I can remember learning how to color back in kindergarten. My teacher would hold up a perfectly colored coloring sheet that she provided as an example of how the completed assignment should look. Next, she handed out the blank coloring sheets and gave the instructions on how to successfully complete the task. Excited, everyone would pull out their set of crayons and begin to color. She would walk through the rows of desks looking at the humble beginnings of these future masterpieces. Occasionally, she would remind us, "Children, remember Having your artwork on display for the teacher, classmates and parents was a really big deal. Everyone one would huddle around the bulletin board to determine who submitted the "best" and "worst" work. The inspections were always brutal. You could audibly hear the whispers because someone forgot to "Stay inside the. lines."
Most of my classmates, including myself, would look for the approval of others. Some children would be moved to tears if they felt like they did not receive the approval they desired. My teacher would attempt to provide consolation to any child who expressed hurt feelings. But there would always be that one individual who would proudly admire their artwork with daring colors that defiantly danced outside of the lines. They stood undaunted by everyone’s opinions of their work. I can admit, at the time I couldn't understand their contentment and sense of satisfaction despite the sentiments of the crowd.
As a former child care program director and teacher I've had the pleasure of experiencing a role reversal. I've given out numerous coloring sheets and other arts and crafts assignments. When I first started out I would complete the project ahead of time, display the piece, hand out materials, give instructions and wait for the children to complete the project. Like my former teacher; I would give reminders to "Stay within the lines". After the work was completed I'd display the projects in the classroom for everyone to see.
One day, a child became visibly distraught because his artwork didn't look like mine. I felt horrible! Naturally I tried to console him, but he continued to cry. I held him and tried to reassure him, I repeatedly try to convey that his work was beautiful. After a while he quieted down and we finished our day. It was at that moment that all of those feelings of anxiety that I'd spent as a child in front of my class bulletin board came rushing back to me. This event challenged my ideas on art and creative expression.
Truthfully, I probably would've continued my art class in this fashion if it had not been for this incident. I honestly thought this was the correct way to conduct my art class because it was the way I was taught. I finally recognized that I had been giving my class unrealistic expectations. Art is about self expression. At that moment I experienced the valuable lesson of process over completed product. From that day forward, I no longer completed the project ahead of time and told the class this is the way it was supposed to look. Instead, I choose projects that would allow each child to be an
individual and showcase his/her talents. Finally, I began
to notice all of the beautiful drawings with vivacious
colors that boldly and defiantly danced outside of the lines and I proudly admired their handiwork.
What limitations were placed upon you as a child or as an adult? Have you been living life in mentally confined spaces that you've longed to outgrow, but you
feel trapped and yearn to be set free? Give yourself
permission to live your life boldly and courageously. You can live your life outside of the lines. Be like that child
who dares to color despite the unrealistic expectations
and the opinions of others. Learn to smile at yourself
despite the naysayers all around you. You can do it.You've got this! Ready! Set! Unmute!
That's GROWTH.... Learning other Perspectives and letting yourself become more compassionate about others.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment. I hope you have learned to color outside the lines as well.
DeleteI've always colored outside of the lines sometimes purposely sometimes by accident. Beautifully written ❤️❤️❤️ðŸ˜
ReplyDeleteColoring outside of the lines is your super power. Don't shrink yourself to fit into someone else's perception of what you should be. Be you!
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