The desire to create is ingrained within us, to make something that is a part of us that we can show the world. Children do this instinctively at an early age; they’ll pick up found objects, combine them in a way which makes sense through their imagination, then show it to their parent (or anyone who’s around) for their approval and acknowledgement. The parent may show them a different way to create, such as stacking blocks or drawing shapes, and they’ll repeat that, learning a new skill and creating all-important neuronal connections in their brain to further develop their cognitive growth.
ART IS VITAL
I have previously discussed the importance of math and the necessity of learning mathematic fundamentals to optimally shape the mind. Art is just as important in a child’s education. It’s as valuable as math, language, history, and yes, even science. Arts and crafts are a language of expression, giving children the ability to communicate their thoughts and emotions through physical means. It is a constructive way for children to perceive and interpret their environment, and truly make sense of their world. However, more than just the art they make is important—it’s in how they create, not what they create.
Just as we are unique individuals, so is our art. Give a classroom the same crayons, the same construction paper, and ask them to draw a horse—no drawing will be the same. Some drawings may be realistic horses, some abstract, and there definitely will be a couple of unicorns! In math, there is one “correct” answer; however, there are infinite ways to get to that answer. The importance is not in the answer, but in the process. The same concept applies to arts and crafts. Art creates the space for conversion and exploration, and ways to deepen the connection between thought and emotion. Why is the horse green? If not a horse, what creature did they draw? If the paper is blank, why? Looking at the drawings around a room. How are they different? When a child explains their drawing to the rest of the group, it gives other children the chance to see things from not just a different perspective, but their own classmates’ point of view; this helps exercise their empathy skills and the ability to listen and understand the thoughts and feelings of their peers. Not everyone has the same point of view, or the same process, and that’s okay. Who knew that “show-and-tell” was such an important practice for creativity and empathy.
But what if a child wanted to make a horse and couldn’t? Just as in life, frustration is a part of art, and ironically, art is a way to work through and process frustration. Like every other subject, art takes practice; following video tutorials is a wonderful way to develop artistic skills and enhance drawing abilities. Even with instructional aid, perfection can be elusive. But that’s okay, because it’s another opportunity to instil a fundamental life lesson: art does not need to be perfect to be accepted, and the same concept applies to people too. If it was perfect, it would have no ability to grow or evolve. Have the child look at their past art to see how it has changed or evolved as they’ve grown. Creation isn’t static, but ever-changing, with change being the only constant. Colouring outside the lines? That’s fine! Have them put in their own lines, augment the drawing, or make it abstract. Too frustrated? That’s fine too. Let them turn the page and start a new drawing to learn from their frustrations, rather than dwelling on them and interfering with the creative process.
A LITTLE PERSPECTIVE
As an exercise, show ten different ways of drawing an object (such as a tree or a flower). Each drawing represents a unique viewpoint—an individualistic interpretation of that object. Now, put all those drawings together in a collage, and you’ve created a new piece of art! A collage is a powerful piece of artwork; in it, you see all the different perspectives as one, which come together in a synergist effect to create a thought-provoking piece. This is an important lesson about collaboration, and how art can link communities by connecting people through the act of creating and crafting. Think about when you walk into a classroom. Often, the first thing you are greeted with is a collage of children’s art. You look at it, study it, become immersed in it, and can understand the lessons learned in that classroom just by observing the art. Collaborative artwork is a reflection of the community, and the act of creating that artwork is also key to building community and developing social skills integral to children’s health and wellness.
Crafting is synonymous with a trade or skill. Throughout history, our “craft” was our way to contribute to society (e.g., a blacksmith or farmer) and provide value to our community. If you think about it, arts and crafts are still viewed this way today; we focus more on the product than the act of creation, but it is the act of crafting where the magic lies. The ability to lose yourself in the art, to use your hands in the earth, to perform meditative, repetitive patterns, and to soothe the mind and the soul—this is what’s important. It is the act of crafting, not the resulting artwork, which is the healing aspect. Crafting doesn’t need to lead to a goal to be important, as it is whole in and of itself. Remember, craft for the sake of crafting: that is the ultimate lesson. The purpose is to connect to your creativity (and yourself), not to what you create.
