One of the major goals of an effective holistic curriculum is to encourage development of a healthy identity. Art is a wonderful way to support self-discovery and personal awareness.
Over the past few weeks we have been looking at and imitating the style of painting of various artist such as Klee, Miro, Pollok and Rothko. When one of the student's was painting like Rothko, she kept repeating, "This is not my style. No, it is definitely not my style." I asked her what her style was? She said, "I don't know, but this is definitely not it." I decided to spend this week having them working on discovering their own style. They started by making 3 to 5 drawings using markers, watercolor or crayons. For me, it was interesting to notice not just what the painting and drawings looked like, but how the kids engaged in the process. Some attacked the task with energy, others were more trepidatious. Some finished five paintings in no time, others finished one during the entire Art Garage. At the end of the day, they looked at each other's drawings and tried to determine who painted what. It was a perfect way for them to connect to their own style and to notice how each person's style reflects who they are. I am excited to continue on this theme. It is a wonderful way to help the student understand what makes him or her unique. Especially for those who tend to rush into a task, it is important to help them to know when to put down the paintbrush. I have two who are wonderfully prolific, but at the end of the day their work often gets destroyed when they add giant handprints, or half a tube of purple paint. For these, it is not about getting the creative juices flowing, it is about helping them regulate the flow. Those who are more inhibited require permission to be free, to enjoy the process, and not worry about being judged. This is a great way to learn more about themselves and how they engage in the world. I feel more and more confident that engaging with the arts is a pathway to self-discovery.
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Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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