I value art work that evokes feelings of pain, sadness, and loneliness. I know, that might sound a bit depressing. However, those are real feelings that are a parts of the human experience. There is something cathartic about connecting to such things. It helps one to feel less isolated. As much as there is a need for the above mentioned art work, there is also a need for art that is bright, joyful, and at times silly. Some may consider it to be less serious art. THAT'S OK!! There are times I'm too serious, and need something to snap me out of it! There is a place for the beautiful, colorful, and humorous. There is a need for happy art.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
There are times life can bring us down. There are times others can bring us down. There are times we can bring ourselves down. No matter the cause we can all find ourselves in negative place. Sometimes justifiably. (I have a hard time trusting people that say they never get down, never wrestle with things, and never ride the struggle bus. "For everything there is a season..."!!) However, we must find a way out of the darkness/sadness/pain. At times, we have a need for happy. We need those people that will speak life. Speak love. Speak words of encouragement to our heart. At times, we need to be the happy for those around us. Our words do have power...though we need to choose them wisely. Our ears have power as well....we must not forget to listen. Our presence is often the most important element. People need to feel like they are not alone. Sometimes the greatest ministry God give us is to be a friend. There is a need for happy....and you can be that happy to the glory of God.
This work of art is from one of my 1st grade grade students. This was not any of our assignments this 9 weeks....just something that they created on their own. I absolutely adore this picture. I hope it brings a smile to your face as well.
Art tells a story. Will it be the same story the artist originally intended? That is questionable. A good artist can direct the viewer, but without them being present...much is left to the viewer. They will glean from the provided information within the context of the work. However, it is the viewer's connection with the work, the information that it provides, how it impacts & relates to their personal experiences, and perceptions that will imbue it with meaning. When the art becomes personal...that is when the viewer relates to the story, and it takes on meaning and power.
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers. They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”
John 4: 39-42
The full story about the Samaritan woman at the well can be found in John 4: 1-42. It provides such a beautiful snapshot of the Lord's heart for people. A million sermons could be preached (and probably have been) just from the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman. However, I'm struck by the interaction we see between the Samaritan woman and the other Samaritans that came after hearing her story. She had a story to share....and she shared it. Those that listened believed in part because of what she shared with them. It at least piqued their interest enough for them to go see & hear for themselves. Then they said to her, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." Her story was powerful. Her story was meaningful. Her story moved them to action. Still though...they had to experience it for themselves. It had to become meaningful to them. There is power in a story, but the transformation comes when story becomes yours.
Do you have a story to share? God can use it. He can use your story to encourage, challenge, and bring others to Himself. What is your story?
It's a story worth sharing!
My oldest daughter LOVES Moriah Elizabeth's YouTube videos & wanted a birthday party inspired by her. If you do not know who that is....here is a link to her YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/user/GeniunelyMoriah She does makes over squeeshies a good bit & paints on a lot of stuff!! She is fun & "clean" (I'm not worried about my pre-teen watching her videos because of language or questionable content!). I pulled together the supplies for sueeshie make overs & painting on canvas shoes! My wife also made royal icing cookie canvases & paint palettes! I think Margaret and her friends had a pretty good time!!
I don't think I posted my pictures from Chihuly at Cheekwood this past year?!?!
(I couldn't find them, so I'm guessing I forgot to post them?!?)
This is the second time Chihuly has been at Cheekwood. I was worried it would pretty much be a repeat of the last time....but I was WRONG!! What a joy to walk around and see the amazing colors, textures, and how beautifully it integrated with the environment.
(if you are looking for some lesson ideas involving Chihuly...here is the link to what we did the last time his work was in town!! http://mnpschihulyartlessons.blogspot.com
(This is a longer section of scripture...but I felt it important to share the whole passage.)
Ticonderoga use to be the gold standard in pencils!!! I LOVED them even if they were more expensive than other brands. However, over the past couple years I've noticed the quality going down hill. At first I thought...maybe it is just a bad batch/box. Then this year, I have several boxes from different stores and different parts of middle Tennessee. I sharped them with two different electric sharpeners & three different hand held sharpeners. The wood was mushy, the lead was broken up in side them, and some were off centered. UGH! I posted this on social media and found I was not the only one having this struggle. Ticonderoga...COME ON!!! You all are who we go to....don't let us down!
I have been trying to do projects with my students that hands-on/messy/different since we've returned to in person! We spent so much time drawing/coloring while we were virtual (many of my students had NO or VERY LIMITED art supplies). I tried to do some supply give aways, but so many of the students that truly needed it did not come (or were unable to come) to pick them up.
I introduced the idea of "theme" to the second grade classes this past week. They selected a theme, and created creatures that were inspired by their theme. We used paper towel rolls as the base for our creations. I had so much fun creating my teacher examples...I had to share. Can you guess the themes??
