Art is collaboration between God and the artist. ~Andre Gide
In composing a picture, I’ve been told to “attribute a value” to each space. Light and shadow, highlight and color, your eye will be drawn to what the artist wants you to notice.
Five minutes into the art lesson, and I’m stuck on the question, how do we know what to value? Are we born with a bias toward treasure over trash?
There are some who would claim we learn by artistic interference: By art we are taught what to value, the artist teaches us to see.
Is it true? Do we love a sunflower more because Van Gogh captured its beauty? Would we be indifferent to bird-song if no poem or flute tried to capture its tone? Would a cup of hot tea with lemon seem pointless if British mysteries weren’t solved in its proper company?
Maybe not. But few would deny that scriptwriters and story tellers, pundits and pop-singers influence our values, and not always for good. Yet, yielded and humble, as tools in the hands of the Creator, the same artistry can open our sin-blinded eyes.
For how does God communicate truth to us, but by image, and story and song?
- The Image of God? Every human being.
- The Story of God? Redemption through his Son.
- The Song of God? Joy-filled delight in all he has made.
These are the values the original Artist has assigned, and he calls us to sing, write, labor and dance to what matters to him.
A Vessel Of Value
Recently a friend turned to me with a puzzled look and said, “I’m surprised! In spite of your being a glass-is-half-empty person, your writing is filled with hope!” I know, I’m startled too. There’s no way I can fake it, no artificial hope-flavor can mask woeful sighs. But every time I wade in gloom, hope bobs to the surface and invites me to play.
Maybe this is a divine side-effect: The vessel will absorb what it carries to others. When we,
- by pencil or piano,
- by hammer-stroke or brush-stroke,
- by conversation or keyboard,
- by gardening or grading papers,
carry love and redemption, carry beauty and hope, carry truth and trust into the world God loves, we stain our own hands and hearts with our gifts.
How has art pointed you to what God values? Where is he using you as his instrument?
Photograph: Claude Monet, Woman With A Parasol–Madam Monet and Her Son, 1875
4 replies on “Looking For Value”
Janet, you’ve articulated well the spiritual discovery innate in the process of art-making: sight. I believe all Christian spirituality begins with awakening, specifically the slow, fluttery opening of spiritual eyes to see that which has always been. Then, as we encounter it, we want to share it.
I’m going to share this with one of my Facebook page groups…R
You know this first hand, Robert. Keep opening our eyes with poetry and song!
“The vessel will absorb what it carries to others.” What a brilliant truth. As one who carries the message of wellness and wholeness to others, that truth brings me hope! Thank you, dear friend.
You’re welcome, Sharol. And thank you for the hope you carry everywhere you go.