Through my son's eyes....

by Elizaeth
(California)

I recently had a discussion with my very smart 12 year old son. He is driven by a few passions. One of them is film and cameras. He said to me, "Mom I really don't get what the big deal is with art, especially paintings. Anyone can do it. I think it's boring." Well after my heart fell on to the floor, I asked him about his photography and about his filmmaking. I asked him about his use of angles, and light and choices of props. He answered quickly without hesitation all of the aspects of what he does and why he does it. I then looked at him and said, "All of the tools and choices you make result in an original piece of art, each and every single time." His eyes popped wide open and said, "Oh!"

For a few moments prior to his discovery I was feeling like all of the time and energy I have put into exposing my children to countless museums, exhibits and various other cultural enriching experiences was in vain.

Later that same afternoon I saw my son intently starring into a painting we have in one of our bedrooms. It is an original large piece of art that was completed by my best friend a few months before her death. I asked my son if there was a problem, he said, "No, I totally can see Aunt Lisa in this." The painting is a complete abstract. I was speechless.