Changing Perspectives: How Art Transforms Students' Views of the Everyday

In our fast-paced world, where we rush from one place to another, it's easy to overlook the beauty that surrounds us in our everyday lives. This month at CalColor Academy, our lower-age students embarked on a project that encouraged them to pause and appreciate something that is often overlooked: the inside of cars. Instead of the usual exterior sketches of cars, we invited them to explore the world within those vehicles. Unbeknownst to them, this project is a powerful lesson in how art can transform our perception of the everyday.

Why would the inside of a car be an intriguing subject for an art project? The answer lies in the shift of perspective. What is seemingly mundane can become extraordinary when viewed from a different angle. Cars, our everyday companions, suddenly became an inspiration for our budding artists.

As our students delved into the project, they discovered a world of lines, shapes, and textures they had previously overlooked. The dashboard, steering wheel, AC Vents, and intricate details within the car's interior became the focus of their artistic exploration. This shift from the external to the internal prompted them to notice the subtleties of design. 

While both Exploration and Foundation projects were rooted in the same concept, the two age groups focused on vastly different techniques. 

The Exploration project was a motor skills-building experience. It centered on fundamental techniques like the exploration of basic shapes, landscape drawing, and one-point perspective.

‍

‍

‍

On the other hand, the Foundation project introduced more advanced techniques such as hand drawing, incorporating depth through shadows, and creating captivating compositions with overlapping shapes.

‍

‍

‍

‍

Both projects catered to the student's distinct stage of artist growth and ensured that every student, regardless of age or level, found a meaningful path to creativity and self-expression. We encouraged them to reflect on not only their destination but also on the journey itself. They began to imagine the stories that could unfold as they traveled, connecting with characters, places, and experiences along the way. 

In conclusion, our "View From Inside the Car" projects served as a reminder that an artistic mindset can be a tool to help shift our perspectives, to appreciate and celebrate the extraordinary in the everyday. Even the most “boring”, everyday objects can become sources of inspiration and creativity. As our students continue their artistic journey, they carry with them this valuable lesson: the world is full of beauty and wonder waiting to be discovered, one shifted perspective at a time. 

‍

‍