Little kid art is usually so raw and inventive, then something happens around grade 2 and they start sucking. I dunno what it is, I guess they learn what is considered “good” by the hegemonic culture and try representing it? Kids spend the next 10 to 20 years unlearning all that to get back to where they were in kindergarten lol
It’s peer pressure and the desire to conform. Right around age 9 they start developing an ego / sense of self, they become less concerned with doing what they want and more concerned with fitting in. Some kid says “your drawing is a mess you don’t even color inside the lines” and you have gone from a prolific and creative artist to a child that doesn’t draw
I kept drawing/painting/etc throughout my entire life from an early age and I hate that I have to try so hard to convince people that, yes, they can do art too! It’s not about the common value-derived definition of “talent” (the ability to apply and make money from a skill), I love seeing even rough sketches by people that haven’t done so since they were young.
This formative peer pressure and the overwhelming push to consider the monetary value in everything first has robbed us, humanity, from so much beautiful art. It’s a tragedy what capital has done, to instill this mode of thought in children to last their entire lives…
As someone that drew and doodled all the time until like 17 what really got in the way of making art was becoming an “adult”, getting a job, and having the life drained from me. School was a place where I always had paper and a pencil in front of me and I rarely had to pay attention to do well in class. I’ve felt like an empty husk for so long. I barely have energy to feed myself and doomscroll after work.
I also quickly became isolated and alienated after high school. Being without a community of people you love and that love you makes it so difficult to get into that vulnerable state where you can really express yourself. I’m finally starting to find community again after many years of drifting around listlessly. I started taking piano lessons a few years ago and from there got enough of a foundation in music to get over the hump of anxiety about playing with people.
Recently I stumbled my way into an amazing community of artists, musicians, and performers who have inspired me to create again. I found some friends who are also pretty new to music and we’re putting together a band and having a blast. I painted something for the first time in like 18 years. I’ve been drawing and writing when I can. After so many years that felt barren and devoid of life, this year (really just the past few months) have been so overwhelmingly packed with joy that I’ve been brought to tears multiple times.
Little kid art is usually so raw and inventive, then something happens around grade 2 and they start sucking. I dunno what it is, I guess they learn what is considered “good” by the hegemonic culture and try representing it? Kids spend the next 10 to 20 years unlearning all that to get back to where they were in kindergarten lol
It’s peer pressure and the desire to conform. Right around age 9 they start developing an ego / sense of self, they become less concerned with doing what they want and more concerned with fitting in. Some kid says “your drawing is a mess you don’t even color inside the lines” and you have gone from a prolific and creative artist to a child that doesn’t draw
I kept drawing/painting/etc throughout my entire life from an early age and I hate that I have to try so hard to convince people that, yes, they can do art too! It’s not about the common value-derived definition of “talent” (the ability to apply and make money from a skill), I love seeing even rough sketches by people that haven’t done so since they were young.
This formative peer pressure and the overwhelming push to consider the monetary value in everything first has robbed us, humanity, from so much beautiful art. It’s a tragedy what capital has done, to instill this mode of thought in children to last their entire lives…
As someone that drew and doodled all the time until like 17 what really got in the way of making art was becoming an “adult”, getting a job, and having the life drained from me. School was a place where I always had paper and a pencil in front of me and I rarely had to pay attention to do well in class. I’ve felt like an empty husk for so long. I barely have energy to feed myself and doomscroll after work.
I also quickly became isolated and alienated after high school. Being without a community of people you love and that love you makes it so difficult to get into that vulnerable state where you can really express yourself. I’m finally starting to find community again after many years of drifting around listlessly. I started taking piano lessons a few years ago and from there got enough of a foundation in music to get over the hump of anxiety about playing with people.
Recently I stumbled my way into an amazing community of artists, musicians, and performers who have inspired me to create again. I found some friends who are also pretty new to music and we’re putting together a band and having a blast. I painted something for the first time in like 18 years. I’ve been drawing and writing when I can. After so many years that felt barren and devoid of life, this year (really just the past few months) have been so overwhelmingly packed with joy that I’ve been brought to tears multiple times.
Honestly that sounds amazing! I’m happy you’ve found some people to express yourself with!
Thank you! And please keep challenging people in your life to create!