Reframe it with Reverence

Can you remember the joy of making art at primary school? The smell of paint and pottery clay as you pulled up a stool to address a table full of feathers, pasta, white glue and glitter? Pure joy.

Now can you remember what happened to the glittery, feathered, pasta, paint masterpiece when you arrived home?

Was it affixed to the refrigerator with a magnet from the local pizza joint?

Perhaps it was framed and proudly displayed in the living room?

Or was it quietly tossed in the garbage?

The joy of creation for the budding young artist is quickly amplified or muted by how their creations are treated.

As an adult we may come to understand that how others treat our work has no bearing on its value. We come to the realization that everyone has different taste and while some creative work appeals to one group of people, it may not appeal to others.

But kids don't have insight into the nuances of art appreciation and the subjective valuation of creativity. Particularly when the ones doing the valuing of the child's artwork are their parents, teachers, trusted adults whose opinions they hold in high regard.

Whether our artwork was tossed in the bin, magnetised to the fridge or carefully framed and displayed can have a significant impact on our creative confidence.

The antidote: We learn to create 'frames' for our work as adults. Frames that honor our creativity with dignity and reverence.

How will you choose to reframe your creativity today?