Pickle People :)

 

Portrait of her preschool teacher Ms. Angela by Tatum Bell

In William Crain's book Reclaiming Childhood he states that art is one of four areas of importance in helping children be, well, children.  I read his book when I was pregnant with Tatum and consumed with the idea of being a "good parent" and the important role of childhood experiences in nature,  Nature is one of the other four areas of focus.  As for the other two areas, you'll have to read the book to figure those out!  Nevertheless, Crain writes at length about the development of artwork in a child .  One recognizable stage of development is when they start drawing what I refer he refers to as pea people - a circle with eyes, a mouth, and four lines that come out for arms and legs. I was excited as a parent to see Tatum develop this artistic ability herself, although her version is more of a cucumber person than pea person.   Artistic development is refined over time and eventually kids become "standardized" as they grow older drawing people that look like people.   But right now, in the Shearer house, cucumber people rule.