Understanding The Value Of Narrative Drawings
For centuries people have been telling stories through pictures. A series of pictures will often present stories as part of an ongoing story or in sequence. Looking at history it is evident that stories were passed along using art. Ancient narrative drawings there is no systematic organization making it difficult to understand the story. There are features that are common with this type of art, however different cultures have distinct ways of recognizing the specific actions of he drawings.
Before written language this type of art was a way of communicating or passing on information. However, the pictures were not organized in lines so they were difficult to read. After literacy was developed the pictures started to be organized in lines, similar to lines on pages, which helped the reader understand the direction of the narrative. Linking the scenes led to modern day story telling in comic books and comic strips.
Comic books have been in existence for years. Most everyone has either read or owed one or more of these books in their life time. Many people remember their parents reading the funny papers or comic strips in the daily newspaper. These are all good example of how narrative art has evolved. Today, comics and the funny pages of the paper are still a favorite of many adults, teens, and children.
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.
Therapists use the pictures that children draw as a way to identify what is triggering or causing them depression, anxiety, nightmares, and apprehension. Once identified, the therapist can introduce an alternative response to the triggers. The pictures are also used to analyze aspects of the trauma to help the child eliminate fear.
There are so many more examples of these types of art and the purpose that they serve. If you spend time in an art museum you will likely identify a number of art pieces that tell a story. Simply studying the ancient cave art will provide a lesson in story telling through pictures. Public signs that show stick people in specific actions are also an example of communication.
Before written language this type of art was a way of communicating or passing on information. However, the pictures were not organized in lines so they were difficult to read. After literacy was developed the pictures started to be organized in lines, similar to lines on pages, which helped the reader understand the direction of the narrative. Linking the scenes led to modern day story telling in comic books and comic strips.
Comic books have been in existence for years. Most everyone has either read or owed one or more of these books in their life time. Many people remember their parents reading the funny papers or comic strips in the daily newspaper. These are all good example of how narrative art has evolved. Today, comics and the funny pages of the paper are still a favorite of many adults, teens, and children.
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.
Therapists use the pictures that children draw as a way to identify what is triggering or causing them depression, anxiety, nightmares, and apprehension. Once identified, the therapist can introduce an alternative response to the triggers. The pictures are also used to analyze aspects of the trauma to help the child eliminate fear.
There are so many more examples of these types of art and the purpose that they serve. If you spend time in an art museum you will likely identify a number of art pieces that tell a story. Simply studying the ancient cave art will provide a lesson in story telling through pictures. Public signs that show stick people in specific actions are also an example of communication.