I've been doing some teaching this summer. While it's on a small scale- it has been refreshing. I had forgotten how much I love to teach art to children.
Recently I had a rather heart breaking experience, though. During a small class one of the students was having a difficult time on her drawing. After a while she broke down into defeated tears. As she hugged her grandmother (who was with her) she said that somebody told her that she couldn't draw.
Emotion washed over me- how dare somebody say that to a child! I calmed myself down and tried to tell her stories in which I could identify. It seemed ineffective. I tried to interest her in other aspects of the project. She tried her best, but sorrow prevailed.
I blurted out a story about how a friend was going through a hard time and needed to paint but couldn't for whatever reason. My solution was to have him over to the studio, hang a large sheet on the wall and just let him throw paint. She perked up. "Would you like to do that?" Yes!
Amen- she was excited!
I tried to set up a mini throwing paint scenario and she got lost in it. Before I was ready to end it, I was reminded that our hour was well over. She left happy and I was joyful as I cleaned up the space but mulling over many thoughts...
Adults often do not realize the obstacles they needlessly create when they tell children that they're not good at things. The great discouragement taken to their life in general...
And there are many avenues for creativity and self expression. Perhaps drawing does not suit you? There are vast and varied media in which to create- not limited to visual art.
Maybe you don't think that a creative carear is your calling in life. Maybe you're right. You may be gifted in the many talents that I admire but of which am not at all gifted in...
But sometimes it's good to have a form of self expression- even if it's only for you to see, read or hear.
Sing in the shower. Write a poem. Journal. Doodle. Play around on an instrument. Free write. Take photos of things you love. Get your hands dirty with some clay. Make up a recipe. Garden....
Whatever it is that suits you.
It can be a breath of fresh air. It can help you think through things...
Delight in small things,
Slow down and feel.
The process of creating can be therapeutic.
And if you really get stuck- throw paint!
