That really sounds like an amazing thing that you’re building, and it sounds like it’s growing from very beautiful intentions. Could you talk more about your personal history with art and being creative, and why it was actually important for you to find time to keep that a part of your life after becoming a dad – and to share it with your son?
Candido: My story isn’t one of “I’ve been an artist since I was 5,” but I did become interested in art through comic books. In addition to reading them, I used to collect them so I could try to draw the super heroes from observation. My favorite was Spawn by Todd McFarlane (I was fortunate to meet him at New York Comic Con a few years back).
I truly enjoyed drawing and being creative in general. I took as many art classes as I could in grade school and joined art clubs and mural committees. However, I didn’t want to be an artist. I really wanted to be a teacher. So I merged the 2, and started teaching Art in 2007.
Creativity, outside of being a favorite past time, has always been a superpower. It’s allowed me to feel empowered and given me the strength to feel like I belonged in spaces I’d otherwise be excluded. So it was a nonnegotiable when I became a father.
I wanted to make sure I remained creative as much as possible. However staying up late every night isn’t sustainable so I decided to try to include my son. The result was incredible! I got to continue do what I love while my son and I shared quality time. He learned a new tool for communication, and now it’s one of our favorite things to do. I’ve also witnessed how he challenges himself to try harder subjects or media. Oh, and it really helps to extend the discussions and learning from children’s books we read!
We’ll definitely have to talk about those books later! I remember McFarlane had a big influence on my brother as well – and my family had to track him down at a comic con as well! I particularly like the part of your origin story where you decide to include your son in your creative journey, and the way you describe his confidence and communication skills growing as well. Do your workshops feature activities you and your son have enjoyed together? Could you describe some examples of what a creativiDAD workshop might include?
Candido: Prior to launching the initiative, my son and I tried a bunch of different projects and materials. When I decide on the project we’ll share, we work on 2 examples. I create one alone and then we collaborate on another. This allows the participating families to get an idea of what different versions of the same project could look like. We have shared our Earth Day project that combines found materials with family portraits and a painting of the Earth. We’ve also shared our clay insect sculpture project with a paper sculpture environment. The families seemed to really enjoy both. Occasionally the collaborating library may request a seasonal project which is always fun as well.
