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This year, as our toddler becomes a pre-schooler, she will be learning all sorts of new activities, meeting new people, creating new routines and adding to her current vocabulary and sense of the world. Some of this will be based on free play, building on her curious nature, other aspects will fit within certain boundaries ensuring her safety and respect of others.

However when it comes to art expression I've never been one to direct specific art tasks. I prefer to provide a creative space guiding her in the use of new materials and techniques, but allowing her to experiment, explore and express herself in her own way. Recently she has started painting on canvas and loves it! 

Check out our video, where she and her little friend enjoyed some free expression together. 

I will also be starting some new blog posts, drawing on my art education and art therapy experience, expanding on free expression, directive vs non directive art expression, the importance of a creative setting, graphic development stages, process vs product and how through the use of imaginative and creative play we can help build confidence. I will also be interviewing interesting art therapists and other experts who specialise in working with children, plus lots more!

What does it mean to be an inspiring person? Who inspires you?

For me it's someone who truly does make a difference in this world, and improves the quality of children's lives through art. I can tell you that Hetty Vanderlinden from Paint a Future is one of the most inspiring people I have come across in my life. 

Hetty is an artist, a mother and an advocate for helping kids from impoverished places in the world have a better life. She has made such a difference, you can read more about her here.

Alejandro's Story

Alejandro is a young boy from Chile and he suffers from a gastro illness called Idiopathic eosinophilic Gastroenteritis. His body can only absorb an expensive product called Neocaten, made by Nutricia (now owned by Danone). This is fed through a tube in his nose, which goes to his stomach. 

His parents cannot afford the Neocaten. They have even sold their house to keep their little boy alive.

Alejandro's Dream

In 2004 Alejandro painted his dream together with other children in the neighbourhood. His dream was not to die from his illness. 

His drawing was intergrated into a painting by the famous Italian artist, Claudio Palcic. It was sold and with the money they were able to buy Neocaten for a couple of years.

After that the product had been administrated for free by Nutricia.

Then Alejandro felt better, and his parents thought he had been cured. Unfortunately they told Nutricia to stop the administration. 

Now he will need it for 2 more years, or he will die. They have lost their contacts at Nutricia, now being owned by Danone. 

How you can help. Now. 

There are limited edition prints available of Claudio Palcic's original parinting, for only $200 each. 

Please contact Paint a Future to give a donation or to buy one the beautiful prints, and help save Alejandro's life. He has come so far. 

Pass this onto your friends and networks, and be the inspiration for others. 

Thank you.