Her assignment? Use something that isn't typically used in art to make art. Her original idea was to gather some nature things (sticks, pinecones, rocks, etc.) and create a design. Unfortunately the weather has not cooperated, offering rain, mud, snow, and the two days of really nice weather we weren't able to get out to scavenge. So I encouraged her to do something with things she already had readily available. How about making a living collage with the cats and things relating to them? She figured that was alright. But then she came up with her own idea... One that had her dad questioning boundaries, but in the end, she won out.
So last week we bought finger paints and some canvases. We bought two larger framed stretched canvases (14x18") and three smaller (8x10) board stretched canvases. Today #1 and I painted together; using our breasts as paintbrushes. Here is the result.
No, it's not for everyone, and I definitely understand that some people may be uncomfortable with this form of artistic expression, especially coming from a young woman such as #1. That said, I want to encourage her to enjoy art, to express herself in her own way, so long as it doesn't break any laws or cause harm to anyone. This was all her idea, she did beautifully, and I believe this will open a door to not only a greater appreciation for art, but also a greater appreciation for her own body as well.
The three 8x10 pieces are sitting here now waiting for #3 and #4 to get home from school so they and #5 can have their turn at painting too, though they'll be using their fingers. I hope they have as much fun as #1 and I did. At least it's easy to clean up. This stuff wipes up with a wet towel! We'll have to spray it with some paint sealant before we hang this art up though.