November 05: Drawing Memories

Lesson Date: November 05

Drawing memories of places, events, and things you cherish:

This art class is designed to encourage creative expression, personal reflection, and community building. By the end of the class, each participant will have created a unique artwork that represents a cherished memory, fostering a sense of accomplishment and pride in their creative abilities.

A memory of a wedding

Norman Bluhm Preparatory drawing for In Memory of My Feelings 1967

You will need:

  • Drawing paper or sketchbooks

  • Colored pencils, markers, crayons, or any preferred drawing materials

  • Optional: Watercolors or pastels for older children

  • Scissors, glue, old magazines

Guide

Step 1: Introduction (10 minutes):

  • Introduction to the theme of "MEMORIES."

  • Explain the importance of memories and how art can help express them. There is a saying: one day we will leave this world and the only thing we can take is memories” Let’s make lasting memories!

  • Art serves as a testament to the experiences of life and death. It documents how individuals engage with both their inner thoughts and the external world in a manner distinct from historical texts. While reports primarily document figures, names, and occurrences, art, through its diverse forms and media, captures the essence of emotions.

  • Briefly introduce the steps of the class, and start with brainstorming (writing or sketching), collect as many memories that come to your mind (no particular order, there is no right or wrong, every memory is very individual to each kid)

Step 2: Visualization and Observation (20 minutes):

  • Show a selection (see below) of images representing different types of memories (places, events, objects, people etc).

  • Encourage students to pick one memory they cherish the most and ask them why they cherish that memory the most

  • Have a short discussion about what they remember from that memory: colors, shapes, feelings, and further details.

Step 3: Making and Problem Solving (40 minutes):

  • Instruct students to draw their cherished memories based on their observations and feelings.

  • Offer guidance and support as needed, emphasizing creativity and personal expression, do not push them in any direction (memories are very personal, only offer guidance is enabling to express their feelings Encourage problem-solving when they encounter challenges in representing their memories (color, texture, composition, type of paint used etc.)

  • It is important to note that the goal is not to have the most beautiful, colorful, or brilliant painting, but to express the feelings with your art!!!

Step 4: Community Building (15 minutes):

  • Create a sense of community by having a "memory-sharing" circle.

  • Each student can share their artwork and describe their cherished memory.

  • Encourage positive feedback and empathy among the participants, as memories might carry various types of emotions

  • Promote a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.

No youtube video links as examples, because the kids should draw without being influenced, because we want them to draw their memories, not our ideas!!!!!

Notes to Volunteers:


MEMORY QUOTES: - some food for thoughts to be discussed with the kids to encourage understanding memories>>>INTRODUCTION

  1. The moments may have ended but the memories last forever.

  2. Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but memories live forever.

  3. What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce. – Karl Lagerfeld

  4. We never realize the value of something in our life until it becomes a memory

  5. Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.  - Oscar Wilde

Think of art as a therapy: - general takeaways

Please note that professional art therapy is not the same as art as a therapy!!!

  1. While art therapy may benefit any person dealing with stress and grief, it may also be beneficial for people with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence.

  2. assists an individual in visually representing one’s thoughts and feelings that may be difficult to verbalize. 

  3. it helps one to enhance their well-being and acts as a coping mechanism”

  4. While traditional art focuses mainly on the end product, art therapy focuses on the process of creating art.

Annette KlockenbuschComment