Patterns of Imagination: Crafting Alebrijes at Doodles Academy

Hey there! Kaila here, and as one of the Lead Teachers and the Director of Operations at Doodles Academy, I'm excited to share my observation from a fun class we had this week. Get ready to dive into the creativity and joy our students experienced!

At Doodles Academy, we believe that art is not just about creating; it’s about exploring, discovering, and connecting. Recently, our young artists embarked on a vibrant adventure into the world of Alebrijes—colorful, fantastical creatures that blend various animal features and are celebrated for their intricate patterns and vivid colors. These imaginative beings, rooted in Mexican folk art, embody the spirit of creativity and whimsy, igniting joy and inspiration in everyone who encounters them.

To kick off our lesson, we pulled out the book Pitter Pattern, which showcases a delightful array of patterns and encourages children to observe the world around them. I asked the students what a pattern is, eager to see where their imaginations would take them. Their responses were both delightful and diverse. One student confidently declared, “There are verbal patterns!” while another chimed in with, “Visual patterns!” This sparked a lively discussion about the patterns we encounter in our daily lives, and it was heartwarming to witness their curiosity flourish.

As the conversation flowed, one student pointed out the “stripes on a zebra” as an example of a visual pattern, while another excitedly mentioned “the polka dots on my backpack.” One particularly animated student shared a humorous story about his parents’ bathroom renovation saga, connecting it to the “cool geometric patterns” of the new tiles. These anecdotes illuminated the meaningful connections the students were making between their lives and the art they were about to create, reinforcing the idea that art is truly everywhere.

With these ideas swirling around us, our young artists began to envision their Alebrijes. One of my soccer players excitedly pointed out the pattern on her soccer ball, revealing a unique connection between art and her favorite sport. It was a powerful reminder that creativity can be found in the most unexpected places.

Meanwhile, another student, decked out in florals, declared, “I’m going to add flowers to my lion-dandelion creature combo!” As the students dove into their work, the room buzzed with excitement and collaboration. The vibrant conversations about patterns and colors flowed effortlessly, highlighting the beauty of combining art with open dialogue.

In that moment, I was reminded of the transformative power of art and its ability to bridge complex concepts. When we encourage students to share their thoughts and ideas, they connect deeply with the material, igniting their creativity. As they brought their Alebrijes to life, each stroke of oil pastel and splash of watercolor felt like a celebration of their unique voices.

This lesson reinforced a profound truth: when we distill intricate ideas into discussions that embrace creativity and literacy, something magical happens. Our young artists not only learn to create but also begin to understand the world around them through the lens of art. They realize that patterns exist not only in their artwork but also in their lives, connections, and experiences.

As we continue this journey of exploration and creativity, I invite you to reflect on the patterns that inspire you in your daily life. Let’s celebrate the transformative power of art together!

What patterns resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments!