Say “Yes” to Making the Time
Family connection is important to me. Our family often gathers together evenings in our living room. Although we are physically together, I notice that more often than not, each of us is distracted with our devices instead of engaging with each other. In an age where a large percentage of our time takes place connected to technology, it is more important than ever to find a way to unplug and connect as a family.
With our busy schedules and technology habits, how can art help families connect? I am the manager of the Cordovan Art School in Cedar Park. May I share some ideas for you that I have learned in my family and while observing families creating art together in our studio?
I love the movie “Yes Day”! For a few months after this movie was released, we had several families come in to the Cordovan Studios to paint pottery. These days were most often instigated by kids who told their parents they wanted to create art together. Following the “Yes Day” rules, the parents said “yes”! I loved seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces. Parents had joy in sharing time with their families in a creative space. I watched parents and children sharing ideas and having conversations: About school, their friends, their plans for summer, telling stories about their day. In a relaxed, creative environment, conversations happen easily and comfortably.
Communication and Self-Expression Through Creativity
Art can provide a way for family members to express things they may not be able to put into words. We once had a young boy come into the studio with his family. He chose to paint a ceramic dog. The family all conversed about the about the colors and design as if it was a family project. I later learned that the family dog had passed away and they wanted to paint something to remind them of their favorite pet. As they worked together, I noticed attributes of cooperation and an increased appreciation of each other’s point of view.
Another time, I helped an artist work on a family painting from a photo. She wanted to add in a family member who had passed away. Artist Georgia O’Keeffe said “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way…things I had no words for.” Doing art can offer us the opportunity to break down walls and provide a new way to understand each other. Parents can ask a child “Tell me about your painting”, providing a window to a child’s thoughts.
Creating Family Memories Through Art
Once you have a finished work of art, you have some physical evidence of family time which you may wish to display in your home. A work of art can act as a reminder of time spent creating together. When I look at art we have created as a family, I remember the conversations and the laughs. The artwork itself brings a smile to my face.
When I walk through my kitchen, I see the mug my daughter painted for my father who has since passed away. I appreciate the thought and care she put into the details while painting it. In addition, I will never forget the look on his face when he received it. He drank his morning coffee from it each day. My daugter uses the mug for her tea each morning. This cup keeps her connected to her grandfather.
We have hand painted ornaments which we have traditionally painted each year. Each ornament placed on the tree holds a precious family memory.
Even an acrylic stain on my shoe reminds me of a time we got a little out of hand splatter painting recently. Such memories bind our family together and bring us joy!
With a little effort, you can find a way to enjoy art as a family! It can be as simple as drawing stick figures while playing Pictionary. Break out some sidewalk chalk for a family art show. Put white shirts on everyone and fill water guns with paint for a little fun! Enroll in a weekly art class together. Plan a family painting workshop. Learn how to throw clay on a pottery wheel, or paint pottery together. Find a creative art activity that works for your family. The important part is to set time aside the time. Art is a fantastic opportunity to create and foster family connection.