As a fan of art, I found a recent Huffington Post article quite enjoyable. It explores the ways in which we can unlock the joys of art for a younger generation. We always enjoy seeing our kids, or even someone elses, indulge in the creatives process. Watching them set up at a table or on the floor with crayons, laying out their canvas or piece of paper. Once the creative juices are flowing, they become lost in their creations. It is a site many of us know and have probably experienced first hand, but how do we help nurture their artistic abilities and further boost their development?
One way in which we accomplish this is through early exposure to the arts. As mentioned in the article, researchers from the University of Arkansas and the Kinder Institute of Rice University conducted a survey of approximately 11,000 3rd grade to 12th grade students, a month after taking a field trip to a local museum in Arkansas. The thought of young kids at an art museum sounds like a recipe for boredom at first, however, these studies came to slightly different conclusion.
According to the study, students exhibited stronger critical thinking skills, higher levels of social tolerance, and an increased likelihood of exploring cultural institutions in the future. For those who had their doubts before, it would appear as though avoiding the museum would be a mistake. Observing art has its developmental benefits for young children, even if they are leaving these museums with no recollection of factual information. The experience itself is what provides such valuable lessons.
Obviously there are more variables involved when it comes to developing an artist, but the data supports this as a way to point them in a good direction. Aside from visiting museums, there are several other ways in which we can help unlock the arts for children. As a parent, relative, or friend, we possess the ability to help open these doors. Something as simple as providing sketchbooks can go a long way. Another helpful tool is by designing an experience which places the child in charge. Giving them ownership of their adventure, for example a museum which provides children with maps and tasks to accomplish.
The fact is there are several ways to help unlock art for children, and as someone who learned to love and appreciate art in its many forms, I welcome the idea of nurturing the next generation of artists.
Be sure to check out the article for more information.
Thomas Ruff, an artist, chooses to express himself with the medium of photography, though his work explores the limits and possibilities of that medium. Thomas Ruff uses multiple techniques for multiple projects in his photography. His techniques spanning from the modern 3D possibilities in photography and advanced digital manipulation, to dark room and development techniques that would have been used long ago in the 20th century, or 1970s.
A big form for Thomas Ruff is 3D imagery. In the increasing popularity of 3D in film and television is perhaps where Thomas Ruff’s work became noticed, however Thomas Ruff’s use of 3D is well suited to create Pop Imagery, which in its loud, eye popping style, fits naturally to be seen in the 3D element. Imagine the old Warhol paintings, their bracing color and pleasurable obtrusiveness, can you imagine them in 3D? In my opinion such works of pop art are well suited to 3D, as it adds to the shock, pop experience of seeing a celebrity, or simply the vivid color and bright simplicity of some of his pop work. In terms of 3D, Thomas Ruff also has rendered some NASA shot interplanetary images and overlayed them with another color. Perhaps as an idea once cannot tell the value, however in person, seeing the 3D landscapes of the moon or mars and the stars surrounding them surely makes an impression.
effect of shifting what might appear as smut into something more artful and calm. The digital glaze laid on top of a carefully selected still can bring out the shape, color, and innocence of exploration and the human body, as if one were looking at a soft, angelic sculpture fashioned by Michelangelo.