Crafting with Kids

From the beginning when the first cave dweller etched a mammoth on the wall of his cave, humans have been creating art to express the experience of living. All over the earth every culture tells stories, paints and draws, sings songs and creates dance. Art in its many varieties is as part of the human DNA. It is deep within us, a creative desire that aches to be expressed. Some believe the creative urge is biologically linked to our need to reproduce, that our existence requires us having creative impulses. It is in the creative impulse that we yearn to teach our young, and bring something beautiful into the world. Deeply tied into our biological drives, the need to create is as certain as the need to eat, breath, sleep and dream. Everyone on the planet has the urge to create, in one form or another. For some, the darkest challenges of life have turned this need into the urge to create chaos or harm to others. Still it is an impulse that demands the world notice they exist. It is a powerful force and should be respected. Art belongsto everyone. Art Supplies, like paints, colored pencils, clay, Foam Board, and crayons, are often a big part of a child’s life. We all respect the creative need in a child. They may like building things, drawing, singing, or telling and listening to stories. How come, as we grow older, we treat our artistic impulses like clothes that we grow beyond?

Most adults consider art as a spectator sport or a hidden hobby. After a long day at work, fixing dinner and getting the kids to bed there isn’t time to indulge in any creative impulse. Instead, most people think they can only enjoy art and creativity as consumers. So how is it possible to honor the artist in a world with out time or reward for the artistic endeavor?

A satisfying creative experience needs several things which involve the senses in the process, a vision of the thing to be created and focused attention. Ask an artist about being fully involved in a project and they can easily talk about the rewards and delight that comes from the event. A painter lost in the colors and the subject, seeing intensely, a singer lost in the power of the music, the dancer feeling an enlightened grace descend around him, are all experiences that come from surrender to the creative instinct.

If someone has a creative desire they should chase it down, be it writing, singing, painting or dance. The benefits are immense. For those that are not sure of their passion, it is important to find all the opportunities for expressing creativity in everyday life. For example, if making dinner, what happens when the chef puts all of their attention into the process? Indulge the senses, taste, smell, and feel the food. Slice the potatoe with complete attention. Arrange the salad with consideration of the quality and color of the tomatoes, olives and carrots. Make it beautiful and make it unique.

The benefit for the effort come from the experience of creating something original. It is always nice to receive complements and appreciation, but the time spent fully focused on creation is often reward enough.

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