This message---a plea
really---is directed to those of you out there that might have a young artist under your direction.
Please, please be careful what you say when that eager young artist brings their newly created piece to you for your
comment. So much damage has been done by well-meaning adults by saying things like "You can't paint cows purple." or
"That fairy isn't art, you need to paint something else." or "You
shouldn't try to be an artist because you're not very good."
I know you aren't trying to hurt them---but you
are, more than you can ever know.
Children's imaginations haven't yet been
polluted with the strictures of all the rules and regulations of reality that we as
adults are burdened with. Their imaginations are untainted, pure---free, and we should preserve that for as long as we can.
All too soon the "gunk" of the everyday world will seep in and
suffocate that precious, creative jewel.
Their imaginations and creative endeavors
should be praised and encouraged, not criticized, not even if you believe you're
giving them good advice. The words you say to them now will very likely stay with them all their lives and shape how they
feel about themselves and their work.
I cannot remember any adult in my life ever
telling me that I couldn't or shouldn't "do that" when it came to my art, so I grew up
believing that
I could try anything creatively,
I've heard many stories from adult
artists about things that were said to them by parents or teachers when they were just children that have haunted them into adult life. They feel their
work is inferior and it has hindered them in realizing their potential. I've seen
people--- mostly women---that had fantastic abilities but were not making art
because someone at some point in their life had discouraged them. I
rage at that waste---the waste of talent and potential.
Words have so much power. So please, if you
find yourself in the position to encourage a young artist---even if you really
feel strongly about purple cows or green dogs---smile and give them good words. It will be a gift of unimaginable value.
