Modern Art for Kids
There’s something about design and art and creativity and beauty that makes my heart and mind race a tad faster. I’m happiest when I’m surrounded by new ideas. [That’s been my experience with children, too.]
So, when I find hip, funky projects that are feasible to do with little ones (or with anyone), I corral them up and get busy.
As you may know, we bought an 18 x 24 Lil Davinci Art Cabinet to hang on our kitchen wall. It stores up to 50 pieces of art. You simply lift the “lid,” pop the artwork behind the metal corners, and close it up. Presto! You’ve got yourself a framed piece of art! Psst, it’s perfect for that artwork coming home from school…
Here’s the link to Liliana’s first oversized piece of artwork that she did last summer (a marble painting in which you acquire a large flat box, center your piece of paper in the bottom, squeeze tiny dollops of paint in various locations, then put about 10 marbles in and roll them around). Very easy, and it looks so miraculously professional, doesn’t it? [Trust me. It’s very fun and relaxing, no matter what age you are!]
Here it is, up closer…although this one’s a little blurry:
If you’re like me, and you’re on the lookout for projects, the coolest ones can be found at The Artful Parent and Deep Space Sparkle.
Now you can add Todd Oldham’s Kid Made Modern to your list. I’ve been a fan of Oldham’s for several years now, especially after seeing his unbelievable treehouse.
His book features art projects that resemble famous modern artists’ work. Doable, fun, playful…the pages drew Liliana like a magnet. “Maybe this one, Mom.” “No, maybe this one.”
So. Here are three we’re going to attempt this summer. Such fun.
Fold Up Fan Zine (a perfect little book to carry around, don’t you think?):
Foam Mobile (I’ve seen the official versions of these hanging in the Walker Art Center’s shop for years now, and I’m eager to attempt my own):
And how about this Chip-N-Clip window screen? So easy and so beautiful!
And here’s one more idea that you might have fun with–using your refrigerator door and colored Post-its. Unleash the Creative Monster in you! [This is from the newly released book, David Stark Design.] Photos courtesy of Design*Sponge.
And one more…
Aren’t the possibilities endless–for playful art…engaging art…participatory art…?
Now that’s what I’m talking about!
More suggestions, anyone?
[Post image: Kid Made Modern by Todd Oldham]