Using a combination of brush strokes from two generations of hands, Amy J Dyck’s most recent art challenge has taken a rather childish approach.
Teaming up with a group of local children, the Langley artist has combined their drawings with hers to create 12 unique collaborative pieces.
“I think of them as whimsical, imaginative, creative and playful,” Dyck said of the artwork.
“That’s how I imagine them.”
It’s an idea she has been tossing around for a while.Though Dyck has hosted a variety of art challenges in the past, this one was very special.
With two kids of her own, Dyck loves the excitement of the young artists.
“I love watching their art,” she said.
“I love the creativity and the imagination the kids have when they create.
“It’s like unleashing this freedom that they have. They just go for it and they make things evolve and make things that are interesting and thoughtful and fun.”
She used two different processes to create the pieces — one drawing based and one oil paint based.
The first involved Dyck sketching an object, such as a treasure chest, and handing it off to one of the youngsters to create a scene around it. Then she would take the drawing and add shadows and highlights for cohesion.
In the second process, Dyck asked the children to draw a picture they were proud of, and she turned them into oil paintings.
“[The kids] were really excited,” she said.
“As I worked along with them I got to see their faces and I think it builds their self-esteem and encourages them.”
All of the artwork will be on display during Arts Alive, happening in downtown Langley this Saturday (Aug. 15) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Dyck won’t be showing any of her own artwork at the festival this year. “This is just an art show for the kids, that’s all I want it to be,” she said.
“I love the idea of giving them a voice … almost legitimizing what’s normal to them.”
For those interested in creating their own multi-generation collaborations, Dyck is hosting a second session in September and is looking for participants.
Young artists can contact her at amyjdyckstudios@gmail.com or visit her booth during Arts Alive.
