Chief Four Bears

Thoughts:

I was raised in a family that truly appreciated all things Native American from the people to their crafts, the art, history and legends. Naturally with that interest I am drawn to Catlin’s work. In some ways I wish I could have been there with him. But I know he saw things I would not want to.

Stop and think about it.

Thank you so for the blessing of creativity. When we create help us to realize the value of our work. Help us to recognize that each drawing, painting, poem, video, or short story is preserving a piece of history. Help us to realize that even the history of just our family is important. Please continue to give us creative ways to glorify You.

Boys at Play

“When we engage in what we are naturally suited to do,
our work takes on the quality of play and it is
play that stimulates creativity.”

– Linda Naiman

Thoughts:

Anybody want to play? Linda Naiman says that play can stimulate your creativity. What do you think? Do you remember how it felt when you played as a child. I remember having fun.

I think play can make you feel better. It can make you light-hearted and carefree. Play can make you forget your troubles, if only for a short time. Play can boost your imagination. Play can make you smile. When you give yourself a little time to play your attitude about life can chance. Who knows what the attitude change can do to your creativity. I think it is worth a try. So go out there and have a blast even if it is only for ten minutes.

Prayer:

Lord,

We are constantly searching for ways to renew our creativity. Please allow us today to use play as an avenue to better our work, our imagination, and our spirit. Thank you for the ability to learn about ourselves by watching our children. Help us to be able to let go and play with a free heart.

In Christ’s Name, Amen.

Thoughts:

A painted picture is like a vehicle.
One can either sit in the driveway and take it apart
or one can get in it and go somewhere.

~Mark Tansey, painter

Thoughts:

I enjoyed Mark Tansey’s quote because it made me think about how I react to art. Sometimes when I look at a piece of artwork I become critical looking for things I think are wrong with the work. Other times I will be mesmerized by a painting or piece of art. I may also become emotionally connected to the work and feel as though I am transported to another time or place as I view the work.

What causes my reactions to be so different?  Is it my mind set? Or does it have something to do with the artist and the subject matter? What do you think? I would love to have my viewers share on this subject.

If you get a chance, search the internet and look at some of Mark Tansey’s work. I had never seen any of his work before and I was impressed. I wanted to put one of his paintings in this article but was unsure about copyright issues so I did not. The painting above is one I did while visiting the island of Molokai. When I view that piece I am very much transported to another place, but what about you? I think the way people react to art depends on their personal experiences.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for art experiences. Thanks you for our reactions to art work that are unique and sometimes a surprise. Thank you for artists that create works that transport us to another place or time. Please pour your blessing down on all artists as they work to create. In Christ’s name.

Amen.

You ought to be able to say that a painting is as it is, with its capacity to move us, because it is as though it were touched by God. But people would think it a sham. And yet that is what’s nearest the truth.

Pablo Picasso

Thoughts:

How do you feel about the quote by Pablo Picasso? Reading his quote I have mixed feelings. I am pleased that Picasso saw God’s hand in artwork. I too feel that God is incredibly involved in the creative process. When you have had an experience where your painting seems to paint itself you can relate to what he said.

The statement that people would think God’s involvement is a sham makes me sad. I hope most people do not think that. I also hope I will always keep in mind that the blessing of creativity comes from the Lord God.

Have a great Easter! Enjoy your family. Thank God for your creativity.

Prayer:

Lord,

You are an awesome God. You reign supreme. I am so appreciative of the blessing of creativity. Thank you for your creative touch as I work through a painting, a drawing, an art lesson, or a blog article. Help others to see your influence. Thank you so much for the sacrifice of Your son, Jesus Christ. I pray I can live a life that is uplifting to others and pleasing to You.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen

Starry Night by Van Gogh

 “Just slap anything on when you see a blank canvas staring you in the face like some imbecile. You don’t know how paralyzing that is, that stare of a blank canvas is, which says to the painter, ‘You can’t do a thing’. The canvas has an idiotic stare and mesmerizes some painters so much that they turn into idiots themselves. Many painters are afraid in front of the blank canvas, but the blank canvas is afraid of the real, passionate painter who dares and who has broken the spell of `you can’t’ once and for all.”

~Vincent Van Gogh

Thoughts:

Has anyone felt the same way as Vincent Van Gogh about a blank canvas? I have. I have had those times I was afraid to start a project. The paper intimidated me. Sometimes I worried about the cost or about messing up. But usually once I took the leap and began the painting or drawing the fear disappeared. I thought it was just me, that I was unique in having this fear. I was surprised to find that Van Gogh had written the above to his brother Theo years ago.

What a comfort it is when you find out that you are not alone. I love the idea Van Gogh has of just getting the canvas dirty. The perfect cleanliness of the page whether you are an artist or a writer can cause anxiety. So mess it up with a little paint or whatever your medium is. What a great idea. Another idea, pray before you begin. Praying always reminds me that I am not alone.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for new beginnings. Thank you for the chance to start new creative projects, paintings, and drawings. Remind us to carry on when we get intimidated. Help us to be passionate about our work.

In Christ’s name,

Amen

To exist is to change,
To change is to mature;
To mature is to go on
Creating oneself endlessly.

~Henri Bergson

Thought:

Many people hate change. I am one of those people. But everything about life involves change. You just can’t get around it.  Change happens whether you like it or not. The weather and seasons change. Our children grow up and have children of their own. Our interests and tastes change without us realizing it. We get new jobs, make new friends, learn new skills, etc.

Since we can’t do anything about change happening, what can we do? We can embrace it. We can try to have the attitude of Henri Bergson. Let’s enjoy the fact that we get to create ourselves and our art over and over again. How great is that?

If you don’t like something about yourself, work on changing it. If your art work is not living up to your expectations, change it. God is there cheering us on as we move from one stage of change to another. How uplifting! Life is good!

Prayer:

Lord,

As we grow and mature, please stay by our side. Hold our hands. Bless our efforts. Allow us to transition smoothly. Give us insight when it is time to make choices about the direction of our change. Help us to realize you are one of our greatest supporters. Help us to appreciate each and every day we have to be creative. You are an awesome God!

In Christ’s Name,

Amen

May all your weeds be wildflowers!

Anonymous

Thoughts:

It is wildflower time in Texas! At least it is in Grimes County, Texas. For the past two weeks I have been enjoying the wildflowers as I travel home from work. The flowers popped out right as my spring break was winding down. The intensity of color and number of flowers seem to be growing each day.

Bluebonnets, Indian Paintbrushes, Phlox, Blue-eyed Grass and Primrose are just a few of the varieties seen. What a great time to dust off the camera lens and get some fresh subject matter for future paintings or drawings.

I hope all my readers will take a moment to enjoy the wildflowers while you can. I searched for some inspirational thoughts about wildflowers and came across a poem by Kitty Chappell. It is titled, Wildflower. In the poem Kitty asks the Lord to allow her to grow and bloom as a wildflower does. Hope you enjoy reading it. Click on the title.

Prayer:

Lord, please give us a freshness in our life and work as a wildflower in first bloom. Help us to grow as artists in our creativity. Thank you for all the wonderful blessings we receive.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen

Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled;
to concentrate;
to accept conflict and tension;
to be born everyday;
to feel a sense of self.

~Erich Fromm

Thoughts:

 With all the discussion on blogs, websites, books, and videos it appears the “conditons for creativity” are very much on people’s minds. I have read many articles giving suggestions on how to be more creative. I have tried to come up with my own suggestions also. But, we are all unique and each one of us will not fit into the same “creativity mold”.

Remember to be your self. Try things that feel right instinctively. Pray as you begin your creative process. If something doesn’t work, try it a few more times. If it still doesn’t work then move on. Have faith that you will find the right creative place at the right time.  Blessings.

Prayer:

Dear Lord:

We are seeking a creative lifestyle. Help us to find ourselves in our art and our creative process. Lead us to the people we need that can influence us for good. Bless our quest to create for you. Allow our work to also bless us in a monetary way so that we can live as creative artists.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen

I didn’t have a very good day with my students today. I was pulled in every direction. Students were at different stages of their work and demanding attention. I was completely worn to a frazzle after 8th period. Yes, I am an art teacher. Today was just one of those days. The days are not always like that. Some days are worse. Some days are awesome.

What gives me incentive to continue teaching art other than the obvious financial benefit of having a job? It is the fact that I get to give my students a taste of art that they might not ever get. This exposure may or may not affect their lives. I most likely will never know about the majority.

Yes, I agree with Robert Motherwell. I can’t imagination life without art. In my opinion, Art is nourishment for the soul. 

Prayer:

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the gift of an art filled life. Thank You for the ability to create. Thank you for inspiration. Thank you for sending encouragement when we get worn down. Please bless each and every person that reads this devotional.

In Christ’s Holy name,

Amen

Creative work makes me happy, but the subsequent pauses for the rest are all the more painful, for then one begins to think things over.

~ Hugo Wolf, composer

Thoughts:

Each time I read the quote above I seem to get a little different meaning. At first I thought that this quote would hit close to home with many artists. After looking at the quote several more times and giving it thought, I am not so sure.

Being creative gives great joy. Not being creative causes pain. Is that what Wolf was trying to say or am I simplifiying it too much?

We all need to pause to rest. Even God rested after creating the world. Rest rejuvenates the spirit. Is being at rest considered painful by Wolf because he then has time to think about what he has created and he begins to doubt himself and his work? Or is rest painful because it hurts to not create? 

I know that when I am not able to create, I get a little out of sorts. I become irritable and grouchy. It isn’t that I’m feeling pain, but I do get anxious. I yearn to be in my art room. I begin to resent obligations that don’t allow me time to create. I end up with a million ideas running through my mind that I want to act on. Too many ideas.

Is that what Wolf was talking about? I would love to hear your ideas on this subject. Comments are loved here!  Spam is not.

Prayer:

Lord,

Thank you for the ability to create. Thank you for drive, desire, thoughts, and ideas. Thank you for beauty in the world that inspires us to create. Please allow us to have the time to create and the time to rest. Allow us to be at peace when we are doing either. Thy will be done in all things.

In Christ’s Name,

Amen