Why Christian parents don’t embrace their children’s artistic gifts and what we can do about it

Picasso said: “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up”

This week is Children’s Art week! As a freelance artist and writer, and mum of two extremely creative neurodivergent teenagers, I spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about art, creativity, and what it means to cultivate that in both ourselves and our children.

The Picasso quote tells us something important. Something happens during childhood which crushes the artist within. The question isn’t about how as a parent you can ‘encourage’ your child in art, but rather, how do you stop inadvertently discouraging them! We do it without even consciously realising it, and our hidden Christian assumptions may be playing their part as well.

The genesis of some of our hang-ups about art

Do you remember the joy of making a mess and painting with an apron on in primary school? I do! The scratchy brushes, the bright poster paint, the way I would start with a lopsided tree, continue to add colour after colour after colour until it all turned a murky brown. And then I would triumphantly place it on the drying rack, feeling satisfied with my masterpiece. Excitedly presenting it to my Mum at the school gate later. Unbridled confidence and total delight.

A young child will rarely, if ever, present you with their Sunday school craft, or school picture and say: “I just don’t think I really captured the essence of this, and the ……