Rebel With A Crayon

Rebel With A Crayon

When I was in school, I needed art. It was my sanctuary. It was my freedom. It was the only place that I didn’t have lines to follow, blanks to fill, or where the end result wasn’t expected to be identical to everyone else's in the class. It was a place where I could learn about myself, and talk! Art class was the one place where talking and exchanging ideas didn’t get you in trouble.

As art was being cut from our local schools, I knew something had to be done. Children as young as six years old were convinced they couldn't draw. Kids were having the creative part of their brains neglected. If there was art, it was only when a teacher felt particularly artistic or crafty, but the project was designed for a single result. The result was hurt feelings.

So how do you get a child who is convinced they can’t draw to draw? How do you get a child to like what they draw? I made it my mission to figure it out. And I did.

Teach children with the shapes they know, and more importantly, let them know there are no such things as mistakes. Celebrate every drawing, every exploration. This lesson easily spills over into life. There are no mistakes you can’t work with. I aggressively began volunteer teaching a philosophy and a drawing technique in schools, libraries, even at the counter of my favorite Sushi bar.

So spread the word. Become a rebel with a crayon or whatever you choose to draw with. Make your mark, whatever that may be.