Creating art is a special part of being human. It distinguishes us from animals and adds meaning to our lives. Although there are skills that can help people express their ideas through art, it does not follow strict rules. This is especially true for children’s artwork. There is no right or wrong way to create art; it is all about expressing oneself. Unlike math or science, art does not have a single correct answer.
This idea upset Gemma Leighton, whose 6-year-old daughter, Edie, was told by her art teacher that her painting was “wrong.” Gemma shared Edie’s artwork on Twitter, asking for support after her daughter felt discouraged. She emphasized that art shouldn’t be labeled as wrong, especially since Edie loves creating it.
We do not know the exact words of the teacher or the reasons behind them, but if a 6-year-old comes home feeling upset about their artwork, it suggests something went wrong on the teacher’s part. Young children are just starting to learn artistic techniques, and encouragement is crucial for their development.
The online community quickly rallied around Edie. Many shared their own experiences of being hurt by similar criticism from teachers, which helped Edie feel better about her own art. Others highlighted how Edie’s painting reminded them of well-known artists, helping her to see the value in her own work.
Songwriter Kimya Dawson recounted being told in middle school that her poems were “too juvenile.” Despite that criticism, she continued to write and has made a career from it. She encouraged Edie, saying her painting was perfect and to keep creating without worrying about what others think.
Professional artists also offered supportive comments. They noted that Edie’s use of perspective and expressionism was commendable for her age. They emphasized that when children express their feelings and perspectives through art, their work can never be considered wrong.
Experts note that specific encouragement, including highlighting elements of a child’s artwork, is vital for building their self-esteem. The process of creating art can help children feel proud and independent, no matter the outcome.
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Source: Upworthy, by Annie Reneau