Use of these newer media has, of course, resulted in sculptures that are less dependent on natural sources for their inspiration. The child approaches modeling and sculpture in ways similar to those of all artists. He interprets his visual and tactile impressions of his environment, or he expresses in personal symbols his thoughts and feelings. No art program can be complete unless it provides some opportunity for three-dimensional activities, such as modeling and sculpture. It is one thing to draw or paint one's experiences on flat surface, but it is a far different experience to create three-dimensionally.
Many children have great difficulty with two-dimensional media.
To work in new and different materials can itself be stimulating, and the limitations imposed by each new material cause the child to develop new ideas and to vary his mode of expression, experimenting, and inventing as he goes. Working in three dimensions can also provide opportunities for the child who is more interested in tactile than in visual sensations. Because we stress the importance of being individual, we ought to recognize the fact that each person has his own way of working and can develop a technique only through his work. Some teachers hold a mistaken notion that, given the materials, the child will create freely by himself. This is a beautiful thought, but unfortunately it is not often true.