Sunday, January 18, 2015

Understanding The Value Of Narrative Drawings

By Kristen Baird


For centuries stories have been told through art. This kind of art presents stories in a sequence or as a part of an ongoing story. Historically, stories have been passed on through pictures. In ancient times narrative drawings were not systematically organized making the stories difficult to understand. There are common features of narrative art that vary among cultures. These features present a distinctive way of recognizing the actions that are depicted in the pictures.

Passing information on and communicating was commonly done through art before there were written languages. Because the pictures were typically unorganized there were no clear lines so reading the stories were difficult. Once literacy was established, pictures became organized in lines similar to those of pages. This display made it easier for the reader to understand the narrative direction. Linking these pictures eventually evolved into present day comics.

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.

Even though comic books use language to tell a story, the sequence of the events are depicted in the drawings. In many cases stories are clearly understood simply by looking at the pictures. The books that are published for young children are another good example of this kind of art. Children who have not yet learned to read understand stories through picture books.

When a young child starts communicating it is typically done with paper and crayon. Stories about their home and family are told in drawings. Often a child draws scenes that depict the places that they have gone. A drawing of children playing or a swing set is likely relaying a story about a visit to a favorite 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.

Through interpretation of the drawings a therapist will identify triggers that are causing nightmares, apprehensions, depression, and anxiety. Once identified, a professional can help the child learn alternative coping skills. In addition, the complete traumatic event is analyzed so that the child can deal with and eliminate fears.

There are numerous examples of these types of drawings and their purpose. If you take time to visit art museums you will see many different examples of art that have the purpose of storytelling. If you research cave art you will see that prehistoric man told stories with pictures that provided insight to how they lived. Even signs that you see in public communicate information using pictures.




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