Child-ish is a reflection about the soul-centering goodness that children bring to the world, and a nudge to all grownups to move closer to that goodness in us.

 

As a mom and teacher I get to see the way that children engage with the world every day. It’s not perfect, it’s not always logical or sensible, but it is usually honest and openhearted and active. I love the tendency of children to trust, love, try again (and again), experiment, hope, demand, question, forgive and not necessarily notice what is expected or “correct”.

 

As an artist, I try to reflect this kind of childlikeness in my process. I work with intuitive mark-making, playful composition, and layered textures that echo the experience of childhood—cutting, pasting, coloring, experimenting. I try to let go of overthinking and allow space for things to feel less perfect and more alive and connecting.

 

Since I was a child, I have loved the stories of Jesus focusing on little children. He taught that we are meant to become like little children and the scriptures say that children are “alive in Christ”. (Matthew 18:3, Moroni 8:12). I want to be more child-ish in the ways that bring joy and connection with others and with God. I want to see others as God’s children and see myself that way too. I want to trust enough to let myself learn and grow without fear of failure.

 

I want to live in a world that is more focused on children and on the things children focus on.

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-Katie Cash Davis