Art Matters: How to Introduce Your Kids to Art

Research shows that art is a universal form of expression as basic as speaking and singing. So it would make sense for parents and teachers to use art as a learning tool to develop skills — sensory, motor and visual. The Art Insider shares fives ways which you can introduce your kid to art (including the #1 question to ask them!)

© Bob and Roberta Smith

Make going to the gallery an outing:

When I was a kid, every couple of months, my mom would plan a day out that included a movie at Sterling cinema, a meal at Samovar cafe and then a stroll around Jehangir art gallery. Though I was too small to understand any of the works, creating a ritual around looking at art, made it something to look forward to!


Show them art made of unusual materials:

Kids need to be engaged and stimulated and most often, paintings maybe too two dimensional to interest them. Start with showing them installations or sculptures that can be touched and felt.


Carry a sketchbook and pencil everywhere:

It really emphasises the idea that art can be anything and anywhere by getting them to draw things from their surrounding. Plus it’s an easy activity to keep fidgety toddlers engaged.


Tell the truth:

Don’t strip away the meaning of a piece or make it more palatable just because they’re kids. You can use art to start a difficult conversation or introduce a new idea to them and show them that art has meaning and purpose.


Ask them “What do you see?”:

When taking kids to a museum or gallery, asking them for their perspective, takes away the idea of there being a ‘right’ answer to what the work is about and therefore encourages them to fire up their own imagination. After all, art is as much about what the audience sees as it is about the artist’s intent, making it the perfect tool to encourage creative little minds.

Shivani Sambhare is an independent arts writer and consultant who likes coffee, historical fiction and anything art deco. Follow her on Instagram at @the.artinsider.

Collector’s Guide to Art: How to Start Your Own Collection

We get so many queries on how to go about buying a piece of art. Which artists to look at? Where does one buy from? How can I make sure it’s a good investment? Buying art can be intimidating! But it doesn’t have to be. The Art Insider shares her 5 basic rules to help you start collecting.

Original works by Saubiya Chashmawala from Tarq, Mumbai, Sri Lankan artist Prageeth Rathnayake and a limited edition print by Bernard Hartmann from Yellow Korner, Hongkong .

LOOK, LOOK, LOOK:

Like everything else in life, the more you see and and experience, the better chance you have of knowing what you want. Go to museums, walk into galleries, attend art fairs and biennales, follow hashtags on Instagram such as #indianart #artist #artistsoninstagram. A lot of it may not make sense at first but soon, you will realise that there are certain colours, themes and artists you’re drawn to. I would also recommend attending an art walk in your city where experts take you to galleries and break down works for you


START SMART:

For many people posters or copies of famous artworks are often the first piece they buy. If you’re drawn to a particular famous artwork, sure buy the poster, but understand that it is not a collectors item. Instead, look for lithographs or limited edition prints which though slightly more expensive, hold a far greater value. 


LOOK FOR CLUES:

Follow accounts like @affordableartfairhk and look out for StoryLtd’s affordable art auction. Credible sources like these have already filtered artists for their buyers so you already have a base to start with. Then follow trends. Is a work being sold for higher than their estimated value? Has an artist sold better than expected a few times in a row? This should point you in the right direction. 


SLIP INTO DMs:

Many young artists are now selling at least some pieces through their Instagram accounts. Interact with those you like and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the work, and yes, even the price. If they won’t sell direct, they will refer you to the gallery that handles their work.


DON’T BE AFRAID OF MISTAKES:

Here’s the bottom line. You need to love the piece you buy. Go with your gut!

Shivani Sambhare is an independent arts writer and consultant who likes coffee, historical fiction and anything art deco. Follow her on Instagram at @the.artinsider.