The summer of 2013 I invited my son and ten of his pals into the studio to make some art. Each child brought with them an object of interest or importance. We spent two weeks creating drawings and images based on their objects while weaving together a story that is truly delightful. Once the kiddos left, I got to work turning their drawings into object-paintings. I worked hard to preserve the purity of their drawings by adding my technical ability, but little else.

 I love working with children because they encapsulate all that I hope to be as an artist: intuitive, deliberate and fearless. When I first began working with my son, Samuel, I was struck with how effortless the creative process was for him. The work I did this summer with Samuel and his buddies continues to challenge and instruct me.

A little about our story: This is the story of the bordering towns Legonia and Giraffilla as told by one 5 year old, six 6 year olds, one 7 year old, two 10 year olds and one much older human. We have 104 years combined storytelling experience, which is probably why our story is so epic.

Legonia is a peaceful town made up of all manner of Lego-creations. Giraffilla is inhabited by giraffes, elephants, owls, and penguins. You know how animals can be: rowdy, curious, always playing pranks whether they know it or not. The Legonians were sick and tired of the pranks and decided to even the playing field. The Legonians captured the penguins, owls, giraffes and elephants and turned them into balloon animals. In a day’s time, the animals were fragile and things became worrisome. With no real plan to turn the balloons back to real animals, they sought help. Lucky for everyone the popcorn warriors and baseball bat propelled paper airplanes came to the rescue. There’s more to the story, but you’ll have to ask one of the artists.

October 2013