[Source: facebook.com/LumiereArtStudio]
When asked about her perspective on how art influences the lives of children, Karis Lee, an art teacher at Lumiere Art Studio, explained, “Art is basically communication, and before communicating, you have to understand your own feelings; we need to know what we want to tell to people with an image and how to create a relationship with an audience through a piece. With this, younger students are able to comprehend words and thoughts more clearly. In a way, art is a part of liberal arts, since they are about the study of humans and the design.”
She explained that the process of designing artworks and the creative and intellectual skills gained from artmaking are continuously used in daily life by her students, even if they could not notice it. Lee says, “Starting from just brainstorming to painting the first stroke on a canvas, organizing a piece can help design relationships.” She also stated that some of the younger students who were not mature enough to clearly converse with adults were able to express their words through the craft.
Naree Kim, an older student at the studio, also explained how art gives her a sense of relief since the thoughts and words that she keeps to herself throughout the day are embedded in each drawing she sketches. Instead of speaking out towards others when she is angry or sad, Naree claimed that she channels her feelings through art, even if it’s just simple doodles. As a long term student, she explained that she has a stronger sense of communication with others due to feedback on previous artworks, and that the skills she has gained from designing previous projects are constantly applied throughout her life.
Art influences children positively and gives students a deeper mindscope about their surroundings; it can strengthen their creative process and give them skills to apply throughout their lives.
