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Far too often art
is only used for its beautification properties. You see artists
creating now and throughout history art that is wonderfully
crafted both in color, composition and that entire "art school I
never went to" vernacular. However, there are far less artists
that create with intention to communicate a specific message;
failing to use their art as a vehicle while closing in some room
for open interpretation. In religious art there has been some
intention to communicate theology and a lot of art created for
beautification. This category of art has been formatted very
traditionally. I can’t stand any more pictures of Jesus, praying
hands, the crucifix and eagles flying over water with a bible
verse on it. There is nothing wrong with these traditional
images but they leave nothing to be discovered and follow a
traditional mold throughout the ages. There has to be more. Why
put the God of true creativity in a box and give Him only one
‘style’ of communication.
There is a void both in the art world and
the church as a whole. I create art with a purpose. I format my
art in way that is attractive to both
sides of the tracks. I want my artwork to speak to people on a
spiritual level, without wreaking of
“religion,” leaving some room for personal discovery. It’s a
fine line, but I am honored to walk it.
1.Black and White
Issues
“If you
were of the world, the world would love its own: but because you
are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world,
therefore the world hates you.”
We are all chosen by God. There is an empty spot in all of us
that only He can fill. (symbolized by the upside down dove shape
cut from the person) No matter what you try and put in that hole
you will never be whole. (shapes are things we try and put
inside to fill us) You will be spiritually dead until that day.
All people need God, It's a black and white issue.
2.The Real Sea
“The
wicked are like the tossing sea, for it cannot rest, and its
waters toss up refuse and mud.”
There is a lost world. (symbolized by the 'sea' of people)
Filled with people who can never rest from within. Whose lives
produce hurt and nothing of value to themselves. We must find
them; it is our responsibility as that light.
3.One More Name
...but
only those whose names are written in the lamb’s book of life.”
How do you bring the Heavens to their knees? How do you cause
the angels to rejoice? How can we push the darkness back to the
depths of destruction? Bring forth life from death? Open the
book, bow a knee, pass the internal flame, add 'one more name.'
(symbolized by 'Christian' passing flame as someone accepts
Christ from the mass of the world)
4.Hungry, But Full
"Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly
mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food,
for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not
ready. Your are still worldly..."
Sometimes your Bible reads like the dictionary, your church
seems like an event, and God feels so far away. However, the
things of God always remain within our reach; (symbolized by the
flame over the plate) our appetite for those things is dependant
upon what we are full of. (symbolized by the garbage can taking
up all the room) A true spiritual appetite comes when the
garbage is removed and you daily ‘sit at the table’. Are you
still hungry, but full? How much room have you made? If God
feels so far away, stop looking for Him on the outside and first
look inside. |
