Remembering The Good Times Of My Childhood
Favorite childhood memory
There are so many times when it is fun to be a child again. With no adult responsibilities. It was difficult to resist the influence of my parents as an artist-child. My childhood memories are full of making up and playing with my hands. Because it’s the only memory that I can recall where my imagination thrived, it’s my “go to” memory.
When I come in contact with clay, paper, or brushes, my senses are heightened. I am instantly transported back to childhood by the smells, colors and textures. One particular day was the day I found an origami guide from my father’s vast collection of dust-collected art books. Insatiable curiosity prompted me to quickly flip through the book and scan each page. My excitement propelled me to get out my craft supplies, and I set about replicating every instruction in the book. In just an hour, the living room became a biome. Origami animals inhabited the couch and coffee table, while fringed green construction papers covered the carpet. The stereo and walls were magically climbed by snakes, while a waterfall made of blue sharpie-colored aluminum foil rolled down the hall. I would then catch the fish from the man-made stream and then retreat back to my laundry room with fresh, unrolled laundry hanging from it. This is how you sum up every day of your childhood. That’s what makes it so special. Because of its peace and comfort, this memory is often my favourite memory. I find it difficult to balance my college life and my student life. There are always financial or academic stresses. It is easy to become so involved in adult responsibilities and work that it becomes difficult to find time to enjoy my life. This makes me feel unhappy and unmotivated every day. I’m also in a phase of my life where my career goals are still being determined. This memory is a constant reminder of my true self and my true happiness. I keep this memory close to my heart and try to incorporate it into every day of my life.
My childhood would have been very different if my family had been different. My dad’s influence is evident in my art and my mom is resourceful and creative with what she finds. She has taught me how to cut paper, sew and knit, and how to create clay sculptures. I have also been taught by her the power of combining it all. This means there are no rules or limitations to art. This was an amazing experience as a preteen. I would think of using nail polish to paint clay hearts. It would protect them and give them a glossy look. I experimented with nail polishes and eyeshadows to create a range of paint colors. As I’ve carved everything, including mermaids, dragons, and even chess pieces, my pocketknife lost blocks of Plaster of Paris and soap. I discovered that I could transform my whole room to feel like I was in another world. My childhood represents the joy and passion of imagination.
My parents are the ones who gave me the gift of creativity and art. This gift will one day be passed on to my children. I want my children to have the same experiences of discovering their curiosity, and being able evoke their imaginations. These memories are still with me. I revisit them every now and again. They are a part of me and remind me of who I really am. My childhood was the best time of my entire life.
