(5 years old -Sept. 15, 2011) Home Acrylic on Canvas
Art surrounds us every day. They say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I’m not really sure who, “they” are, but I agree. Things that are breathtaking to me may just be scribblings on a piece of plain paper to someone else. Specifically, when I look at my children’s little “creations,” I get a glimpse of how they see things from their perspectives and I honestly desire to exist in their world full of innocence. I miss and I might even be a little envious of such an optimistic and pure point of view.
(4 years old-May 17, 2011) Mommy's Heart Ink Pen on Paper
As a mom, I work so hard to protect my children and keep them safe, as I should. Someday when my children are equipped to cope with the craziness of this world, I will hope that I did enough to prepare them to make the right decisions and be able to live in this world, but not be of this world.
And until that day comes, when I see the whimsical strokes of paint or the round headed-square bodied figure with three fingers, I can’t help but smile and be hopeful for that day to be postponed just a little longer.
Currently, in our home we have about five pieces of art that were not created by our children. Slowly, as our kids have grown, we have replaced the art pieces purchased in the past that have little meaning to us now. Obviously, something captured our attention enough to purchase those other pieces of art and hang them for a time, but they pale in comparison to the flowers, apples, spaceships, whales and dragons painted by our children.
(34 months old-April 9, 2009) Cherry Tree Acrylic on Canvas
I look at how beautiful they are and I can’t believe how incredible they turned out (the kids and the art). My grandfather was an artist and that gift skipped two generations. My dream before my children were born was that they would inherit this talent.
Will they be the next Monet? Who knows? In my mind they’re already even better, because I get the privilege of knowing the artists. I get to see them grow-up and know them through and through. I get the chance to know each work of art in great detail and I know the story behind each unique piece. I remember the days when they were created and I appreciate them even more as time goes on. The works that they are accomplishing now are a foundation to even greater achievements. I simply can’t wait for more!
Storyteller, ballerina, athlete, engineer or whatever your little one’s passion is, encourage and help develop their talent. You can’t go wrong. Remember they say true talent will always emerge in time.
