Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Nurturing Whimsy...

I wanted to share with you the burgeoning artistic talent known simply as "Boog." She has recently been introduced to the world of crayons; and except for a brief moment when I thought she was going to permanently maim "Mr. Blue," she has been in Crayola-colored bliss!


We are proudly displaying her first work.

Please note the free-form scribbles and the lovely tear here and there. Future collage artist? Hmmm. . .

I have been struck lately by the newness of things for Boog. A new song to hum along with or to dance to (she's a mean dancer, folks!). The first time seeing the color "Violet Red." And my responsibility to her becomes a tad more clear. It is part of my job and privilege to nurture her whimsy. Her passion. Her joy. Whatever it may be. And though it's terrifying (I truly don't know what I'm doing!), it's also amazing!!!


I just read in a magazine that we are most in tune with our whimsy, our passions, when we are 10-14 years old. While I don't know how true this is (and I'm not quite sure you can draw super clear parallels in the manner of, "Well, I was a connoisseur of the mud pie, dahling, so, of course, I would have my own bakery!"), it is an interesting window into who we were and are. And, perhaps, a way to bring back that "newness" again. For me, it was dancing and singing and the start of musical theater. And drawing, of course! What was your whimsy? Who were you at 10 years old?

This painting was a custom piece that I did a while ago with the theme of being rooted in love, but its message has changed for me. It seems to speak of being rooted in our passions--what we love. I hope it speaks to you, too . . .

Here is Boog on Halloween. She was a dancer. Oh, excuse me, a modern dancer. Preferably in the "Twila Tharp" or "Martha Graham" veins. :-) She was a whirling dervish and so excited.


In case you're wondering, the "D" on the wall is an old marquee letter from an opera/movie house from the early 1900's. Fab!

8 comments:

Poetic Dreams said...

I think it's adorable that "Boog" is learning to play with crayons. It's never to early to introduce them to their own supplies.I know Lil Love has her own supplies she uses when we create art. Lil Love adores watercolors and oil pastels. She's been creating since she was a 1 year old. What I did was get her, her own journal.This way she can express herself as well as her journal being a memory book of sorts as she gets older. She's now on her 4th one. I also set aside stickers and magazines for her to cut(I do the cutting after she picks her picture) and she gluesticks them down in her book. Just some ideas hun. I also have a special section in my room where she can create anytime she wants.
Hugs~

Nicola said...

What an interesting post with a lovely sentiment...hmmm.....myself at 10? I actually really discovered my love of art at 10 when I started going along with my mother to her adult evening art class. At first it was mainly because she didn't have a baby sitter and because it was held at my school the class was free for me. 20 years later we are still friends with that art teacher and we still share a love of art my mum and I. I'm passing that on to my boys and we often create together now. Sometimes, well most of the time I don't feel like I know what I'm doing when it comes to parenting hehehe but I totally agree with you that it's our jobs to nurture their whimsy's. I just hope I do as good a job as my mum did :) Your piece is very beautiful I just love your work!!!

Anonymous said...

So beautiful both your baby and you're art. Love the colours and soft look in her face.

Michelle Eaton said...

Boog is so cute! Her work is wonderful :)

SewSweetStitches said...

Aww baby's first crayons *sniff* getting sentimental!
Poetic what a great idea with the journals!

I posted some art from own Munchkin here: http://sewsweetstitches.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-little-artist.html

When I was 10, I got my first sewing machine (still have it, an old Kenmore from the 50's) and I pretended my bedroom was my sewing studio and shop. I made my family come into my room and "buy" my creations teehee.
Well well whatd'ya know, it came true!

Great post!

Léo-Vinh said...

Your art is beautiful....

Autumn said...

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and heartfelt responses! You inspired me with your stories and advice...

Anonymous said...

Hey Autumn, maybe you remember me, its Stephanie Vander Lugt and we met at the seminary a few years back. I recently remembered your art and wanted to see what you were up to. I LOVE your art! I was wondering if you have any paintings for sale right now. Anyway, hope you guys are doing well. Take care!

Related Posts with Thumbnails