Five artist parents—Rachel Whiteread, Michael Armitage, Chantal Joffe, and Rachel Maclean—share their personal approaches to introducing young children to art. Whiteread describes letting her boys play in her studio and casting their hands and feet for fun; Armitage lets his daughter lead, using his materials in unexpected ways; Joffe emphasizes good materials and allowing mess; Maclean prefers making art at home over museum visits. The article includes practical tips and photographs of children interacting with artworks.
This piece matters because it demystifies the process of engaging children with visual art, offering relatable, hands-on advice from established contemporary artists. It challenges the stereotype of the solitary genius artist, showing how parenthood can enrich creative practice. The article also provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the home lives of major figures, making art-world expertise accessible to general readers.