Build a Bridge Workshop Normal Growth & Development Through the Visual Arts
Normal Development & Growth in the Visual Arts Michele D. Rattigan, MA, ATR-BC, NCC, LPC 101-A North Main Street Woodstown, NJ 08098 artishealing@msn.com 609.230.5817
Different perspectives: Children & Adults • • • • • •
Mental growth depends on a rich and varied relationship between a child and his environment; such a relationship is a basic ingredient for a creative experience. Art is different for a child than it is for an adult. For all of us, young and old, the process of creating is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, as we grow we become concerned with the product. Creative expression is intrinsic to our growth on many levels: emotionally, intellectually, physically, perceptually, socially, aesthetically, and creatively. The process of self-identification is intrinsic to our abilities to grow socially. Many adults see children’s art as interesting, exciting, colorful expressions of self. Some envy their ability to express with freedom and spontaneity.
Youth + The Visual Arts = “Perfect Together” • A natural expression from very early in life • Recognizable objects • Begins as kinesthetic discharge • Relationships within the art • “AH-HA! I made that mark!” connection is • Communications of new learning, • •
made Named scribbles Formation of the tadpole person
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experiences, feelings Artistic development is universal!
Why is art so important for children and how does it relate to their development ? Emotional Growth Intellectual Growth Physical Growth Perceptual Growth
Social Growth Aesthetic Growth Creative Growth
Emotional Growth • In art there can be a low level to a high level where the creator is truly involved in portraying • • •
meaningful and personally important things; sometimes the children themselves are involved (the best opportunity for self-identification). Stereotyped, rigid repetition indicates a lack of emotional involvement. An emotionally unresponsive child may express detached feelings by not including anything personal. Human figures are not usually included; if they are, they are inactive. Intensity of involvement in art making provides for emotional growth.
Intellectual Growth • • •
In the child’s art, ask these questions: How aware are they of their surroundings? What amount of knowledge is actively being used? What is their ability to portray a relationship to the environment? One who lags behind in developing concepts and awareness of environment may show lack of intellectual growth. Full of details and showing awareness of the world = a child of high intellectual ability.
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