Our children come to us factory installed with a remarkable set of natural endowments: a need for self-expression, lots of physical energy, and an extraordinary imagination. But guess what? Isn’t this the very same arsenal needed and used by the mature artist? Certainly this is so in sculpture, dance and dramatic arts, with mental energy overriding the physical in writing and painting. The connection between the natural attributes of childhood and the mature shaping of those attributes toward artistic productivity is not surprising. But add to this the extraordinary brain activity that takes place in childhood: multiple billions of neurons each of us is born with and multiple trillions of synapses, the wires that enable brain cells to communicate with each other, enough to learn just about anything. Moreover, the brain makes brand new neural connections among them all the time. Of course this is daunting. But isn’t it thrilling as well?

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Experience of the world in the early years is largely gained through the senses—vision, hearing, smell, touch and taste—and perception is enhanced with artistic enterprises that connect one thing to another. Arts such as creative dance allow the child to incorporate all three of those natural endowments mentioned (physical energy, need for self expression and imagination) while using and reinforcing synaptic brain connections. Drawing (scribbling by the age of 2 years) allows the young child to control and master space and motivates experimentation on the page—and while you’re at it, add markers, clay, some creative construction materials and the sounds of classical music. Behind all of these endeavors is the promotion of self-confidence, the basic necessity for achievement.

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As parents or educators our duty is to shape those endowments and use that brainpower by encouraging perception of the outside world and the mental stimulation that follows. Sadly but inevitably, these remarkable connections decline depending on environmental adaptation needs and the mental stimulation a child receives. When connections are used, they are reinforced; otherwise, they are weakened or discarded.

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As an artist and parent, before there were PET scans and peeks inside the brain, and largely, I confess, to keep my children out of mischief, I set up a studio table for them, provided some basic art materials, gave them some direction and then did my own thing. I also taught creative movement and in doing so, made the discovery that all children seemed to be gifted creative artists. This discovery led to my book, Leap to the Sun: Learning through Dynamic Play, and later to another, Smart Starts in the Arts. Whether this early exposure helped my children’s intellectual and emotional development can’t be proven, but all four of them are now leading happy, productive lives and contribute to society in their respective careers.

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Although neural connectivity is greatest in early childhood, another surge occurs in adolescence, which may account for what is seen as adolescent rebellion and general teenage weirdness. All the more reason to build a foundation in early childhood in the arts, sports or academics. Then, with self-confidence and a fascination with the world, those neural adolescence energies will have a natural boost to lift off into mature achievement.

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The good news for those somewhat older than teenagers? This “Brain-Art Connection” can continue at any age. Brain cells can rejuvenate and synaptic connections continue to be made throughout life.

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Thanks for reading JWorld Café, the Poetica Magazine Blog

Judith Peck, Ed.D., Guest Blogger

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     * Recommended viewing: “The Secret Life of the Brain,” 2001,  

     Thirteen/WNET New York, distributed by PBS Home Video  

      www.pbs.org, and Inside the brain: revolutionary discoveries of how 

      the mind works by Ronald Kotulak

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Dr. Judith Peck is a sculptor, author and full professor of art at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, NJ. In addition to sculpture and drawing, she teaches Art as Therapy and trains students to teach art in jails, mental hospitals, facilities for abused children, battered women’s shelters, and veteran centers. She is the author of Smart Starts in the Arts, Art Activities for Mind and Imagination, Artistic Crafts, Leap to the Sun: Learning through Dynamic Play, and Sculpture as Experience all of which are available at www.iapbooks.com. (Poetica subscribers are invited to use the discount when ordering). Her sculpture can be viewed at www.judithpeck.com - Linda Pressman, Blog Editor