ABSTRACT
I like Martinovich's (2006: 259) suggestion that art experiences offer children opportunities to express themselves in direct, spontaneous ways. In this chapter the word ‘themselves’ is stressed because all too often SLD/PMLD artwork is co-produced by helpers who strive to make art acceptable and presentable by adding something to it. Such additions are probably associated with our own desire for harmony and balance but when children's work is ‘doctored’, art becomes an exercise concerned with product and not process. Helping children too much during the process is likely to result in a diminished experience for budding artists. I hold no high ground here because I am guilty of succumbing to the urge to add this or that to spruce up artwork. I am, however, trying to be more mindful to ensure art generates from the child alone during the process.
