Creating magic in the eyes of a child.

[Bob De.]

When I watch kids, I always try to teach them something about art .

Under 8 we work with clay , making shapes and forms and they love it. I even let them work on one of my carvings (just sanding) and every time I see them they ask me about the carving that they help me make.

Then around 8 its with a small decoys that they sand and together we do some wood burning, now its their carving and they take it home (the seed is planted.)

With kids and some adults, wood carving is like magic and we are the magicians. They sit and watch with amazement as the item becomes alive .

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[wildflower]

Thank you for sharing your insights, Bob! So very true...and I have experienced this within myself.....especially when I did my first woodspirit and my first two caricature style Santas for Christmas this year. It is magic!
Leslie

[LisaS]

I know I'm convinced it is all magic whenever I watch a video from Lynn or Gene or any of the other folks who take the time to make tutorials. "Let's just bring out the cheeks a bit here" - and *poof* there's the nose and cheeks. Magic.

[tomrsey]

Bob, what a great attitude and technique for getting kids hooked on carving. I taught elementary school, in Michigan, for over 34 years and always tried to use hands on activities that messed a bit with their mind, and got them thinking. Nothing quite so satisfying as seeing the look in a kids eyes when they "get it"! and want more.

[squbrigg]

Bob, you are so right. They do see what we do as a form of magic, and by letting them become involved, we give them access to what they see as a special club.

Kids have a special inquisitiveness about how things work and when they are given the opportunity of seeing something created before their eyes, they jump at the opportunity of gaining the secret. It is sad how few children are actually exposed to carving, but they never fail to be hooked by seeing the act of carving.

Kids are my most favorite audiance, they come up with the most interesting questions, and comments and love the opportunity to handle a new carving, finished or not.

Keep up the good work.

Bob