Why Art?

Why Art?

"The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls" ~ Pablo Picasso

Isn't that a truth that is forgotten in the busyness that often equals daily life. When schools cut art programs in order to save precious dollars for their budgets, it is a travesty for society as a whole. Picasso knew that and so does Andrea Mulder-Slater of Kinder Art, as she notes "It's been proven that early exposure to visual art, music, or drama promotes activity in the brain." Its called imagination and we at Budding Artists know how important that is.

Metal Sculpture created by Acme Animal

As an outlet for creativity, emotional expression, social commentary and more, art is not only important, but is also an integral part of life. It is found from the beginnings of recorded time in the likes of cave paintings, all the way up to modern art that appears everywhere we look - social media, television, newspapers, magazines, and advertisements galore. You can find art anywhere from the simple lamp sitting on your desk, to the shape of a building designed by a master architect. Art can take on the form of paintings, murals, sculptures, tattoos, glass and metal ornaments, plus so much more. If you look at anything with an aesthetic eye, you can see art in its very nature.

Child's Picasso-inspired sculpture
from Budding Artists Summer Camp

If art is everywhere, but not always seen or valued, how do we encourage it in young minds? Sometimes the easiest lesson is in handing a child a piece of blank paper and a marking utensil of some sort (ie. crayon, marker, chalk, pastel) and asking them to create. Tell a class of children to draw something they see, and watch the number of representations that emerge - a different picture for every child. The key is to value that creativity and watch where a child runs with it. Don't worry about if a picture is drawn within the lines or an apple is coloured purple. See the value in the thinking and creating that the child attempts.

What would they do with a pine cone? How would they use a  block? If you handed them glue, what objects would children seek to create a collage of their very own? When a child's brain starts to question, examine, ponder and imagine, it grows in leaps and bounds. They learn about colour, time, space, and in the process, develop self-esteem, self-discipline, motivation and more. It is our responsibility, as parents and teachers, to ensure that creativity is sparked and flourishes in a child's mind. Children are the next generation of sculptors, painters, designers, and artists. They provide the colour of life and that cannot be underscored enough.

GLOB
Just one of eco-friendly art supplies
that Budding Artists carries

So how do you promote your child's creativity? What tools do you offer them to create art? If your answer is a little flat, let Budding Artists help to spark some life back into your child's art. We have eco-friendly art supplies that any parent can be proud to offer their children. If you stop by our Open House and Christmas Sale (944 Western Counties Rd, behind Parkwood Hospital), this Saturday, November 24th, from 10 am -2 pm, you will also get 10% off any purchases you make, plus you can start the creative juices flowing at a free craft activity. You might even decide to sign your child up for one of our workshops. It is a step in the right direction.

We'll put the snacks out, just to be sure you make it. See you there!

Reach Out and Touch Someone

It takes a village to raise a child ~ African Proverb

The meaning behind that of course is that many people influence a child's life. The same holds true for everyone in fact. We do not exist in a bubble. Every day we touch family, friends, acquaintances, business associates and even stranger's lives. From the grocery clerk, to the gas bar attendant, to your spouse at home, the people in our world shape who we are and how we view our place in it. That goes for how we raise our children and even how we interact in business settings. You cannot walk through life entirely alone, nor should you.

The same holds true for Budding Artists. While Maria Calleja might be the founder of the business, she is not the sole person involved in the company. Everyone from her children and husband, to friends and family encourage her and support her in her endeavour to bring art alive for children. There have been many faces that have assisted in art workshops, fundraisers, and certainly more than one special event. There are also many other companies that Budding Artists could not do without. Take for example, these companies that create wonderful products that Budding Artists promotes and whole-heartedly supports;

Glob

Clementine Art

Artterro

Eye Can Art

Crazyoleez Crayons

Barefoot Books

Without them, Budding Artists would be a little slimmer in scope and a little more hard-pressed to present creative ideas to our clients. Not that creativity comes from a company, but quality products go a long way in producing beautiful and artful pieces. And inspiration comes from sources far and wide, including people of all ilks and stripes. The creative minds that lie behind the Budding Artists logo are only stepping stones for the imaginative ideas that spring forth from the children that we touch every day in the hope that we promote a brighter, more artistic future.

Today, we recognize and thank all of those who help to ensure that Budding Artists exists and thrives. Without you, we would not be here today.

So I cannot help but turn around and ask you. Who do you touch in your every day life? Who has influenced your imagination and creativity? Who can YOU reach out and touch today?

The Power of Imagination

Imagination is more important than knowledge ~ Albert Einstein

That is a pretty heavy quote from a pretty heavy thinker. How can imagination be more important than knowledge? Why should we value imagination? Where does it take us and how do we use it? The answer lies in the eyes of a child and their view of the world.

From the moment a child is born, the world is theirs to discover. It is filled with a myriad of shapes, colours and images to draw their eyes and minds. It is the power of a child's wondering that makes that world come alive. Without a little curiosity, they would not reach for blocks, respond to a mother's smile, or attempt to explore their world as a whole. It is that curiosity that sparks imagination and a whole new world to open up. What would happen if they hit that mobile? Imagine if it brought it closer to them, so that they could explore it more! Wow; and life colours into vibrant hues.

Trust that little voice in your head that says 'Wouldn't it be interesting if...'; And then do it ~ Duane Michals

Mona Lisa

As children grow older, their imagination expands and grows. Young minds take all that they have learned from the world around them in through their senses, and expand that into play, creativity, reasoning and so much more. Imagine if Leonardo da Vinci had not been curious about the world around him. Not only would the world be without the likes of "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper", but also his concepts in flight, anatomy, civil engineering and so much more. Many of the concepts that he worked on had no footing in his day and age, but through imagination, he brought them to the world then and now. Truly, imagination was da Vinci's greatest tool and gave much to society as a result of it. Think where today's imagination might take us tomorrow!

To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted ~ George Kneller

So while we value organized and learned behaviour, the fact of the matter is, is that without dreams, ambitions and a large dose of imagination, we would be stuck in a rut going nowhere. We require imagination to think outside the box, and develop new thoughts and ideas. Imagination fuels poetry, fiction, painting and any new invention out there. It helps us come up with new ways of looking at things and new ways of performing them. Think where art would be without imagination - boring and lifeless. Science Fiction wouldn't even be a dream, let alone a tool to help us reach the sky and stars beyond. And progress in any other aspects of our life would stop overnight. We need imagination to live, breathe and be the best that we can be. Life would cease to sparkle without it.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~ Dr. Seuss