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??
Craftmanship deals with the level at which one executes a given skill/talent. In recent years, more emphases has been placed on "process" and less on the final project. Though I do feel the process is extremely important, one can not abandoned good craftmanship. If the craftmanship is neglected, people may miss or misinterpret the intent of the work. Though the artist might gain some catharsis from the experience, the viewer is left with little to gain understanding/insight to the artist's work. Craftsmanship is up for interpretation, but it is something the artist will grow in/develop as they pursue their art making. It is an ongoing, life long process. Ideas, process, and craftsmanship are all important pieces to art.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:29-32
When we begin walking with the Lord....there are often times that our lives do not match up with the truths we profess. There may be times that our hearts & minds embrace jealousy, anger, or pride instead of the things of God & the fruits of the Spirit. We are a work in progress. As we spend time in God's Word, in prayer, fellowship with other believers, and living out our faith...our hearts, minds, words, & deeds become closer aligned. There is a refinement that takes place as we gain a deeper understanding of what God has done for us. We no longer want things that might distract or deter others from seeing the love of God in our lives & how it has transformed us from the inside out. It is the "craftsmanship" of the Christian life. This is truly an ongoing....LIFE LONG...process.
My forth graders created unreal color landscapes in watercolor last week. This week we are using watercolor pencils to add details, and finish up any "unfinished" areas. They have loved getting to use supplies that just weren't able to use while we were virtual!
When we returned to in person classes, I decided that we would do ALL THE THINGS!! I was a little more cautious when we returned for 6 weeks in the fall (using supplies I could easily disinfect). So my students had not painted since before the tornado & then pandemic (which is going to be a year ago next week I believe). I was so excited to just give my students supplies they could get messy with & create whatever their hearts desired. Well...that lasted 1 day. I quickly realized my students were out of practice with.....well....a lot of things! I needed to reign our project in a bit, and use it as a stepping stone to be more creative as we got back into the swing of being "in" school.
So we worked on tints & shades creating turtles (my fav. animal).
The students loved it & I remained relatively sane that first week back! ha ha We're starting to get our in person school groove back!!
Adhesives are tricky. I'm a trained professional and still burn myself with hot glue & stick my fingers together with super glue. Young artists often struggle when using adhesives. They often feel more is better, but that just isn't the case with glue. Too much can lengthen dry time, and cause pieces being attached to a sculpture not to adhere or slip out of place. The opposite can also be an issue. Too little glue can cause work to seemingly attach, only to fall apart with any tension/movement placed upon it. Yes, there is an art to gluing. If you want things stuck together....you will need to learn the proper application of the product and be aware of your part in the process.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:13-14
Unity is allusive in our world. There seems to be too many people placing their opinions, wants, and needs ahead of....well...EVERYONE & EVERYTHING! How can we come together when we struggle to see past ourselves? Unfortunately, this is not just a problem with the "world". The church also struggles at times to come together in true unity. I feel Colossians 3:13-14 is a "guide" or "how to" in regards to pursuing unity. We see some words/phrases that should be noted.
BEAR: endure or carry the weight of
FORGIVE: stop feeling angry or resentful toward someone/ cancel debt
FORGIVE AS THE LORD FORGAVE YOU: (I'll let you think on that one!)
PUT ON LOVE: to make a conscious choice to love God and others
It is easier said than done...I KNOW!! We all have struggle with this at times in our life. I feel what God is calling us to in Colossians 3:13-14 is remember where we once were (and how people had to endure you), what God did to bring us into a personal relationship with him, that everyone is at a different point in their walk with God & grace needs to be extended, and if it isn't easy....choose love anyways!!!
We need to be stuck together with our family of believers....because we are better together.
