I’m an artist and thinking is kind of a hobby of mine, so I sometimes think about art. What is it all about? Why do we create illusions on a flat surface (because it’s fun?) and why does anyone else want to hang it on their wall? I haven’t figured that one out yet.
I think artists are trying to communicate something. It’s a social exercise. We don’t paint something to hide under the bed. The artist says: I thought this was beautiful or profound-what do you think? I believe a successful artist is not one who makes a lot of money, but one who touches a lot of souls. Without words. Tricky.
I am occasionally successful. A painting is ABOUT something. It’s fascinating to me when a viewer thinks any given painting of mine is about something completely different than I intended. Well, Viva la difference.
This one is a bit corny for my taste, a bit ‘sweet.” It was a group effort, my friends asking about my agonizing progress for the five days it took to paint. They were mad when I painted it over and restarted and moved when they saw the final result.
“It’s very spiritual,” said Joni. “Oh, I love the light,” said Donna. “Hang it in the lobby so everyone can enjoy it,” said Debbie. Is it successful? Did I communicate what it’s all about? What IS it all about?
Three things.
1) Jesus said, “Unless you change and become like little children, you cannot enter the kingdom of God.” Don’t bring your resume’, your college degrees or your bank book, God will not be impressed.
2) Our children grow up and leave. They move away from us. Those early years are more precious because they quickly pass forever.
3) Having your child die has to be the worst. That much grinding pain has to leave you ground to powder or polished down to a soft glow. I am convinced we do not die and we will see our loved ones again. But that’s a communication for another time.
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