Eyes on Early Years Volume 18 | Page 19

Define a creative space for the art work – a simple sheet of paper or a mirror, a cork mat, an empty picture frame. Outdoors, the art space can be bigger – framed with bits of wood or sand walls. Transient art is closely linked to the Reggio Emilia approach with its emphasis on natural materials for exploration and discovery. It enables practitioners to see the deeper meaning and processes that the children are employing when making their art. Although transient art is all about the process it is important from the child’s point of view to value the finished art work, photograph the art – both as it evolves and when ‘finished’. Record the child’s thoughts and ideas about the art work.