Teen Expression through Art
Break Out by Jacknel123 Miami, Fl
Does your teen mumble? Do you think your teen can barely form a sentence because they seem to nod more than speak? Are you thinking of some sodium pentothal just to get the truth about how your teen’s day went? Well here’s an idea you might love…Art.
Art is a fabulous way to get your teen involved. There is no pressure to create a masterpiece the goal is simply to think up a nonjudgmental way to get whatever is in your teen’s mind, out THERE. There where they can be relieved of its burdens and leave now available memory for good thoughts. There where others can look and give what tends to be positive feedback, which feeds their self-esteem tremendously. Here are some ideas:
1. Music
Most teens love music and this is a great chance for them to put their own music to song, or voice only if they choose to do it a cappella. They can write it, sing it, play it in its many forms of hip hop, jazz, blues, country, etc . They could realize the many supportive areas behind the music that require support. They may enjoy being the producer, CD designer, the vocal coach, the mixer, the sound engineer, the marketer, etc. who knows which one may be the spark that gets your teen excited and talking.
2. Painting
Whether it’s seeing the great art of the masters and discussing it in a class or attempting a masterpiece of their own, they should be free to create with any type of paint (water color, acrylic, oils, etc.) and produce something that’s from their soul.
3. Murals
Especially if you have a tagger (graffitist on buildings possibly to mark territory for gangs, but usually to express themselves), there should be an opportunity for your teen to create this art legally through murals. There may be organizations in your community that make murals throughout the town, on schools or on municipal buildings. Better, commission one or offer one based on the donations from local businesses so one can go to a public place like a park or library and see your teen’s art. Can you imagine the pride in being part of art seen by so many people?
4. Writing
School play coming up? Is there a class project that calls for some creativity to spice it up? Have your teen write a screenplay or play to fit the class project while using the almighty pen to express themselves. Writing can also include poetry and speaking at poetry readings like SLAMS or open mike night. If one doesn’t exist, create one. Get a local coffee shop to offer one night monthly when teens can come out and hear other teen’s speak. You’ll be blown away with what’s on your teen’s mind.
5. Theatre
There are so many jobs that create the theatre experience: acting, writing, hairstylist, make-up artist, designing the playbill, photographer of the show, costume design, set design, stage direction, caterer, sound mixer, director, producer, etc. Don’t let your teen’s fear of speaking let them count out the world of musical theatre. There are literally thousands of people that go into the production of a show and your teen might love being some part of that. The family atmosphere on the set is a big attraction in addition to the feeling that your teen contributes to a grand production that people enjoy. Now, that has to be a gang you don’t mind them joining.
These are some ideas. The list is exhaustive (cooking, baking, stylist, etc). Look up and see if one already exists in your neighborhood. If one doesn’t exist, consider making one up by calling the local recording studio or art studio to donate time for this. The experience is really appreciated by the teens.
One teen painting a mural legitimately (since they usually were tagging illegally) responded after hearing someone passing by comment on how good the mural looked said, “Wow! No one has ever told me how good my work was. People noticing my work usually meant I had to run from the police.” Give your teen a positive creative outlet; give them the gift of art and its amazing opportunity to reveal what they cannot find the words to say!
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