Creativity Among the Young

The importance of creativity, especially in children has been greatly undermined, sadly by one of the institutions that has been a cornerstone of modern society: the education system. Public schooling has only been around since the 19^th century to suit the needs of a newly industrialized world. And mostly, this has been the case ever since.

Carmela with Zoe, Palamuti Style Advocate

In school there is a hierarchy amongst the subjects being taught. On top of the pyramid are those considered important for work, namely mathematics and science. While no one disputes the importance of these subjects, there is a danger of undermining creativity when we belittle or dismiss arts and literature.  The truth is that school prepares us for a future that no one is truly certain of. People have a great capacity for innovation. Everyone has talents that need to be nurtured and developed. The school system as it is now, puts little value in matters such as these, and that needs to change.

Minor Mythologies, Carmela Isabel Evangelista

Take for example the case of Gillian Barbara Lynne DBE, most known for the choreography for the popular Broadway musicals “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera” . At an early age, Lynne had been underperforming at school. She was fidgety, inattentive, and always moving around. Today, she would have easily been diagnosed with ADHD. Nevertheless her mother took her to a doctor. As the story goes, the doctor performed all the perfunctory methods of analysis on Gillian, and after that, asked to speak to her mother in private. But before leaving the room, the doctor turned on the radio. He then asked Gillian’s mother to observe her daughter. Almost immediately Gillian was dancing to the music. “Mrs. Lynne your daughter’s not sick,” the doctor said “She’s a dancer.”  They enrolled Gillian to a dancing school, and the rest is history.

The Philippine High School forthe Arts is one such place for young children, with an affinity for the arts, to develop their talent. Last February, one of my clients, Dr. Annie Evangelista invited me to the book launch of her daughter at Art Circle Gallery in Shangri-La entitled "Layag", which accounts and symbolizes the journey of a ship. Her daughter was one of the authors of the books.

 Carmela Evangelista signing a copy of her book, a collection of short stories,
 Minor Mythologies.
"A book of plays, Martina Herras’ “Alimuom at iba pang mga pamamaalam”, is about a ship’s leave-taking, the goodbyes, the people left behind; Carmela Isabel Evangelista’s “Minor Mythologies” is a book of speculative fiction about the ship’s out-of-this-world adventures, the odd twists and turns it has to deal with to survive, the occasional storm, across the open seas. And, as all ships return to its home shore, Catherine Regina Borlaza’s “Likely” is a book of poetry dealing with coming home, the return." 

Carmela with Novie, Palamuti Apprentice

Little did I know that Carmela, the daughter of my client, was only in her teens. At 16, she has a gift for words nurtured not only by her school. Parenting played such an important part in recognizing her gifts and giving her an opportunity to pursue it from an early stage. I believe Carmela was equipped to have a great start. Whether she continues her writing or not in the future, the fact that her parents recognized her artistic side and attended a school that hones these talents gives her affirmation that her creativity and love for literature is as important as other subjects in schools like mathematics and science. 

Keeping it real.- PJV