Art: The Journey of a Free Soul

I hope you had the opportunity to visit the Winter Art Exhibit here at Denver Academy. If you did, then like me, you must have been floored by the genius and creativity these students possess. Whether through writing, watercolor, sculpting, painting, weaving, and more, DA students expressed their hearts, deep thoughts, and originality through multiple genres that induced jaw dropping “wows” and wide eyes!

 

There is a quote by a modern artist named Alev Oguz, “Art is the journey of a free soul.” I have no doubt in my mind that these DA art students experienced a profound sense of freedom in the opportunity to create, and express themselves extraordinarily. Many of us, as parents of these budding artists, know how important it is to our children to have the space and tools to safely create, as an outlet to release what they sometimes struggle to convey. They find a space of freedom when they are given the opportunity to be the artists they inherently are, and long to develop into. By having that space, they experience a breath of fresh air, and an opportunity to access and express ideas, and produce a new way of language that gives them the ability to become stronger learners. I am grateful for the teachers who provide the framework for DA students to summon their courage, and show us what stirs their souls, brings them joy, makes them wonder, and nudges them to inspire and to be inspired.

 

Being an artist isn’t only about the final result, or the fun in engaging in something artistic, however. The opportunity to be creative gives students confidence in more ways than one. Beyond the fun and the messiness, the artistic process lets students safely work through doubt, and engage intellectual disciplines that tap into parts of the brain where complex thinking can help boost confidence for DA’s unique learners. And since DA is a school that supports “the way you learn best” it is imperative that students have art as a method to increase their confidence in approaches that go beyond the success they feel in completing an art project. It filters directly into the ways they learn and gain confidence in other subject areas where they might sometimes feel constrained. It’s all part of the creative process wonderfully shaping DA students, while they shape their own understanding of the world and themselves.

 

Congratulations to all DA artists! May your creativity continue to shine!