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Ephemeral Art at Home
Here at Best Start Leeds Street, we have a great interest and passion for learning, discovering and developing through Art. We explore different artist’s through history and our tamariki often execute their own interpretations of the artist’s work. Something that we often engage in is an expression called Ephemeral Art. The word Ephemeral means: Short-lived, transitory or lasting a very short time. There are many forms, from sculpture to performance, but the term is commonly used to describe a work of art that only occurs once.
We are committed to Kaitiakitanga, the guardianship and conservation of our planet and Ephemeral Art is a great way of showing our care and nurture towards Papatuanuku (our earth Mother). It is often made with natural materials that are at hand, leaves, feathers, or sticks that have fallen, sand, shells, seaweed, that have washed up on the shore with the help of Tangaroa (God of the Sea). The creator of this medium originally aimed for the artist to construct a sculpture anonymously, and then walk away to leave the piece to be discovered. Part of the appeal of Ephemeral Art is that the viewer accidentally stumbles upon the art and is left in wonder and awe, how beautiful is that?
During lockdown, we suggested to parents and whānau that this is a wonderful activity to do with their tamariki during this time. We reminded whānau how our planet offers us an abundance of resources and that If they were lucky enough to have their bubble close to te moana (the sea) or te ngahere (the bush) they could add such depth, creativity and learning into their daily walks by creating these pieces of art with their tamariki (children). Of course, always remembering to thank our Atua (Gods) for their precious gifts. We offered ideas for using loose parts around their whare (house) in case they didn’t have direct access to te moana or te ngahere, such as buttons, hair pins, cutlery, bottle caps, the possibilities are endless. It is such a wonderful way to commit to and role model a more sustainable life and appreciation for our planet. There is a myriad of learning opportunity for our tamariki using this medium, such as creative expression, collating, arranging, construction and assembling, recycling and sustainability, caring for Papatuanuku, experiencing selfless acts of kindness by creating gifts for others without recognition. Also, it can be a gateway way for our tamariki to introduce the concept of impermanence or temporary, a chance to begin to understand that some things aren’t forever and appreciating the beauty in that.