Control is an important part of art. One must learn to control media in order to master its application. The control of ideas & concepts to accurately convey the meaning and message of one's vision for their work. Controlling the amount of color, line, shape, pattern, and other elements & principles in order to not underwhelm or overwhelm the viewer. However, there are times that control becomes a hindrance. When an artist becomes too controlling they can stifle the creative process. Their work can become stagnant, predictable, and soulless. They lose the joy of creating, the thrill of innovation, and the freshness of spontaneity. Control has its place, but letting go and trusting the artist's innate skills and sensibility can yield revolutionary work.
Many are the plans in a person's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
Proverbs 19:21
We like to have control(or at least think that we have control). There are personality types that have a stronger desire for this than others, but we all want to feel we have at least some control over a majority of things in our life. This even shows up in our spiritual life. We may toss around the word "faith" but the application may not be as evident as our desire to be in control. What does it mean to give up control and walk by faith? It is not a life out of control or without control. It is a life that yields it's will to the things of God. Money, power, position, pride, and place are in check with the heart beat of God. It doesn't necessarily mean that you need to give all your belongs away and move to some far away land(though you never know..haha). Allowing God to be in control means that we can trust he will be with us no matter what he calls us to do in this life. It means that he will equip us to do the things he has called us to do. It means that his approval is all that matters as we walk out this faith journey. Giving up control means gaining a new level of peace. Are their areas you need to give up control? What in your life is preventing you from having peace? What is it you need to let go of? You are not alone!!
Good stuff.
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful food for thought. I have a similar philosophy, but might replace "god" with universe, but it is all the same to me. I agree that too much planning can yield the soulless and predictable. What do you think is the balance in terms of students? Do you approach it with a sense of spontaneity at first, while the development of "control" over the medium is secondary? I am curious about your pedagogy because I am a beginning teacher who is more excited about spontaneity and "process" rather than an overly prescribed approach and product. Any ways you put this into practice would be very interesting to me.
Cheers!
-Ash