Usually right before we line up we do a 'gallery walk' and I give them a question to focus on as they look at each other's work. The question this time was to find one person's work that inspired them. A work that had in it an aspect of which they'd like to try out themselves if they were to do this activity again. Children raised their hands and several kids named of others' work and explained their reasons for liking their specific techniques.
I then asked, "Are there here any rights or wrongs?, if someones work did not get mentioned does that mean they did something wrong?". This question opened up a discussion about choice. It followed into a discussion of how in art, just like in music, people have different preferences. It also stemmed into a discussion about how artists and human beings in general, when confronted with others' ideas and works are often inspired to try out others' techniques. Yet, was this copying? We came to an agreement that just because one might try out a specific art technique used by another does not mean the work will at all resemble the original work. In fact, the mere fact that these 2 people are different would ensure the uniqueness of the results.
The kids felt pretty good knowing that inside them was this unique self that would always ensure a unique imprint on all their work no matter what technique they copied. The Arts is not about preparing kids to be artists (as some people who see art as somewhat peripheral might think). The Arts is about creating a learning environment where kids are given the chance to find, search, value and trust their inner voice and genuine personal choices.
To hear an amazing podcast about The Critical Role of the Arts Throughout a Whole Child Education click here.
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