become accomplished enough to make it his career in some way.

You can certainly have your own opinion on this matter, but kids should have their childhood. They are not here for their parent's personal entertainment