Kid Art

I love children’s art. I think it has to do with the complete lack of rules or boundaries that produces pure creativity, even if it is at the expense of expression and representation.

This unbounded creativity is something that our culture gradually and sometimes painfully exorcises from our youth.

The picture above is William’s first drawing, other than the scribbling that he did in one of my books (that’s what happens when you have the uncontrollable compulsion to keep a pen in hand whenever reading).

April and I will soon be faced with the dilemma of what to do with the impending daily deluge of kid art. From the point of view of the child it is the process, and not the product, that matters most. But that doesn't mean it isn't hard to throw it out.

I think we will probably keep the very best and scan what we can of the rest. I hope that our son never loses this free confidence even as he learns conventions, rules, and boundaries.