Downstairs: Process Art

We do all kinds of art projects in the Downstairs, from our studio work with Nina to daily explorations of materials and processes.  Familiarity and routine use with materials allows for deeper exploration and, as children grow, they learn what tools and processes they can use to express their thoughts, feelings, and questions.  Some art projects can also be used as a tool to assess progress and growth, such as observing a child’s cutting skills, ability to follow multi-step directions, organizing a face, etc.  However, the majority of art activities at this age and developmental stage are process-based.  Process art is child-directed, choice-driven, and discovery-based.  The final product, if one exists, is unique to the artist, but the true focus is on creating the work.

While art is a form of expression and a mode of discovery, it can also be so much more.  Below, the left column is what the teachers “overhead” while children were working on their potions.  The right column reflects our observational interpretations of the skills that children were working on, as they were playing freely.

Another process art project (pictured above), that we returned to each day for a week, was an exploration of circles.  The first day, a table was covered in butcher paper and objects with circular ends were provided along with trays of red, yellow, and blue paint.  Sometimes we refer to this as an “invitation:” a teacher’s set-up for encouragement of exploration.  However, even with this invitation, children may take the project in a different direction that teachers intended or dreamed of - that is the beauty of process art!  The second day, we returned to the same piece of paper, with similar objects, but combined with the medium of ink pads, also red, yellow, and blue.  On our third (and maybe final?) day, we added some circular leaf “confetti,” using hole punchers and fallen leaves to add a natural element.  We will see how and/or if this particular piece continues to evolve, or if this exploration is finished for now!

We have also been using natural materials to create art, noticing how the round walnuts roll so wonderfully.  Taking advantage of that property of the walnuts, we collected a whole bucketful to use as our “paintbrushes.”  Both individually, in bins, and collectively, in a kiddie pool, we used the walnuts to spread red, yellow, and blue paint on paper, creating designs and patterns.  Incorporating large and small body movements within an art activity can be a way to encourage children who are not typically interested in “art” to join in the exploration.  Another facet of this activity was being able to have full control when painting on their own in addition to working within a team, comparing the two experiences.  It was truly a multi-sensory experience - the movement of the walnuts and our bodies, the smell of the paint, the walnuts, and the outdoors, the sound of the walnuts and voices working together, the weight and feel of the kiddie pool and bins, the sight of the paint colors mixing…and the laughter and joy that was contagious - in the good way!