Here’s a coloring trick that probably anyone who has ever been in an art class has tried at some point: Pick out the brightest hues from a box of crayons, use them on a blank sheet of paper, and then completely cover the resulting color explosion with a layer of black ink or paint. As soon as it dries, grab a paper clip or a nail and scratch shapes and patterns into the black layer. The resulting visual treat is breathtaking – sketches made up of multi-colored lines against solid blackness, creating the impression that it was drawn using some sort of rainbow pen. More than just being an interesting and creative use of art tools, however, the process of crayon etching also serves as a reminder that there are some things truly worth digging for, even through the most hopeless layer of darkness.
It’s amazing what one can do with a piece of paper, a box of crayons, and adequate knowledge of how to use those resources. It’s equally amazing how that same lesson can be applied to the greater scheme of things in life: given the right tools and opportunities, everyone can have (and deserves) a shot at self-expression, at making a difference, and most importantly, at succeeding.
