C.S. Lewis wrote:
"God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn... That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about (Him). God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself… There is no such thing."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Sunday, August 10, 2008
more babbling
Ingredients for successful Creative Expression
Technique can be taught. Craft has its attributes. Technique is never the point of a work of art. Art is essentially human rather than mechanical.
Experience in another teacher. It will get you on a first name basis with materials and concepts. Some things are learned in the doing. Hard work is essential to grow as an artist.
Some things are caught not taught. We can be encouraged by another’s enthusiasm. Joy in God’s purpose can be modeled. Existing examples of excellence impel us beyond our seemed limitations and mitigating self criticism. Some things can not be taught by technique, experience nor example. Some things are only received in discovery. Observation skills are developed as a student inclines themselves to discover. Learning to see the unseen is a conscious act of the will in which each created being must lay down their preconceived mindsets and discover anew the Creator’s insight that is for them alone to discover and express.
Creativity is something we all have innately being created in his image. Awe and wonder are necessary elements for creative expression. It comes from a heart of gratitude that is pursuing the Father. The naturally gifted need to develop their talent. Some artists never open their gifts bur leave them wrapped and untouched.
Technique can be taught. Craft has its attributes. Technique is never the point of a work of art. Art is essentially human rather than mechanical.
Experience in another teacher. It will get you on a first name basis with materials and concepts. Some things are learned in the doing. Hard work is essential to grow as an artist.
Some things are caught not taught. We can be encouraged by another’s enthusiasm. Joy in God’s purpose can be modeled. Existing examples of excellence impel us beyond our seemed limitations and mitigating self criticism. Some things can not be taught by technique, experience nor example. Some things are only received in discovery. Observation skills are developed as a student inclines themselves to discover. Learning to see the unseen is a conscious act of the will in which each created being must lay down their preconceived mindsets and discover anew the Creator’s insight that is for them alone to discover and express.
Creativity is something we all have innately being created in his image. Awe and wonder are necessary elements for creative expression. It comes from a heart of gratitude that is pursuing the Father. The naturally gifted need to develop their talent. Some artists never open their gifts bur leave them wrapped and untouched.
Desire is the catalyst. It is the key to success in any area. Desire brings determination. Knowing technique, having experience, being exposed to good teaching, and even natural talent cannot bring the results that desire can.
Father God, give me the desire to glorify you in artistic expression and help me to reflect you to whomever you put in my path today. iJnip Amen
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Successful Creative Expression
My preparation for teaching this Fall is not taking an orderly path. This frustrates me to no end, but I am going with the process as the rabbit tracks have me reforming my thoughts, which is a good thing. This entry is an introduction to one of my thought gathering essays. Whether these musing will land in one of my art talks this semester has yet to be determined.
Successful Creative Expression
Every artist has their own ideas of what they consider successful creative expression. Some hope to transport another person into their landscape or create a pause in someone’s daily routine. Whereas some may seek the recognition of an single observer, others may hope for reception in a show where they might capture the attention of the multitudes. Successful creative expression may come from the artist’s own satisfaction in a work well done. Still for others the mark of success may be to bring beauty to a world made unappealing by the fall. This may be the simplest yet most profound determination of success. If striving to recapture the goodness God intended for his beloved pre-fall redirects the viewer to the Creator and gives glory to the Father, this expression succeeds at the point of mankind’s greatest need. For every man needs to experience God’s goodness and in that discover their origin God Himself.
Successful Creative Expression
Every artist has their own ideas of what they consider successful creative expression. Some hope to transport another person into their landscape or create a pause in someone’s daily routine. Whereas some may seek the recognition of an single observer, others may hope for reception in a show where they might capture the attention of the multitudes. Successful creative expression may come from the artist’s own satisfaction in a work well done. Still for others the mark of success may be to bring beauty to a world made unappealing by the fall. This may be the simplest yet most profound determination of success. If striving to recapture the goodness God intended for his beloved pre-fall redirects the viewer to the Creator and gives glory to the Father, this expression succeeds at the point of mankind’s greatest need. For every man needs to experience God’s goodness and in that discover their origin God Himself.
