Giving Children a Voice Through Art-Making

Children thrive on the world of curiosity and imagination, because if they are in the right setting their imagination is limitless. Give them a few markers, clay, sticks, pipe cleaners and there is no telling where it might take them. One thing I do know, is that it takes them to a world where words are not necessary; it takes them to a world where creativity, feelings and thoughts live. Young children's brains are still developing cognitive abilities and accessing thoughts and feelings with language is many times difficult, especially feelings that are painful. Here is where art comes in.

As an art therapist, I have worked with many children helping them express themselves through play and art. The art becomes the vehicle for them to put feelings down on paper, with clay or through play. Through the process of art and play, I might ask a child to tell me about their art, is there a story to their art piece, who a figure is in their artwork as I remain curious. I would not ask, what is it? why did you draw that? I might role-play with them using their art as a guide.

Children most times do not even need a directive. If the materials are in front of them, they will begin to explore them and begin creating something, especially if I have a few different art supplies out.

Art is a place for them to put nightmares down and let the art hold and contain the images of the nightmare. The picture on the top right is just one example of a child's drawing of a nightmare. He was only 6 at the time of the drawing. There appears to be a sense of control when the child can create images of their feelings and put them into art form. Here, children have the option of adding to it, changing it or leaving it just the way it is.

THE FEAR OF A R T

Staring at a blank page can be intimidating to say the least. Where to begin? What color to choose? What if I make a mistake? What will others think? What if it's not good enough? These concerns are all the voice of our internal critic playing havoc on our psyche. These messages might be the result of some childhood experience with art or any other experience, where we were told something to the effect of, that's not how you draw a (fill in the blank.) The internal critic is the creature who resides inside of us telling us that we are not good enough or perfect enough.

I remember a creative writing course I took years ago, where we were asked to write about why we were taking the course. I begin my piece by saying that I was taking the course because....As students began to read what they had written, I became numb and wanted to leave the room asap. When the instructor asked what I had written a chill encased my body and I said something to the effect of, "it is not very good and..." The instructor responded, we are all at different places with our writing and you must respect where you are in this creative journey. Hey, I like that I thought. Respect where I am in the process. That makes sense. Whether you are writing, painting, engaging in another creative or self-expressive process, respect where you are in the process. Beginnings can be challenging, but what are the consequences of not beginning? Where would we be if we did not crawl, sit up or walk? The same is true for the creative process. When I began writing poetry, I was told to begin with,"this is a poem about..." I could always go back later and change the first line. The same is true for art, though we can't always change the images, we can add to them, we can add color or shapes to them and we can allow ourselves to be present with the process instead of thinking about the product.

Tip 1: begin with collage - it is less intimidating than drawing. Though you can begin drawing experimenting with color, shape and images.
Tip 2: Focus on process
Tip 3: Remember to have fun
Tip 4: Tap into your beginnner's mind
Tip 5: Leave perfection at the door
Tip 6: Invite imperfection in
Tip 7: Let your heart speak

Next time you come across a blank page, ask it what it wants from you, where it would like you to begin and allow your heart to speak.