languages of expression

Our grown up thinking can waylay a full sensory experience of life.  Young children are less encumbered by inhibition and often jump into experience with both feet.  They explore a new media in the studio for it's own sake.  They test the way it feels, moves, smells, looks and occasionally how it tastes.  As they are learning these new languages of expression, whether paint, clay, wire, music, etc. they do it with genuine curiosity and full sensory exploration.

Learning any new language follows a similar pattern, first we encounter the language, in this case shaving cream mixed with powdered paint, and then we experiment with it.  We are familiar with this process from watching young children learn to speak. There is a long period of active listening, followed by an experimental babbling stage before actual words are formed.  This experimentation is equally important when discovering any new media.

Before we can expect any sort of representationalism, it is vital that we maintain a space for "messing about" (read David Hawkins wonderful article here for more on the subject).

 Whether the language is shaving cream, pudding, or...

clay, it is important to make space and time for a period of exploration.  This exploration will naturally evolve as children become more comfortable with the language itself.  It is truly a breathtaking and wonderful process to witness and I continue to experience so much gratitude for the opportunity to witness their fearless discoveries daily.