It’s freezing out, and we are looking for ways to brighten up in this dull, grey, Toronto winter.  One thing we’ve been doing is curling up on the couch and cozying up to one of our favourite Christmas presents: Learning To Love You More, an art book by Harrell Fletcher and Miranda July that documents the results of an online project the two artists created in 2002.

But, before we sing the project’s praises, let us officially introduce you to our three-part blog series: “Artists Your Children Should Know”.   Every week for three weeks, we’ll feature a different artist that you can explore with your children.  After all, why not introduce your children to work by artists who are anything but mainstream?  We have a feeling that you’ll both be inspired!

Back to Learning To Love You More.  The idea was simple: Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher posted assignments online and asked people around the world to complete them and send their work in so it could be posted on the project website.  Assignment examples include lots of kid-friendly things like, “Take a picture of strangers holding hands“, “Write your life story in less than a day“, “Photograph a significant outfit“, “Make an encouraging banner“, “Take a picture of the sun” and “Braid someone’s hair“.

Although the project no longer accepts submissions, all of the assignments and some of the results can be found here.  (Also, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has acquired the website for archiving purposes).  Our assignment for you?  Do some of the assignments as a family and then compare your work to the archived results.  Watch your inspiration and creativity flourish.  Repeat as needed : )

You can also research other work by Miranda July on her website.  She is a truly original performance artist, writer, visual artist, dancer, actress and film director, so there’s lots of cool art to read about and share with your children so you can beat the winter blues together.

Stay tuned for next week’s look at another awesome artist!  In the meantime, stay warm and cozy!

xo Alicia and Leanne