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THE ART OF KINDNESS

NICHOLAS MCCARDLE

Every picture tells a story.

That’s one of the lessons that young artists are apt to discover whenever they gather for summer classes with their teacher, Claire Pittman, an artist and college student attending West Liberty University near Wheeling, West Virginia.

Claire—who grew up with a passion for art—is a believer in the power of self-expression and feels that it’s important to cultivate creativity in others. Especially in young people. Even at a very young age, she could always be found creating a visual story. Abstract finger paintings, drawings of cartoon characters, still lifes, impressions of nature, people … you name it.

Art gave her an outlet and an escape from issues in her life and their emotional toll, which Claire learned to hide. Her sensitivity to whatever was going on, bad or good, and her identity as an artist made her feel different, somehow separate and apart from others—which led to her being frequently singled out. The discomfort of feeling “other than” or “less than” also became something Claire tried to hide. She figured that if she was being called out for her sensitive personality in general, it would only make it worse to show her passion for art.

Yet as time went on, she found ways to turn those perceived negatives into true positives. “Funny enough, what I was hiding would ultimately bring me out into the light,” Claire said.

“And being different would be what makes me, well, me.”

The journey toward embracing herself and one of her biggest inspirations for artwork began in her grandfather’s sunflower garden. As a little girl, she used to revel in the beauty of the towering plants. Each year, her grandfather would cut the sunflowers down for her and her sister to use as walking sticks, and sometimes, she'd pick apart the petals to press into books.

To this day, her grandfather still has a sunflower garden, and Claire visits regularly to take photographs that inspire new visual stories to tell. “Those sunflowers were such a crucial part of my childhood,” she notes with a fond twinkle in her eyes, “and I long for those times.”

Another meaningful influence was her own art teacher in school—who she feels was responsible for helping broaden her mind to see the world, herself, and her art in a whole new light. During a summer internship, her mentor also opened a door that led to Claire’s first teaching experience. Through this, she was able to realize the extent of her compassion and patience for children, and her understanding of them.

Everything became clear: Her calling as an artist was to work with kids. But where could she begin to pursue that path? When the answer came to her—to start with the fun of hosting summer art classes in her home—Claire thought, Why not? and decided to drop a few mentions on social media to pique interest. After gaining some inquiries, she got right to work on organizing classes. Her hope was twofold: 1) To plant an appreciation of art in her students; and 2) To introduce them to the craft of expressing themselves as individuals.

“Self-expression is human nature,” Claire says. “To open children up at an early age and to keep them open through the years with art … that is a wonderful thing.”

Proving the Field of Dreams adage, “If you build it, they will come,” she soon had a group of students signed up, raring to go. For the first class, and those that followed, the session began with Claire welcoming every kid into her home. The group gathered around her kitchen table, where she engaged them in simple, open conversation. They were able to share how their days were going, how they were spending their summers, and any stories they wanted to tell. Claire cherished the warmth and freeflow of the exchanges, finding genuine enjoyment in listening to her students.

Next, as she had planned, the group easily slid right into that day’s art project. Claire worked along with them, guiding and giving instruction. Her goal was to encourage and never to criticize, always making sure every young artist was given their own creative freedom. After projects were complete, it was snack time!

Pleased with the structure after a few days of having class up and running, Claire had to say, “It’s such a wonderful routine. I wish we could do it every single day!”

The lessons learned were many. Claire feels that whether the stories shared in conversation suggested ideas for artwork or the pictures produced by the artwork inspired stories, it didn’t matter. What counted was the happy experience shared with one another in its making. The bonds that Claire and her students made over the course of that summer were her biggest reward. She loved hearing and telling stories and getting to know all about each student, right down to their favorite colors, most beloved hobbies, even their hopes, worries, dreams, and goals. Without saying it in so many words, she felt the kids realized they could have a teacher who might have been a lot like them when she was their age.

More than anything, Claire says she is forever grateful for those kids who stuck with her through her program’s first flight and who gave her the chance to do what she loves. Their discoveries further inspired her, firing her up with an even greater passion for art and the opportunity to teach it.

Without question, that inspiration goes two ways. Claire’s hope is that as she moves forward as an art teacher, her current and former students will continue to love art in general and to love making it themselves. With the new perspectives she was able to show them, she further hopes they’ll flourish not only on their artistic journeys, but also in their growth as communicators and as warmhearted, kind human beings.

For all who have a talent, passion, or calling, why not follow Claire’s example by choosing to share your knowledge with those in your community, perhaps by offering classes?

The more we share our stories—through words or pictures, music or drama—the kinder our world will be.

Wow, how beautiful. I especially love Claire’s comment that what she was hiding would ultimately bring her into the light. I’ve had that same experience and art has been absolutely healing for me. You’re right, Nicholas, self-expression is so important and art is one of the many ways you can express your feelings. Your art matters. What you have to say matters. If you’d like to explore the many ways art can help you, a friend, or your child, check out The Dreaming Zebra Foundation or Art Feeds, as well as local resources in your communities.