Art Appreciation

I often wondered what the big hoopla was about little kids' drawings. I'd see refrigerators plastered with papers that had nothing more on them than stick figures. Bad ones at that. I have seen the light.

While Robin was out running I gave myself a break and put the kids to bed a tad early. I told Harrison he could play in his room quietly while I watched Fellini's 8 1/2. He opted to play with all the "forbidden" toys (chokeables, tiny legos, markers) that he can only play with after Gigi goes to bed. Some time went by and he came into the living room to show me his drawing. I paused the movie and stared at the drawing for a long time, tears welling up in my eyes. Then I turned to him and said "It's beautiful," after which he very proudly smiled and shyly curled up into the couch.

This was his first real stick figure and I was so proud I of course had to post it. The metaphors and symbolism abound.

Its multiple colors represent the vast array of personalities that humans have to offer. The outstretched arms and ladles in the hands signify man's innate desire to be open with love and generous with food. The absence of shoes and clothing no doubt aims to remove all suggestions of class and status, bringing a sense of equality to this image of man. And of course the lean to the left is a sure indication of the political necessity we are now faced with.

Or, it could be a magician with wands in his hands, as Harrison says.