When kids make “crafts” out of random objects (cotton balls, toilet paper rolls, macaroni, string, yarn, fluff, paper, etc.) in moment of pure creativity without instruction or pattern (which they do with great frequency) they are making sculptures and art. Yes, real art. This is the earliest instances of process based creative intent. These early creations are true innovations in problem solving. They are also the earliest attempts to create something completely new – to invent things spawned from the imagination. These small sculptures are the beginning of innovative and divergent thinking.
Adults who follow pattern and process created by others to spawn things from instruction are not innovating and problem solving on the same level as a child does. This isn’t the learning of art, it is the learning of technique (not learning to become and artist, but learning to become a technician).
Kids’ creations are pure objects of problem solving and imagination. There is sometimes intention and concept in these, but the process is the creation of something out of what most of us would consider insignificant.
Our regional dialog and programming about the arts should perhaps take lessons from the specialists in lateral/divergent thinking: children.
Open Eclectic Studio is hosting an open call for art work that reflects divergent thinking. Click here for details.
Posted on January 23, 2011
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