A l’oevre on reconnâit l’artisan. You can tell an artist by his handiwork. ~French proverb
“You can make art or make a product. The two are very different.”
My art teacher, Randy Blasquez, shared the quote on her blog. The context was art and love. “Why doesn’t love come across when you look at a painting? Because it wasn’t put into the painting! The artist was pleasing the gallery or trying to sell.”
How much of your life is spent trying to please the gallery?
The books on writing, the books on art, the books on living life to the full, all agree: Skill matters, but love is essential in any work of art.
I think you would like my writer’s group. Around the word-slinging circle you’ll find a Whitman’s Sampler of styles. We take turns being the discouraged, remind me why I am doing this member, or, less often, the poster child for astounded success. I’ve learned by watching these women wrestle with their art. Things like,
- A good writer is generous. They bleed their fears, doubts and delights all over the page, with nothing held back for later.
- A good writer refreshes. They peer into the fog and refuse to blink until they notice a reason for hope.
- A good writer lights the way. With words gripped by ink-stained fingers they draw us from the dark.
Bad writing may sell books, but readers are left in shadow. A bad life may look successful, but the world is left just as dim.
Art As A Work Of Life
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10
Together, we are God’s handiwork. Does your story prove that it’s true? Generous, refreshing, bearer of light, are we changed by the reading of you?
Every day, we’re given a choice–to be just another product, shaped by the world, or let God shape his image in us.
Where have you noticed God’s artistry at work in your life?
