There’s something very engaging about small children intent on their artwork. A tongue sticking out of the corner of a mouth, the furrowed forehead of concentration, the tunnel vision required to get that curved line just right. So absorbed are they, you can speak to them and they don’t hear you. It’s not that they are ignoring you or being wilful, they simply haven’t heard you. I’ve been pondering when we grow out of that, or if indeed we ever do.
When I write the world retreats and becomes white noise (ask my oh so patient husband…). I know I pull faces that mirror my characters actions, as they journey through a scene. I’m probably even guilty of sticking my tongue out now and then when a particularly recalcitrant phrase is eluding me. I also know, when I’m reading a book that I can’t put down, I end up in a similar zone.
Perhaps it’s a luxury that our busy lives don’t allow anymore. How wonderful to be a child and feel none of that urgency and pressure, but just the joy of creating to the exclusion of all else.
For anyone wanting to see some wonderful children’s art, then Glaskins Gallery should be on your list for Tuesday 16th June! I wish I could be there but I’ll be in Sydney… Enjoy the talent!!
Glaskins Gallery and Trinity Picininis of Aboriginal Creative Art invite you to the first exhibition at 5.30 pm on Wednesday 16th June, 2010, of our “up and coming” child artists, aged four to nine.
The exhibition will feature works by the Trinity Picininis of Aboriginal Creative Art children. Our aim is to create and teach our children about Aboriginal and Hawaiian culture by means of art, story telling and music and to link the old ways into modern times.
Other local Cairns artists Thomas Storrie, Pat Lynas and Tanya Ashworth will also be exhibited on the night.
Two of the student artists’s mural pieces will be auctioned on the night to assist funding of further programs developed by Trinity Picininis for our children. The artwork is available for viewing at the gallery and pre-bids will be accepted. A reserve price has been set by the seller.
Teacher Facilitators, Mr and Mrs Trevor and Olivia Peckham and Mr Garry Glaskin, will be attending, to promote the program to new participants.
The artwork will be on display for one week at the gallery, before the child artists take home their pieces.
Please RSVP by 10/06/2010 if you will be attending. 6 1 (7) 4057 4200 Mobile : +61 (0) 438 924 838
Thanks Sandy and Cathy. The year in between birthdays has definitely got shorter…
Happy Birthday Helene, funny how they seem to come faster and faster as we get older 🙁
The kids say Happy Birthday Auntie Helene.
I agree Sandy. Never underestimate the power of a well timed (but never over utilised) stamp of the foot, despite the fact that I only wear size 6 shoes. Mark knows full well that this is a first warning from the War Office that there’s incoming mortar if a judicious retreat is not executed or a ceasefire brokered.
….and happy birthday Helene! Not impressed that you aren’t able to be rostered off and in sunny Cairns for it.
*sticks tongue out, furrows brow and stamps foot for emphasis* 🙂
This is true Helene, when someone upsets enough these days, I don’t stick my tongue out at them, I get creative revenge. Last time HD pushed one of my buttons it cost him about $150. 🙂 Te-heeeee!!!
You two do make me laugh. I have wonderful images in my head of the both of you with pigtails, short skirts, and white sandshoes, with very rude expressions on your faces. I don’t think for a minute either of you have tantrums…
However I can see you both being extremely creative 😉
I think actual tongue positioning is very important. To one side of the mouth is indicative of artistic endeavours, on the other hand a protruded, central positioning can express extreme displeasure! Especially if accompanied by the stamp of a foot.
Hmmm….does sticking my tongue out when I’m pouting count as being artistic, or that just regression into other childish realms? 🙂
Either way it feels pretty good to ‘let it all out’ like that sometimes!
Hi Helene, I’m guilty of the tongue sticking out. I’m convinced it’s an invaluable artistic aid. I think that as we grow older and our responsibilities grow with us we recognise the need to keep an eye (or ear) on the world, even when we’re focused on something. It’s only when I know someone else will catch whatever the world throws in my general direction can I revert to the sweet simplicity of childhood.