Four Ways To Encourage Creativity In Your Children
Sally King Benedict is an Atlanta-based artist known for her abstract faces and playful approach to color. It’s no surprise, then, that her innate joie de vivre extends to encouraging creativity in her six-year-old son, River. Here, she offers a few sure fire ways to fuel your mini's artistic passions.
Photography
Mary Catherine Brownfield
Interview By
Liz McDaniel
Get them out of their “bubble”
I think it is so important to take creative-minded children outside of their bubble during the early years. I have so many incredible and impactful memories of my mom (and my dad) taking my brother and me to gallery openings, museums near and far (always when we were on vacation), art parties with crowds of people that were outside of the box and different from my daily normal. It sets them up to always be open to any situation.
Never Be Too Precious
My son's ability to not worry about mistakes (while making art) and his imaginative spirit always reminds me of something I took away from my college painting professor..."to never be too precious." I definitely think there is both an inherent creative curiosity AND a lack of self-consciousness with children that makes them the best artists around. This Picasso quote says it all: "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."
More is More
I think it's important for parents to encourage all mediums of art, not just the one you know best. I am now taking my son to more performances where he sees the art come to life on-stage, and seeing a new side to him that he is discovering on his own.
Encourage Downtime
My son and I love to go swimming together. It is an escape for both of us without electronics or distraction...it is where we can talk, relax, and have fun. Even for myself, I believe most of the work is done when away from my paintbrush and with my thoughts and taking in the daily life surrounding me.
