Breaking Perfectionism: Encouraging Creative Process and Resilience in Art

Curious if OT could help your child's struggles? Download Why Choose OT to find out! I sat down with Ryan, who is a lifelong artist, educator, and founder of faith-based art initiatives, including Shako Art Space, the Maker Institute of Studio Art and Theology, and Made Makers—a K-12 online art curriculum rooted in theology. Ryan shares his inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by art as a means of self-expression and healing, to leading art education at the country's top public art school, and ultimately, designing resources to empower homeschoolers and families everywhere. We explore the profound ways that art influences our brains, builds executive functioning skills like persistence and flexibility, and helps us make meaning from the world around us. We'll dig into why creativity is inherent in all of us, how to nurture it in children (and ourselves!), and embracing the process over perfection—whether your child is pointing to someone else as "the artist" in the room or discovering their own unique spark through baking, building, or problem-solving. Plus, Ryan offers practical advice and fresh perspectives for parents wanting to cultivate expressive, curious, and resilient learners at home. Get ready to rethink what art means—beyond the paintbrush, beyond the outcome, and into the heart of how we learn, grow, and flourish. In this episode you'll hear about: Brief account of Ryan's personal and professional background in artChildhood interest and affirmation in artArt as a coping mechanism in a difficult family environmentEducation (BA, MA, MFA); 17 years teaching at VCUFounding of Shako Art Space, Maker Institute, and Made Makers (Christian art curriculum)Ryan's Perspective on What Art IsChallenging the narrow definition of art as just expression or creativityImportance of combining art, design, and craft as interconnectedArt, design, and craft as pervasive in everyday lifeExamples: design of household objects, typography, music, architectureImagination, Creativity, and the Making ProcessDebunking the myth that only some people are creativeImagination as synthesizing what you know with new possibilitiesCreativity as rooted in prior knowledge and contextEveryday examples of imagination in problem-solving (e.g., pouring coffee, driving)Value of play, risk-taking, and freedom from perfectionism in creative processesSupporting Children's Creativity and Executive FunctioningAddressing perfectionism and its root in self-protection rather than the processThe importance of process over product in creative educationExecutive functioning skills in art: Flexibility, time management, task initiation, emotional regulation, prior knowledge, impulse control, self-monitoringTypical reinforcement of perfectionism in schools (praising realism, narrow definitions of creativity)Broader vision for making and creative knowledge in childrenValue of imparting knowledge as a means of growth and blessing for othersBalancing Structure and Flow in LearningSetting big-picture goals for children's growth each yearUsing larger family and life purposes as reference points to manage structure versus creative flowPractical Tips for Encouraging Creativity at HomeBroadening the definition of art to uncover creativity in various domains Looking for and naming creative behavior in non-traditional areas (baking, engineering, sports, fashion)The Value of Creativity for Today's Children Real-life story: an "at-risk" student flourishes academically through artArt as a serious, knowable subject—not just a freeform activityThe arts as an entry point to learning and self-understandingArt fostering optimism, encouragement, and persistenceBuilding intrinsic knowledge, perseverance, and curiosity for lifelong growth Links and Resources From Today's Show Why Should I Seek Occupational Therapy?Connect with Sarah Collins on IGThe Homeschool OT Teachers Pay TeachersExecutive Functioning For Teens Course Social Skills & Executive Functioning Gratitude Builds Flexibility For Executive FunctionMade Makers Christian Art EducationMaker Institute Of Studio Art And TheologyEpisode 2: Decoding Behavior in homeschooling- sensory overwhelm, emotional control, perseveranceEpisode 15: From Morning to Night: Incorporating Social Emotional Learning in HomeschoolEpisode 27: Preserving Childhood in a Digital World: Greta Eskridge's Expertise for Families Episode 46: Navigating Homeschool Priorities with Amy Sloan: From Family Dynamics to Crisis Management Connect With Our Guest, Ryan Lauterio Ryan is a Christian conservative, multi-award-winning studio artist and educator whose work has been recognized with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for his induction into the Palmdale High School Hall of Fame. Ryan's professional journey weaves through the dynamic realms of painting, drawing, studio methods, curating, and deeply exploring the intersection of art and theology with over 30 years of experience. Ryan boasts a ...