Having vision is an important aspect of art. It goes far beyond the skills needed to create. There are many in this world who have the technical skills to accomplish art making. However, technical skills without vision will not innovate, push boundaries, or make statements that create conversation and/or change. Vision guides the artists skill to make choices of the heart that sometimes contradict the training/logic of a given medium. I've also seen some artists move to an unexplored medium in order to convey their message. It is that inner passion that moves a person from being someone who can technically create in an aesthetic manner to an ARTIST. This vision also allows the individual to continue on in the face of adversity, questioning, and disapproval. They see something that their critics can not, and it keeps them from giving up....and motivates them press onward.
Let your eyes look straight ahead;
fix your gaze directly before you.
Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
and be steadfast in all your ways.
Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil.
Proverbs 4:25-27
Vision keeps us from being distracted. Sometimes we can justify things as "good distractions", but other times the distractions just take us from our path and purpose. I've seen many believers who know the right things to say & do, and have skills that could be used to encourage the body of Christ & make Him known. However, they don't have a vision for their place in God's plan. They are distracted. They are caught up in their life, things of the world, or even "churchie" things that seem good. Through God's Word, prayer, and discipleship...we can gain a true vision for God's plans for our life. We will unleash the passion God has placed in our hearts, and it will meet a need in a unique and beautiful way. He has designed us to do so. What is keeping you from seeing the vision or living out the vision God has for you? How can you live out this life with a passion that will keep you focused and moving forward? Are you just going through the motions because you know how to....or are you living with passion and purpose?
Another great post, Ted! The "vision in art" paragraph could be used by any arts teacher to illuminate the need for honoring the individual thought process as even more important than acquiring technical skill (21st century skills!). Vision for my place in God's plan? Working on that every day. Have a great week and a happy Thanksgiving!
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