Lee Fodi believes very much in the value of daydreaming, especially for children.
In an increasingly connected and fast-paced, digital world, Fodi, a children's author and illustrator who will be featured at Richmond's upcoming Children's Arts Festival says the importance of taking time out to delve into creative thinking is now more important than ever.
"I like to joke and consider myself a daydreaming expert. That's what I teach," Fodi said. "But I think a lot of kids are already pretty good at daydreaming but just haven't figured out how to channel it and put it to good use yet."
This is the first time Fodi has attended the festival, which is in its sixth year and will be held on B.C. Family Day (Monday, Feb. 10.) He is looking forward to meeting a group of youngsters and their flow of creative energy as he leads an interactive drawing workshop, where participants can create their very own character.
"Kids are generally imaginative.
I think, unfortunately, as they get a little bit older that starts to change," Fodi said. "I am not sure if that's a new phenomena or not, but it's something that I try to keep alive with the kids I am working with because it's so important. Creativity is important in life. It doesn't matter if you're going to be a children's author, a lawyer or a doctor. Creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, those things are all connected."
With iPads, smartphones, video games and on-line social activity competing for the time of children today, Fodi said that external flow of material can act as a source of inspiration, further enhancing the creative process.
"There's a lot of stuff out there - we are bombarded by content. But I tend to think the benefit to that is, from my perspective, it's all fuel," Fodi said.
With those types of resources at just the tap of a touch screen and computer keyboard the results can be very positive.
"Bombard the kids with lots of inspiration, because if you just read them one book or show them a clip from one movie and ask them to do something similar, they'll do that same thing," Fodi said. "You give them three, four, a half dozen examples they can mix and match and you get a whole new output.
"I also think that if you give kids the right situation and creative nurturing the sky is the limit. I just try to be a little bit of a springboard."
Richmond's Children's Arts Festival is open to children 12 and under at the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festival wristband admissions are $5 for children and $2 for adults. Wristbands provide dropin access to all of the performances and Imagination Stations, a range of activities that includes balloon twisting, family photo booths, crafting wands and crowns, exploring Box City and more.
In addition, the wristband provides admission to a Family Swim at the Minoru Aquatic Centre and Family Skate at the Minoru Arenas on Family Day.
Some of the festival's other special events require additional fees.
To register your child visit richmond.ca/register or call 604 276-4300.
Full details can be found at www.childrensartsfestival.ca.
