Children’s use of symbols in art for expression of the conscious and unconscious mind

Abstract

Children spontaneously create symbol-embedded art. This paper reviews the relationship between these symbols and the multiple layers of the child psyche. The developmental trajectory of a child’s drawing ability is delineated in order to understand the scribbles and symbols children create during their early years. Finally, art created by a 3½ year old bereaved child is presented to exemplify the expression of the conscious and unconscious mind through artwork. The analysis of the child’s narration and use of symbols sheds light on the inner world of the child, permitting a better understanding of the child that may be unattainable through verbal expression alone.