Child as an Artist

So, confession...even as a teacher I have always had an issue with “I do, you do” art or “cookie-cutter” art. I think that’s one of many reasons why I was drawn to a Reggio inspired philosophy of teaching. I never liked having every child produce or made to produce the very same art piece. Just like I don't like forcing children to perform for others. I dislike the idea of judging how “good” a piece of art is based on how accurate it is to the original. In fact, (unless I was made to) I never really had the same art piece up in my classroom. My ideal classroom was one that represented each child in the way they wanted to express themself. In reality, when introducing children to art projects in the classroom the concept might be the same, however, there would always be a choice within the project; whether it be materials used, colour, size etc. I believe Art is self-expression. How can you truly express yourself when you’re copying someone else or doing “paint by numbers” art? I love introducing children to new techniques they can incorporate in their art pieces and love watching as they develop their own artistic vocabulary. I’m all about the process, man!!

A has started to enjoy engaging in Art experiences. At the moment he’s all about splash art. So, I introduced him to drip art, which captivated him (we have been talking a lot about rain). Then oil pastel and watercolour, and oil and watercolour and multimodal art. It’s been fun. We’re learning a lot - yes, both of us.

We talk a lot about choice. How part of what makes art, Art are the decisions the artist has made to use or not use certain materials or techniques when working on a piece. Today Ash wanted to use glue, he had a variety of materials he could choose from. I was proud to see how far he has come because he was able to articulate what material he wanted to use for each art piece he had in mind. He was even able to articulate that some materials I had put out he wouldn’t use at all.

Now, this is not to say that I deny my children making cute little shape art animals heavily directed by a teacher etc. No, if we’re part of a playgroup then they can, of course, take part (if they chose to do so)...however, what they choose to do with the direction they are given is totally up to them. My 3 year old proudly copied a shape art mouse the other day in fact, and everyone thought it amazing. I could see how proud A was of it and acknowledged he was proud of what he produced. I celebrated with him. My 1-year-old, however, created his own Picasso-esque mouse; I couldn’t help but smile. Choice.

Art is highly personal and subjective, it’s been wonderful watching my two artists’ develop their own unique voice in this area. I look forward to seeing what’s to come.

If you have any process art projects you've been doing with your children I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.