You might be familiar with Pablo Picasso's famous quote: "All children are artists. The problem is to remain an artist once we grow up". Being curious about how we can help our children express their inborn sense of creativity, I began to research what child experts recommend. The main points are:
- Set the stage for creative expression.
- Provide large blocks of time for artistic exploration.
- Be accepting of children's processing.
- Give them permission to do things their way as long as their safety is not at risk.
- Provide ample space indoors and outdoors.
- Provide resources (props, materials, creative junk..)
Now if you REALLY want to see how artistic kids are and how they chose to express their creative impulse, the best place to visit is Sh*t My Kids Ruined.
This is one of the most entertaining websites I have seen and I pulled out a few inspired masterpieces. Apparently the parents of the children whose work is featured here have followed the advice of the experts and given their kids the freedom of a little unsupervised time which, if you ask me, is what every artist deserves.
Body Painting or Tattoo Art. Existed in most tribalist cultures. The young artist here takes his mission very seriously.
Body Painting with diaper cream. A new sticky medium for a tried and true art form.
Hand prints on walls. Reminiscent of prehistoric cave paintings. Probably the first artistic way for man to leave his mark on his environment.
Study of transparencies. Permanent marker on glass and wood. Creates a beautiful stained glass effect when the sun shines through.
Body Ornementation with stickers. Great choice of neon colors.
Abstract Expressionism. Shaving cream masterpiece on body, on mirror and on...the cord of what looks like a hair straightener.
Use of everyday objects in artistic creation...
...to bash or cast a poetic light on consumer society (reminds us of the Ready-Made concept of surrealist Marcel Duchamp)
Here we can appreciate the clever use of panty-liners to depict a family.
And my favorite one for the beautiful heartfelt message it conveys is the following:
Metal etching technique on mom's car with what appears to be a sharp rock or maybe a screwdriver.
If you want to read about the reaction of the lucky parents and see more creative ways to alter your environment, visit Sh*t My Kids Ruined.
looool glimpse at my life :P
Posted by: Christina | Wednesday, 30 November 2011 at 10:31 AM
smiling all the time ))
Posted by: kara rane | Wednesday, 30 November 2011 at 10:39 AM
Christina, is it possibly human to have an eye on our kids at all time? I don't think so! and it makes for great memories!
Glad you liked the post Kara. I have to say that I have seen "real paintings" in galleries and museums that looked a lot like what these kids are doing. A few of of them selling for very large amounts of money.
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Wednesday, 30 November 2011 at 11:27 AM
that is hysterical!!!!
Posted by: deborah | Wednesday, 30 November 2011 at 11:49 AM
Deborah, I am sure none of that ever happened at your house and you still managed to raise very artsy kids. I don't know how you did it. I have crayon marks made by my daughter on several of my paintings....
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Wednesday, 30 November 2011 at 01:00 PM
Hehe. Hilarious. Love the quote, too. So true.
Posted by: Aubrey | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 12:33 PM
Aubrey, I think these images need to be seen BEFORE we decide to get pregnant just so we know what we get ourselves into...
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 06:46 PM
the car photo made me laugh and so glad i can get a kid fix anytime i want by visiting my nieces' and nephews' kids....and then go home without them! ;-)
Posted by: Art By Katy | Sunday, 08 January 2012 at 10:19 AM
I know, that one made me laugh too, if it was my kid doing this to my car I would have cried though...
Posted by: Isabelle Bryer | Wednesday, 11 January 2012 at 07:26 AM