Artists

Show Me You

quite frankly Mandy of Messy Canvas shared this statement on Facebook about a month ago. After reading the conversation in the comments section and because of my own personal experiences, the words resonated deep within me, and I have not been able to stop thinking about them.

It reminds me of a season in my life that found me starving for authentic relationships. I was frustrated with the people around me who were unwilling to meet me where I was at. If I wanted to have any type of friendship, it was going to have to be an at-church-only kind of relationship. They were not willing to meet me for coffee to share our hearts, or to talk about what God was doing in our lives. If I wanted to see them, I had to go to a church meeting (they had meetings every night of the week). Then, of coarse, there was an agenda for that meeting. Agenda is good, and there should be an agenda at church. However, I desperately wanted someone to be my friend outside of that. In that time, I wanted to see people. I wanted to share my humanity with another humans and relate with each other in those struggles. I didn’t want to go to church again and again to hear another salvation message. I didn’t want to see “their Jesus” – I wanted to see them, to get to know them, & to have a genuine friendship. This quote reminds me of the importance of meeting people where they are at. Coming to them as another human who also struggles and wrestles with God and be willing to walk along side of them.

In reflecting on this FB status I wonder, why as an artists, is it so difficult to find meaningful connection in the church?

The artist’s role in society

I’d like to quote a blog post that I read this morning from Science major that draws.

” . . . My point is that I enjoy drawing comics but I still didn’t quite understand what role that gave me in society. Scientists gather information for the public to use. Government officials provide a system of rules for the public to utilize.What do artists do for the public?

Answer 1: We distract them from their problems.

While that is a noble endeavor because it provides people relaxation, sometimes artists can be blamed for propagating escapism in our audience. Taken to the extreme, some people could end up admiring artwork all day instead of solving their problems.That might fill up the artist’s wallet but may or may not help society.

Answer 2: We educate them.

Some artists like to use their influence to communicate information about certain things to the public. This could be historical artwork or artwork that takes a stab at social issues or maybe even scientific illustrations. Though this information may also have negative uses such as war propaganda,hate speech or satire.

So that concludes this blog entry. Next time you see an artist thank them for distracting you from your problem and educating you. They won’t realize they’re doing it. “

Adding to this list:

Answer 3: We offer people an opportunity for expression.

Sometimes a person can better express what they are going through with art than with words. This is especially true with children who often lack the vocabulary to express what is going on. The difficult part for adults is pushing past the fear of failure, and not caring so much about the finished piece of art .

Answer 4: We challenge people to push boundaries and to think outside the box.

Artists are a breed of people who do not like to face limits. We tend to question the way things are, how history played out, and how the future could be different. We ask controversial questions. As artists, we challenge others to push their limits, and to step outside their comfort zone.

Answer 5: We record history.

For centuries the average person was unable to read. It was the artists who were able to record, and therefore, preserve history.

Answer 6: We give society a voice.

Throughout history, and even in some societies today, people do not have the freedom of speech. It has been through art, that people were/are able to express themselves without the risk of punishment.

Is there anything you would add to the list?

Driftwood in Fiber Art

There are so many inspired ways to use driftwood in any art form. From sculpture, to painting, to fiber art, the possibilities are endless. Just type “driftwood art” into a google search and look at what comes up. Be warned, however, it is tempting to spend all day looking at what artists are creating with driftwood.
by April Rose

by Susanna Bauer

by Tekky on Craftster

by Carrie Beachey (a sneek peek)

Creative Genius

I woke up at 1 am on a Thursday morning. I was unable to sleep with this unsilenceable notion that God had something for me. So, I rolled over, turned on the light & picked up my laptop. This is what I found. It is a speech given by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love. As I laid in bed & watched this video, tears streamed down my face as a resonate “YES!” was heard in my heart. I am not alone in this need to create, & the task of meeting this need is not left to me alone. I often have a difficult time expressing my thoughts with words, (this is why I am a visual artists), but on this night God gave me Liz. She has said in 20 minutes what my heart has been trying to tell me, but has struggled to find the words.