In August, 12-year-old grandson Ryan came to stay for a couple of days before school started. What would entertain him??? I got out an old painting that wasn't very thrilling and suggested that he and I could paint on it together to make it more interesting. He seemed to like that idea!
This old painting was about sea level rise due to climate change, and as we painted, we discussed the issue, sort of slowly and in a round-about way. It occurred to me that this was an example of interactive climate art and a way to inform. We also discussed color harmony, composition, and symbolism. He developed his own symbol for fish, and it was a good one, in that it wasn't clear whether it was a live fish or a fish skeleton. He added symbols and used stencils to create a feeling of the ocean. I was impressed with his interest, understanding, and creativity.
When it was done, we framed it, and he took it home. It now hangs in their living room! I hope that when his friends see it, he will talk about the issues a bit. I hope he will remember making art and having fun with his Grandma.
Here is the before and after of the painting:
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