F.A.M.E. is a wonderful organization that promotes the arts in elementary schools.  It has defied the typical life expectancy of non-profit organizations – founded over 20 years ago by an art and a music teacher from Fort Wayne, Indiana.  It recognizes that the arts are crucial for a child’s development and continues to promote this belief through annual festivals, programs, workshops, and a wonderful Summer camp. 

All too often what the politicians and bean-counters see as “extras” or “specials” are the first to be cut from a budget.  When we are surrounded by ideas and their creators, how can developing creativity and the imagination be non-essential? 

F.A.M.E., its supporters, students and participants disagree with limiting the arts for our children and hope you will too.

Check out their website, www.famearts.org and see how you can get involved, contribute to the cause, or just spread awareness.

Tags: Art, creativity, kids, Teaching

Another rant into how to trigger “IT” whenever you like.  I promise to be brief.

Have you ever tried to hold Jell-O in your hand?  The tighter you grip, the more it squishes through.  It makes for a stress reliever, but also is a metaphor for the creative process.

When you try to force “IT” when you don’t have “IT”, it’s just like that Jell-O – or maybe like a Chinese finger trap?  Both analogies work here.  The key is to relax.  The Jell-O stays, the fingers are released, your creative “flow” begins.

So let go and let flow!

Tags: Art, artists, creativity, imagination, inspiration

Some days you just don’t have “IT”

But what is “IT” anyway?  And where did “IT” go?

Does somebody else have “IT” instead?  Maybe “THEY” have “IT” (and who ARE “THEY” anyway?  “THEY” sure say a lot also, don’t “THEY”?)

At any rate, when you’re an artist – especially one who hopes to support himself and even a family (such as yours truly) to not have “IT” can make the difference between a great day – the best of your life – and a total stream of 4 letter words describing the day.

So, kids and Kidettes of-all-ages, here’s the answer:  “IT” is your inspiration.

“IT” can be called many other things – your passion, your love, your reason for being or doing or living.  And when you’re out of focus or lost perspective on that priority (which again, is relative) you simply aren’t your best self.

Coming back to the artist’s mind – we have to struggle daily – a virtual wrestling match – between 2 natures.  There is the pragmatic side, which is steeped in a strong work ethic and yet can be subject to popular culture and ideas; and then there is the free-spirited side, which asks “why not?” and is allowed to dream.

Conjoin these odd couple roommates with the need to be sensitive to influences and you can appreciate why so many artists seem distracted.  Very few succeed in making eye contact for long.  And it’s not because they mean to be disrespectful, but rather the “wheel” is always turning.

Now let’s make things a little bit more complicated.  Very few artists are good at business.  The strength of the creative mind exists opposite of that which can be analytical in an capacity applicable to legal, accounting, networking, or other suit-and-tie matters.  So to be an Everyman artist, you have to be baby-blue-collar.  Not white, not blue, but somewhere in between.  You have to translate the creative to the non, and the non back to your understanding or vision of greatness.

Overwhelmed yet?  Do you see why so many people do this stuff as “just a hobby?”

The solution to keeping “IT” is to be a bit of one’s own therapist.  The external sensitivity needs to be balanced by internal reflection – in a checklist format:

1) Did I get enough sleep?

2) Did I get quality sleep?

3) Did I have a good breakfast?

4) Did I miss my coffee?

5) Am I wearing comfortable clothes?

6) What’s playing on the radio?

7) Is the sun shining?

And so the list goes on.  You can make your own list, starting with your perfect world.  Be reasonable and not so absolute – such as “if I had a million dollars, I’d be totally happy.”  You have to make a list of things that are within the realm of your illusion of control (again, the pragmatist versus the dreamer) otherwise, you’ll just end up seriously depressed.

It will also help if you begin the list on an ideal day (weather-wise) - so that you aren’t making a list of what you don’t have from the obvious start, and riding a downward spiral of curses instead of blessings.

Best of luck to you, kids and kidettes, keeping “IT” alive and well 24-7!

Tags: advice, Art, creativity, endurance, inspiration, motivation, Teaching

A good parent always wants the best for their child. But what do you do when you don’t know much about your child’s interests? Often times children will exhibit talents and skills that the parent does not possess. Mom or Dad wants to foster this, but how?

When it comes to a child’s artistic ability, too many parents are a blank slate. The best first step to take is to admit to your child that you don’t know what path to take, but are willing to find the answer. Children are highly perceptive, and if a parent tries to placate them with less than qualified direction, they will grow to resent it, themselves for their poorly developed skill, and in many cases, Mom or Dad.

When it comes to the arts, there is no wrong genre to pursue. A creative child will embrace the initial opportunity to sample and explore various outlets for their creativity. Drama, dance, music, visual and written are just a few options. Specialization can come later. On the other hand, you may have a renaissance child on your hands and they’ll develop many different skills. Regardless, observe carefully and talk to your child about how they feel and if they enjoy the experience, and encourage them to succeed. Make sure they give whatever they pursue an honest chance (the “college try”) but don’t pressure them to continue if it is truly counter-productive to their creative development.

Still not sure how to begin? Your child’s music or art teacher can be your best partner in your quest. Ask them their opinion on the best avenues to pursue. Many will be aware of after school programs, weekend workshops, summer camps and so on to pursue.

Another great source can be the parents of other creative children. Talk to your child’s friends and their family about your interests. You’re sure to find support and direction – or at least have help looking for a good program.

It can only help them in the long run. Intellectually in holistic brain development; socially in expressing themselves creatively and without pressure or shame for what they feel; vocationally in that employers appreciate those who have a variety of interests – they are the better problem solvers, better at “thinking outside of the box” and consequently, better leaders.

Here are a few fun lessons to try at home together that will “jump start” the creative process in you and your child:

1.) For creative writers, play a little stream of consciousness. Write continuously for as little as a minute – no matter if it makes sense or not. Set a timer and let your thoughts flow. Not only will you be able to determine your frame of mind, but it will also help you settle down and focus better on more developed projects.

2.) For visual artists, pick an energetic piece of music – classical works best, something with a variety of tempo and intensity. Lay out a large piece of paper and grab a handful of crayons. Let the music be your guide and draw how it makes you feel. Ask yourself, “if the music was a color, what color would it be?” Don’t worry about the “quality” of the work. Just explore the space. Practice a variety of lines and shapes.

3.) For the musically inclined, a similar experience with piano or drums can be quite fulfilling. Have them “play an emotion” and try to guess what it is. The more a child can tune into their feelings, the better they will be at dealing with their influences – both pro and con.

4.) For the child that likes to dance, try a little competition. Play some fun music and take turns “topping” each other. It’s all tongue-in-cheek, but it will give them the security to challenge themselves while they develop new moves.

Remember, the potential is limitless!

Tags: Art, creativity, teens