Children at my kindergarten have been wrapping and tying wool around the branches of a couple of trees. Originally, the idea was to create a trap to catch some insects. Gradually, the 'trap' has grown in size, and the structure looks stunning, in particular, with a variety of colors of wool being used. I heard that children started to talk about the choice of color. 'We're making it look pretty!' one girl explained. Obviously, artistic element is her consideration.
Can I say the 'trap' has become a piece of art? The process is certainly creative, as the children have to think about what color to choose, how to weave a piece of wool in and out, under or over the structure.
It seems the trap has evolved into an art sculpture....it makes me wonder how do we define art.
Looking back, the role of the teacher/adult has been providing time, space and materials. The children have full ownership of the creative process. Most importantly, the 'trap'/ sculpture is a piece of collective art work. Art is usually assumed to be a form of indiviudal expression. As such, teachers often put a collection of individual artwork together or alongside each other, rather than encouraging children to create in collaboration.
what do you think?
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