jeudi 15 janvier 2015

Understanding The Value Of Narrative Drawings

By Kristen Baird


Art that tells a story has been created for centuries. This art work either presents a story in sequences or as part of ongoing stories. History provides evidence that people passed on stories through pictures. The ancient narrative drawings are not organized systematically so stories are difficult to read. There are some features that are common to narrative art however various cultures have distinctive ways to recognize narrative actions in drawings.

Before written language this type of art was a way of communicating or passing on information. However, the pictures were not organized in lines so they were difficult to read. After literacy was developed the pictures started to be organized in lines, similar to lines on pages, which helped the reader understand the direction of the narrative. Linking the scenes led to modern day story telling in comic books and comic strips.

Folks have enjoyed comic books for may years. Most people have owned or at least have read one or two comics in their life. You may remember your folks reading the comics in the newspaper. These are perfect examples of narrative art and its evolution. Present day funnies and comic strips remain favorites of a number of adults, children and teens.

Comics use a combination of words and sequential drawings to tell a story and show events unfolding. Most times a story is understood by the pictures in the book. Books that are for young children also tell stories with artwork. Before children learn to read their books contain pictures that are arranged in a manner that tells a story.

When children start to communicate with the world around them they typically do it with crayons and paper. Most of the stories the are drawing involve their immediate family or home. Often children draw pictures showing places they have visited. Drawings might be of park swings and children playing which is their way of telling stories of their visit to a park.

This type of drawing is also used to help children who have suffered some type of trauma. Children can be very descriptive in their drawings. The professional is often able to see a story unfold as the child creates their art. In addition to getting an idea of the type of trauma a child has suffered, the act of drawing helps children work through the memory.

The therapist can help children identify the triggers that cause anxiety, depression, apprehension, and nightmares. Once these things are identified, the professional is able to teach alternative responses to triggers. Additionally, the aspects of the specific traumatic event can be analyzed with the child to eliminate recurring fears.

There are so many more examples of these types of art and the purpose that they serve. If you spend time in an art museum you will likely identify a number of art pieces that tell a story. Simply studying the ancient cave art will provide a lesson in story telling through pictures. Public signs that show stick people in specific actions are also an example of communication.




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