Nurturing Creativity

My kindergarten is planning to hold an art exhibition to showcase children's art work. I feel very excited of the opportunity to work closely with children in art. It has been a myth that only some talented people are born with creativity, but actually creativity can be nurtured. While children need time, space and materials to explore and master art, 'expert input' is equally important. 'Expert input' could mean learning a new skill, looking at other artists' work, seeking feedback and so on. Even professional and semi-professional artists visit art galleries to find inspiration.

I decided to create clay sculpture with children for the exhibition. For sure, I have taken some risks. In five weeks time,  our children have to work very hard to pick up the necessary skills to manipulate clay to create what they have in mind. Initially, I encourage them to make the Maori wake, a kind of canoe used by the indigenous people of New Zealand. it will be manageable as young children will find it easier to poke and push into the clay than joining pieces of clay together. It also provide an opportunity to use various tools and see what effect each tool is able to achieve.

A week after making clay waka, something interesting happened. One child specifically asked to make a dinosaur. As I was not busy, so I sat with the boy and demonstrated all necessary skills to him. It amazed me that he was able to make a dinosaur that looks really good. Other teachers are equally amazed, as they recalled that his previous clay work used to look like lumps of clay. With a teacher sitting with a child, demonstrating, giving advice and feedback,  the child feels empowered. Most important of all, the mother has 'discovered' the creative side of the boy. (he is so proud of himself that he let his mum have a preview of his art work before the exhibition!)

Yes, creativity can be nurtured. I'll talk more about it, in the leading up to the art exhibition.