ABCs - Art, Belonging and Children

In this heartfelt episode, Doreen and Megan sit down with Dr. Jemina Watstein, an internationally experienced visual art educator who specializes in working with third culture kids (TCKs) and international families. Together, they explore the deep connection between art, identity, healing, and belonging - especially for people who’ve lived globally mobile lives.

What You’ll Hear:

• Jemina’s Background:
  Jamina shares her journey as a visual art educator over two decades, teaching in the US, Germany, and Thailand, and her academic path from a Master’s in Fine Art Photography to a PhD in International Educational Leadership.
• Art as Inquiry & Healing:
  She dives into what “inquiry-based art” means and gives practical classroom examples, explaining how open-ended questions can help kids - especially TCKs - explore and express where they come from.
• Universality & Differences in Children’s Art:
  Jemina discusses universal stages of artistic development, how art transcends culture, and what influences personal expression as children grow up in varied educational systems (IB, American, etc.).
• Avoiding Stereotypes and Cultural Appropriation in Art:
  The group examines how to teach cultural art forms with respect and depth, rather than relying on stereotypes, and emphasizes the importance of context and personal connection.
• Art, Family, and Belonging:
  Insightful tips for parents to use art as a way to help their children process change, loss, and belonging—whether after a move or while they’re adapting to a new environment.
• Travel-Friendly Art Supplies:
  Practical advice on traveling with art materials for families on the move—including the joy and portability of fiber arts and even something simple like a beloved pen or marker.

Key Takeaways

• Inquiry-led art empowers both children and adults to understand and express their identities.
• Art fosters belonging—both individually and collectively—especially for those crossing cultures.
• Parents and educators can support healing and adjustment through creative prompts and open-ended exploration.
• Bringing even compact art supplies or starting collaborative art practices can help root a sense of self and connection, no matter where you are.

Resources Mentioned

• TCK Art Education Website – Jemina’s site with research and contact info
• Jemina Watson Art – Jemina’s portfolio and works
• Book: “Slurping Stoop” (for art prompt inspiration)

Connect With Dr. Jemina 

https://tcksarteducation.weebly.com

Jemina Watson Art

Final Thoughts

Explore art as a safe space for inquiry and connection, wherever you are in the world. Don’t underestimate the power of making - and gifting - something by hand as a path to deeper human belonging.

Thanks for listening to Nomadic Diaries! If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone in your global community and let us know how art has helped you find your sense of home.

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