Growing Up - The Impact of Art on Children

As I photograph and take inventory of (Travis Humphreys ) my Dad's new work, it makes me think of how deeply my dad truly loves nature. As a child I remember so many drives with my family up to the mountains. So many rivers and lakes where I was just happy to play with my silbings and get dirty. I never really had the patience for fishing like my Dad and brothers, but I just loved being part of it. I remember being bothered by the windows always being down because my Dad always needed to be ready to take a photo. We always stopped along the side of the road to take little journeys to get the beautiful references he uses for his art.

My dad always included us in his art. I met so many artists growing up, and visited many galleries. I remember feeling special getting to take a trip with my dad to make frame deliveries. I hardly ever knew what the adults were talking about, but I loved taking in all the different pieces reflected in peoples homes. Art truly makes life special. It makes our homes a place we love to be, and when we move brings that comfort, beauty and familiarity along with us.

Visiting Dad in the workshop was always fun. He had endless art supplies and crafts that he always let us be a part of. One particular thing that was my favorite was when he would give us a machine that was meant to make homemade noodles, but he would give us clay to use on it instead.

As an adult I look back and realize how positively these experiences impacted my life, and the positive impact art has on children. I realize that having art be such an integral piece of my world, has influenced me to think outside of the box, dare to be different than others, dare to create, and dare to dream. Art has taught me to believe in myself, because I have seen with my own eyes the beauty that is created by the people that do, the people that dare to create without any instructions. Artists. They are the ones that silently change the world for the better.

-Sienna