About a year ago I was having a conversation with a friend about the coolness of kid's art. How awesome it is that they feel so free in the joy of creativity, while us adults are always getting caught up making things look nice. Their art always comes out so colorful. So honest. So raw.
We said "Why would anyone buy a poster or a print for their walls when they have access to little kids?"
"You know, someone should really start a website devoted to kid's art. Take it seriously. Deconstruct it and analyze it the same as fancy pants post-post-post modern crap."
And then we never talked about it again.
Lo, a year later, I received an email from Dan, who apparently had been doing this very thing long before our conversation ever took place. And, not only does Dan run a hilarious website devoted to celebrating the artwork of children, he just released a book on the very same subject: Is That a Picasso on Your Fridge?: Kids' "Masterpieces" Critiqued by an "Art Expert"
And, it also turns out, Dan is a fellow citizen of Evanston. My hood! In fact, he is neighbor to my homegirl Camilla, who suggested he send me a copy of the book.
So he did.
And I read it.
And it was so much fun that I went on Amazon that night and ordered several more copies to give to friends as gifts (Dale and Nancy, pretend you did not hear that).
And since you are a friend, I am giving one to you too...
And I read it.
And it was so much fun that I went on Amazon that night and ordered several more copies to give to friends as gifts (Dale and Nancy, pretend you did not hear that).
And since you are a friend, I am giving one to you too...
Here, take a peek inside:
My personal favorite is titled Blind Sadness: "Rejection isn’t an easy thing to deal with. Neither, apparently, is going through life with box kites for hands."
I can hardly tell you how much you will enjoy this book. It's the type of book you leave laying on the coffee table or in a guest bedroom. I bought one for my dentist to keep in his lobby to make up for his outdated reading material (I'm looking at you, US Weekly December 15, 2008). You can order a copy for yourself, or take a shot at getting a copy from me!
Want to try? Answer the following question in the comment box below:
Want to try? Answer the following question in the comment box below:
What was the first art project you remember making as a kid?
Winner will be selected 5pm CST March 10, 2012.
Still on the fence? Check out Dan's website WHAT MY KID'S ART SAYS to see what I am talking about. His latest entries are titled Horse Behind Rocks and Racist Butt Gun. Enough said.
I recently discovered your blog -somewhere in the ether- and let me say: you are a joy to wake up to in the mornings! (I have a nasty habit of checking my phone as I lay in bed, before getting up). It used to be a drag; reading news updates and emails before I've even peed. But now I know I look forward to a early-morning smile! :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, the first art project I remember making as a kid was a sketch. I clearly recall sitting at my built-in desk in my childhood room with mint green walls, and drawing out the front of a building. It was a storefront. It had big windows and was on the street level of an old brick building. But here's the best part, and what I remember most clearly: it had green and white striped awnings. They stuck out from the front of the building at an angle that I'm sure was impossible! And without supports, no less. But I thought that storefront was the coolest thing ever. It was possible based on Sesame Street? After all these years, I still don't know... But coincidentally, I now own a small shop with big windows on the street level of an old brick building. ...I have yet to get my awnings.