Akiane Kramarik: The Child Prodigy Artist

As I was watching television late Tuesday night, I came across a special series called "The World's Smartest People" on TLC. It showcased five individuals, three of which considered child prodigy's. With already having a great interest in Art, I was completely in awe of thirteen year-old Akiane Kramarik, (pronounced Ah-KEE-ah-nah) from Sandpoint, Idaho who has been drawing and painting lifelike artwork since the age of 4. 

She said God came to her at the tender age of 3 and told her to use her gift of art to help needy children around the world. This is exceptionally interesting because she comes from an Atheist mother, and a recovering Catholic father who never expressed any devotion to religion. 

I became so captivated by Akiane that I was eager to find out more about her unique story. And I was surprised with what I found. Although the majority of people believed she was a child prodigy with a remarkable artistic gift, others criticized her questioning whether or not she was a "genius" because her artistic style failed to represent what would be more commonly thought of as "genius."

This is where a debate comes into play. I feel that she is being misunderstood as being a prodigy because having an artistic prodigy ability is very rare. However, I feel that there is no question on whether or not she is, or isn't. I agree that although great artists are born with a natural inclination and ability, there are still techniques and skills that cannot be self-taught. This is what is being argued. That, yeah, she's good but "someone must have taught her." But that's the catch. No one did. And that's what gives her that "prodigy" title because they are born with a gift, regardless of if it's the ability to retain loads of information in your memory, play Beethoven by the age of 4 on the piano, or teaching yourself Chemistry at the age of 7. Why is it any less valid for Akiane?

This is a drawing she did at the age of 5. 

It is undeniable that Akiane is a true artistic prodigy. She has shown from a very young age, an incredible degree of technical skill in the execution of fine art paintings. From the very beginning she had the eye of a much older, experienced artist. One would expect to see an immature and inexperienced criteria of paintings from someone of her age. Akiane, however, paints depictions of Jesus, heaven, and surreal dreamlike landscapes.

Regardless of what she paints, or the motivation behind what inspired her, (which of course not all of us can agree with) her artistic ability should be embraced, not under debate. Although Akiane may not turn out to be a genious, it is with no hesitation     that she is an artisic prodigy.  

Here is a video, a few more of my favorite paintings, and the link to her website.

The Planted Eyes, Age 8

The Change, Age 11

Supreme Sanctuary, Age 11

Wonder, Age 13

Love, Age 13

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCjHjQEU0Xw

www.artakiane.com