On 26th and 27th July 2014, our little artists were selected for an audition to be on a Channel 8 TV programme for kids, a programme that is about helping kids realise their dreams and wishes. At the end of the audition, the director of the TV production company asked: “The kids here are different from the ones that we’ve interviewed, they seem to be able to communicate very well, expressing their own thoughts and perspectives easily, is this because of how they are taught here?” We were deeply surprised and felt proud of our little artists.
Our persistence on our teaching values, Creativity & Originality, have gave our little artists a fundamentally important soft skill, a problem-solving skill that will accompany them in their life journey. Every child is different, some may not be as creative but at least they have their own perspective, ideas and thoughts. They learn about appreciating art and it’s not just about the ability to draw well, it is about how they can confidently express their own creativity, not worried about whether their artwork can match the likes of others; to be original, to be yourself.
Sometimes, we still hear parents asking their kids: “Wow! This is a very nice artwork you have done, did you draw this or is it the teacher have helped you?” They have appraised their child and yet, have a sense of suspicion on their own child. “I did this myself”, the child exclaimed in anger.
Drawn too well and this is the work of the art teacher? It is a serious mistake to doubt your own child.
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain as an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso.
Tapestry by Joan Miro. Destroyed on September 11, 2001, in the collapse of the World Trade Center, following the September 11 attacks.
For many years, the works of masters, Joan Miro,Paul Klee and Jean Dabuffet, have told us how they have applied full originality in their works, through the eyes of a child’s innocence. Still, there’s many misconceptions from parents that their child do not understand and should be taught better and this “taught better” becomes dangerous for a child’s development. In Artistori, we believe every child has a potential in art and the duty of a teacher is to realise the child’s specific potential,using this potential and applying it to the fullest, we let our little artist fully understand the topic that they are about to draw, sketch,create or craft, spark their interest in this topic, encourage and imbue a sense of confidence in their creativity. Many times, as teachers, we are amazed and touched by their completed master pieces.
Therefore, there are many factors that affect a child’s originality; Criticisms, comparisons,disbelief, suspicion. When a child is wronged, questioned, they become confused and disappointed. A small piece of art work is not just a child’s education but an education for yourself, as a parent, as well.
Sometimes, a child’s work may not be as “Wow” as his/her previous works, the main factor is whether the child has understanding of the topic he/she is drawing. When a child doesn’t understand enough of the subject, no matter how good the child has the ability to draw, sketch or colour, he/she will not be able to fully apply originality and creativity into his/her art piece. This is the reason why before a new topic begins, Artistori spends 20 to 30 minutes introducing and discussing with our little artists, through story-telling, videos or pictures,engaging them with questions and answers. We believe through conversations and interactivity, our little artists will have a better understanding of the topic and thus, they may start imagining, start that creative process, applying originality into their art work.
意言社 Artistori
用艺术表达语言，让语言丰富艺术
Your Story, Your Art