Children
Teach Creativity
By Linda Nowicki
Children have an endless well of creative energy. It shows up in the whimsical
lyrics they sing, their imaginative play, and in their innate ability to make
something out of anything. Because they don't fret over what anyone else will
think, they are free to live an authentic life that reflects their unique style.
But something happens as we grow. We begin to look outward instead of inward
for approval. We let magazines tell us what is stylish and how to decorate
our homes. We listen to the music of others instead of creating our own. When
we look at our children, it's difficult to imagine that creativity ever came
that easy to us. But it did. And it's possible to get that artistic spontaneity
flowing with some creative exercises you can do with you child.
Think back to the last time your child was painting. What were you doing while
they were elbow deep in poster paint? Were you talking on the phone? Worrying
about your To-Do list? Or worse, worrying about the mess? Distractions like
these rob parents of golden opportunities they could be spending with their
children and the chance to get a lesson in creativity from their pint sized
pro.
Creative exercises are designed to help you get absorbed in the process of
creating without worrying about the end product. Children do this naturally.
They can paint for hours and become so absorbed in it they lose themselves
completely. Ask them what they are painting and they will look at you as if
you had three heads. The idea that it had to be anything never occurred to
them. There is some merit to this carefree style.
In the mid 1940's the artist Jackson Pollock used a technique called 'drip
and splash' to achieve his goal of non-objective art. Instead of using an easel,
he affixed his canvas to the floor or the wall and poured and dripped paint
from a can. Instead of using brushes he used sticks and trowels, sometimes
obtaining a heavy impasto by adding sand or other foreign matter. This technique
allowed him to focus on the act of creating and allowed the artwork to evolve
spontaneously.
Pollock's idea of becoming absorbed in your work is the goal of the creative
exercises listed below. To help you achieve this, take time to really notice
the colors, textures and techniques used. Pay attention to how you feel as
you do them. You may discover that painting relaxes you and decide to pursue
it as a hobby. But most of all have fun, be present in the moment and enjoy
one of the finest creations ever made - your child.
Creative Exercises
- Everyone will need a blank piece of paper, a few paints, a brush and some
containers to mix colors. Make sure each person memorizes where each color
is. Take a deep breath and close your eyes. Now mix the colors that make
a perfect sky. You know - the one you see in your mind and long for in your
heart.
Don't think about bills or laundry. Allow yourself the freedom to create.
(You can repeat this one with your eyes open.)
- You may want to go outside for this one. Get a big piece of paper. Butcher
paper or poster board works well. Set out some paint on a paper plate and
paint a picture. The only catch is you have to use your feet.
- Put on some music you enjoy. Preferably one with no words. While you’re
listening, paint how the music makes you feel. Explore and compare
the emotions of melody and rhythm reflected in your art.
- Cut out a bunch of different sized shapes using many different colors
of paper. Some of your shapes should be similar but different sizes.
For instance, have
3 circles of different size, etc. When you cut them out be sure
you have 2 pieces of paper together so you cut out one set of shapes for
you
and one for
your child. Have one person arrange the shapes on a piece of paper
without the other person seeing. Now describe your picture so that the
other person
can try to recreate it.
- Cut out various pictures from a magazine or newspaper. Paste them on paper
and take turns writing the story.
- Using colored pencils scribble on paper making various sized circles,
lines, ovals, etc. Work on one area of the paper at a time. When you
feel one area
is done turn the paper to a different angle and scribble again.
Continue until you have filled in all the corners. Take turns looking
at each other's scribble
art. If you see a meaningful picture, shade that area to make
it more vivid.
- Take paper and paint to a nearby park. Paint a picture using pinecones,
leaves, sticks and anything else you can find. Talk about the results
of each tool
used.
- Get some clay and try to shape a person keeping your eyes closed. Get
as much detail as possible. The goal here is to pay attention to how the
clay feels
in your hands and trust your own instincts. When you open your
eyes it's okay to laugh.
- Lay on the ground with your kids and create a story by using characters
that you see in the clouds. If you come up with one you both like, write
it down
and illustrate it. It's a great way to get a peek inside your child's
head.
- This one is only for you. Think back to the time when you were a child.
Back to the time when you had the courage to wear what you wanted without
any regard
for peer pressure. Back to the time when you created like a child.
Now find a picture of you at that age. Frame it and keep it somewhere so
you will see
it every day. Let it be a gentile reminder to trust your own
sense of style.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once
we grow up. — Pablo Picasso
© 2003 Linda Nowicki
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