Let’s unleash the art prodigy in our child

I’m always fascinated to see kids creating beautiful paintings  or dancing gracefully, showcasing just about any talent they have. These talents are from God, discovered by kids and nurtured by parents. You’ve probably heard of the Hamzah Marbella, the 12-year-old kid who’s making a famous name in the art industry both here and abroad.

Have you seen this painting before? It’s one of the beautiful works of Hamzah! I think we’re all interested to know how Hamzah developed this gift. Let’s learn from his parents.

When he was at an age when most young kids are just beginning to walk and talk, Hamzah was already painting and producing what his father, Renato, described as art forms.

“Humahanap siya ng kung anu-anong mga bagay – tansan, bato, sipit ng damit – maya-maya magiging mga art form na. Makakabuo na siya ng mga hayop, paru-paro, bulaklak, at iba pa (He would look for different things like stones, bottle caps, clothespin, etc. and later on transform it into art. He’d be able to build animals, butterflies, flowers and many others things).”

His mother Elma also remembers the time when she bought Hamzah a “magic slate” and how this served as his first canvas. “Doon siya nagsusulat at nagdo-drawing pero dahil ang dami-dami nyang ginagawa, ang bilis nasisira ng magic slate kasi bura siya nang bura. Kaya ang ginawa ko, binilhan ko na siya ng crayon at sketch pad– yun na ang naging libangan at laruan niya (That is where he writes and draws but because of the many things he illustrates the magic slate is quick to get damaged. That’s why I bought him crayons and sketchpads, which became his toys and hobby).”

Hamzah Marbella, the youngest member of the Art Association of the Philippines with mom Elma and dad Renato Marbella at the ceremonial first painting of Promil Pre-School’s first co-created hand-painted masterpiece in the recent Imagine-nation event held at Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global

It came to a point though when Hamzah’s parents realized that art was more than just a hobby for Hamzah. “Pati ako nagugulat at nagtataka sa kanyang mga ginagawa (Even I am was amazed and was wondering what he was doing),” his mom Elma shared.

“Instead of discouraging his talent, we did everything we can to make sure that Hamzah’s gift flourished. Binibilhan ko siya lagi ng children’s books at kanya itong tinitingnan at kinokopya (I often buy him children’s books and he’d use it as an inspiration).”

“I always commend his improvement as well as give him rewards like toys. We want to make sure that he feels our support and has everything he needs at home. One of the important things I make sure Hamzah gets is superior nutrition. As a mother, I understand that my role in nurturing his talent is essential, but I still need a partner who does just the same to make sure his mind absorbs what we are teaching and that he ishealthy to support his activities. This is the kind of partnership I have found with Promil Pre-School.”