In a letter to Margy, Mabel wrote that Daniel had received a perfect report card, along with “all good behavior marks, which is really something for him.” Mabel gave him a dollar as a reward but said she would only give him $5 if he moved up to “A-class.” He was in “B-class.”[1]
In the same letter, Mabel reported that Daniel only drew action pictures and adventure stories during this period and commented, “They are no longer very artistic.” Only a month or so later Mabel expressed pride in a drawing Daniel had made that was on display at his school. Recounting these letters to David, 12 years later, at age 22, he was struck by his mother’s mixed responses to his art from that period. Regarding Mabel’s criticism he responded, “Isn’t that a weird thing to say?” Regarding Mabel’s pride he responded, “Isn’t that great!”[2]
[1] 1:10, 5:25, DT005_0 Sept 6 1983 Letter to Dave (San Marcus)
[2] 1:10, 5:25, DT005_0 Sept 6 1983 Letter to Dave (San Marcus)