Wonders...to be Remembered...

[LarrySeiler]

This forum I think is a place where folks inspired to make art for ANY reason should feel and grow comfortable in sharing with others.

Artists are inspired to create for many reasons, which might include a sense of one's being created by a grand designer or Creator...to the atheist for his or her reasons, and it is instrumental and valuable for all to know what motivates, inspires another's work.

That being said...writing one's thoughts on a keyboard in and of itself can be an undaunting task. Some artists create sculptures, paintings, fibers and such because of all the communicative channels open to them...working with their hands and ideas to make something seen communicates best for them.

Writing is an art form, and I enjoy writing. However, just as a painting might improve with suggestions of better composition...I write thinking that a thing might be said a half-dozen different ways. Writing is a construct for which doing poorly actually interferes with the idea you want to get across to others. In the same way...painting something into a painting that is unnecessary might take away for the intent you wish for the work as a whole.

Its not always easy...let me put it that way.

So, if I say something that might at first rub any one the wrong way...I hope you'll contact me, call me to the carpet on it. Its possible how something came across may not even have been my intent. Like my painting, I am working to improve my writing. I have a couple books that I've been working on...and I see it as a challenge.

When a number of us were pushing for a forum such as this...we felt that what drives us to create...what inspires us, was important and as valid if not MORE valid than simply the end product.

For the most part, we have had people of faith participating...and in time we may grow to see others of other faiths, ideas and persuasions.

Let me now speak...as a person of faith... Christian faith...and share that what has been frustrating over the years for me was sensing the need to validate who and what I was as an artist. Thinking of Psalms...there is a scripture that says "He has made his wonder works to be remembered..."

What is a wonderful work, and what are His wonders?

Well...obviously from the standpoint of people that share my faith, yes the gospel message is a wonderful work of God and should be remembered. Biblical accounts and stories of old. So, artists looking back to such works made and what inspired artists to make Biblical works and spiritual reflections is good...as it is for artists that make such today. This forum is a good place to share such.

Likewise...other wonders of God include His creation- Dogs, cats...the vistas of the awe inspiring landscapes of the world, human kind. If God "causes" such to be remembered, then painting such needs NO JUSTIFICATION. In fact, His "causing" as a divine action is alone our justification.

In the context of churches, their programmings...reaching out, evangelism and so forth...some fail to see value in the artist preferring to work in isolation, to do a work that from their vantage point seems to accomplish so little for the kingdom.

I want to emphasize that THAT is their problem, NOT your problem.

It can be very difficult for the person of faith...but that is part of who and what we are as artists.

Look at it this way. If Christ redeemed a man or woman to be a whole person, what would that person look like?

What would a police officer made anew be like should we come upon him? A principle of a high school? A parent? ..and so forth.

Well...okay, God has examples too in us. If others do not see the value in that, that is of little or should be of little concern to us.

We have had some wonderful contributions in this forum so far. Some are abstract and lacking obvious subject content, some are Biblical in theme and so forth. The thing is...it has pleased God to "cause" His wonders to be remembered.

I believe he calls many to be rememberers...and some do it in a song, some in poetry, a drama or play...and others visually.

Something of innocence, better times in a world of insanity, of his lovingkindness comes out in the simple portrait of a dog...or cat. A deer drinking water along a creek's edge. It ministers, I believe...healing and fosters joy in hearts.

There are many sociologists, social engineers, people with doctorates and so forth that study and explain the decline and demise of social order, of chaos, crime and fear. As I have pointed out several times before, and maybe not well...is that a number are aware that chapter one of the book of Romans talks about the decline of social order.

Many would use these verses in effort to point a finger and condemn. I see the key verse however in 21...that really is something for us to muse upon as artists. It speaks of the cause of such...and that is that people have forgotten to keep their hearts filled with thanksgiving. That decline comes as a result.

What more natural physical involving activity can any of us do that naturally stimulates and nurtures thanksgiving than our art? Isn't that cool? I mean...the more I paint, the more my spirit and heart engage in an activity that brings me joy...and plants seeds of thanksgiving in my being. Being alive...becomes a good thing. A joyful thing. Otium Sanctum, as my earlier thread got into, "holy leisure."

Remember that old song...with the lyrics that said something like, "I believe in music...oh oh ohhh oh, I believe in love!" ???

well...somewhere in one of those stanzas is a line that says, "as long as I'm making my music, can't be doin' no harm"

Making music is a creative habit...that connects a person to be alive. To be a thinker...one that engages. With the right spirit, one feels blessed to be alive to write just one more song, be able to pick up that ole guitar and play one more tune. The heart continues to be filled with joy, and I think that is key.

My apologies to everyone where I have referred to my Romans chapter one schpiel in the past and perhaps it was one of those not written as well as it could have been moments. If it came across that art had to be justified, Christianized and so forth...then my intent was misunderstood and I wrote poorly. Quite the opposite. I am an advocate to encourage your heart to sing, your talents to rejoice in living...not feeling the work has to meet some standard of those lacking in full understanding.

After all...it is He that causes... and we are the rememberers learning day by day to walk that calling out.

For those that have not shared work before here in this forum fearing the work might not be "religious" enough...please, do share. I myself am a wildlife and nature artist. I am painting outdoors plein air primarily these days... moved and motivated by the beauty I see outdoors.

peace everyone...

have a great day

Larry

[LarrySeiler]

Here is a painting I did...24" x 30" of a river about an hour from where I live here in NE Wisconsin.

Goodness...the Menomonee River emptying into what is called the Piers Gorge is incredibly spiritually moving. Perhaps the closest we have here in the northern midwest to the Snake River experience of Wyoming...where kayakers dawn their helmets and gear to take on rough rapid waters.

There is a lovely path all throughout this park and many many vistas at near every turn. I have set my easel up on bluffs...just inches from what might be peril falling into turbulent tumultuous waters. The water roaring past at thousands of gallons per second.

When you contemplate how many years this has been so, how many years after you are gone it will yet be so...you can feel very small, and yet get a feeling for just how awesome and transcendent the Creator of all this is.

You see people visiting from all cultures and walks of life, and every one of all faiths and spiritualities takes something away from places like this.

It was pure joy to paint this, though not painted plein air but instudio. My works on location and experiencing the aesthetics were instrumental in my believing it possible to pull something like this off instudio. The splendor of fall. Just breath taking...and to make it was an act of celebration. :clap:

larry

[sassybird]

Larry, I have tried to encourage people of all faiths to participate in this forum. All people have a voice that speaks from their art, and that voice should be strong.

People often forget that the gift given to us by God is one that is supposed to used. We are his tool for spreading the word as well as the beauty of his creations. There is so much to be seen and be grateful for. Anything that inspires an artist to create is moving. Letting our feelings, voice, and inspiration shine through.

I have said this before, but all aspects of life inspire artists to create. The good as well as the bad are subjects that should be shared. My piece "War Torn" was a difficult piece to develop, because my feelings were so strong about the horrors of war, but I felt compelled to do the piece. Nearly everyone that has seen it is moved one way or another, and that is what I strive to do in my work. My work is not fluff, even the pretty stuff. I try to let creation reflect the creation of God.

I am open to other beliefs, because I believe God speaks to each person in a manner that they recognize. There are those that have never heard of Christ, but they believe in a higher power with strong belief. Who are we to say whether they are right or wrong in their beliefs just because we are not familar with their culture. There is a main theme that runs through all religions when it comes to commandments; love thy neighbor, respect all life, be truthful in all aspects of our lives, etc.... Now I wonder how all that came to be when there was a day that the world was so big and isolated between cultures. Hence my belief that God speaks in many languages.

[LarrySeiler]

good stuff Charissa...

Man is one of those things Created...and will reflect things of awe and wonder as does a river, wildlife...a sunset. Powerful emotions happen because man has a mind, a heart and those things explored certainly originate by design.

One's feelings for a war torn area...an expression because mankind has been made to have feelings, emotions and to respond.

Just as I couldn't do a traditional self-portrait that one time, seeing and feeling things that caused a wrestling within. Had to cut it out...epoxy a bunch of rags...and a crazy empowering energy drove me to execute the project, to bring it about.

As Hans Rookemacher said in an excellent writing/treatise on the subject, "Art Needs No Justification"

A work that so moves an artist to make it...is a work quite at the ready to move others that view it.

A friend of mine, close friend for who I've played music with and such... was close to his bassett hound. The dog, Leo...got quite old. I actually dog sat for Leo a number of times, and what a character was he!

For my friend...I did a painting of old Leo. What a privilege to bless others, to use one's gifts in such a way. I think we learn life lessons and values with close pets very often. Learn about dignity of life, of valuing that which is innocent and dependent upon our care. Many lessons that the Spirit of God can touch us with.

Its not a cross. Not praying hands...(and I'm not saying those are of little value, for most certainly they are to the artist and those they touch). Just an old basset hound. hahaha...but, the dog had value to a family, to lives, carried a particular dignity.

I am wanting to encourage the sharing of those also who might not consider their work religious or inspirational by reason of subject content to re-think thru that. It is spiritual, because a spiritual person (the artist) made it.

If you respond to war...that work is spiritual in nature. If you respond to poverty and have to get it out and make a visual statement...that too was inspired and is spiritual in nature. If you respond to beauty...to human dilemma, and so forth. Feel free to share. How did the subject first move you to create? What did you discover about yourself in its making? Have you observed its impact on others? What have you learned as a result? Was it joy...? Was it a learning experience?

My friend, Ted...was greatly touched with this painting of old "Leo..."

Larry

[sassybird]

The older I get the more I feel the hand of God on my life. The more I appreciate all his creations. The more I see satan's work in this world. War over religion? That insults me as a spiritual person. It angers me, saddens me, makes me appreicate the life we have here in the states, though we have a bit of a religious war going on within our borders also. It has not become excessivly violent as yet, but I see it, pray about it, and hope that people will begin to life by the word they argue over.

My dogs are my little angels. They know when I am sad, when pain has me near senseless, and celebrate with me when I am happy. These little creatures that depend on us are a blessing. We love them. They are a part of our families, and I believe that they have love for us also. I feel it with each snuggle, lick on the hand, or in the case of my two, kisses where ever they find skin........lol My life would feel less blessed without the compainionship that God has provided in those little furry bodies.

I feel that the self portrait that you did was very powerful. You did not look at the man you are on the outside, but also inward. That is difficult for many artist to do, look at themselves honestly.

There are technical artist who are good, but their work is cold, without feeling. Many of them make money because they have a formula, just as the romance novelist do. Sure we all need money, but I am not about to let that dictate how my work goes. I paint, print, draw and sculpt what I feel at the time, not what someone else wants. Maybe that is why I have yet to make it in the eyes of those that will not consider a piece of work unless it has a name behind it. It is not my name, but my spirit that I live with, so my work is honest. I put all that I have at any given moment in creating.

One thing that does move me no matter how many times I see it, nor how many different versions there are as there are the artist that create them, are portraits of Christ. I don't only see them with my eyes but with my heart and soul. I belong to him, worship him, and follow the path he has set with me to the best of my ablility. There always seem to be detours though:) I am caught by surprise when a burden is put on my heart to do something. Many times I have come up against situations that are not safe, but I am not afraid.

[Stoy Jones]

As artists, I think we inherently want to respond to what God has done for us in the sense of the created world He made for us and He encourages us to do so. My son is eleven and eventhough he doesn't show any personal interest in persuing any art, but sometimes he can't help himself when he sees what I have done in class or on my own. Needless to say, he gets a moment of inspiration to give it a try and being open that I am to him, I allow him to use my easel and supplies to create on his own. It is funny to watch and I do get a sense of closeness. We are speaking on the same level when creating.

I realize how would this be any different when God watches us, inspired and moved by His creation and in need to share that with our own interpretation. I think it is a process to come to a realization of this and what it means to us and how it plays in our decisions as well as the direction we take for our artistic journey.

Need to undue a creative block? Look around. Someone submitted a sketch at the Sketching&Drawing forum for the Spring sketches and the sketch was of a flower and as it was brought in and sat down, it moved and unfolded a little in response to the change in the environment and the lucky person who got a chance to see this happen in front of her, sketched each change she saw. To the world at large, it may seem a small thing, but a wonder nonetheless and often missed and overlooked in these busy times. We are blessed to be here and blessed to have gifts that are talents to share with God and celebrate what He has done for us.

Stoy

[LarrySeiler]

Good comparisons Troy....children imitating and repeating in what we do, as us creatively imitating the Creator....

Here is an interesting picture taken by a news reporter actually...of my son, then only four years of age. The hoopla for him was that daddy had just won some major wildlife art awards and the reporters were there to get some shots of me at work....
http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Apr-2004/532-jer_watchin_dadpaint.jpg

The desire to imitate daddy is pretty strong...for when I came home the following day late in the day, my wife met me at the front door to prepare me, forewarn me. My son...wanting to be like his daddy...took paint and a brush and wanted to contribute to this work, a river otter that was about to be sent to the state for the Wisconsin Wildlife Artist of the Year competition.

He contributed with bold strokes, about eight or so before his mother caught him.

What was at stake? Well...I had won two years prior to this, and that piece that won of a snowy owl is worth near $17,000 today. I had been a finalist several times. The 450 print series at $95 per print sold out. The competition for 1986 was less than a month away.

Now...I've never really given it thought Troy...in this particular direction, but consider all the times we've goofed up. Perhaps really big. Perhaps plans for divine kingdom building that would bring honor, glory...and opportunity for God.

Some might think it not possible to thwart the plans of God, as though He always has a back up "B" plan right away...but we are told to not "grieve" the Holy Spirit. At any rate...we know that the Father is there to embrace us, forgave and forgive us, re-commission us...and empower us.

After I saw those strokes of paint, dried...on a painting I already had near 200 hours of effort in...I left the house and took a walk. A long walk. Kicked some stones in a field.

Often...when I am really smacked with something that hits deep, I'll take a long contemplative walk thru a cemetary, as all my problems at the end of the walk seem so minor and insignificant, but...no cemetary near...I settled for kicking stones and complaining out to God.

About 30-40 minutes later...I came back into the house, swept my little boy up into my arms and took him into my studio space. I set him on the floor, and we discussed his attempts to help daddy. I let him know that it was a good thing he wanted to paint...and that he wanted to help his daddy.

I struck up a deal with him that it was alright for him to let daddy do his own work...but any time he wanted to paint let me know and we'd get him his own board and paints.

It was a tough moment, but a necessary one. Had I lost it, over a painting... my son at that age would have possibly transferred resentment and fear to the act of making art. That making art was risky and dangerous; certainly not worth it.

I wonder...we are often like a four year old with God.

There is an art to living....to parenting, and at one moment we are a son or daughter serving the Most High...and the next minute like a little child confused and broken down.

Lots to think on this morning....Troy...thanks, appreciate it much.

oh...here is my painting after about fifty more hours touching up, then to top it off UPS damaged an edge, the contest chairman sent it back...I lopped off two inches off the top and sent it back. It came in as a finalist, second runner up.

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/17-Apr-2004/532-otter_b_fishin4inch.jpg

Oddly enough...judges after the competition asked me about the more obscure background. I told them the piece had gone thru a lot, and that I had to cut two inches off the top. From what I gathered, in their opinion had that not happened, it might have won. Lost out on another $5,000 award purse.

Sometimes things that happen to us come at a cost, and it hurts...yet God forgives our damage to His preferences in our life and forgives us, then turns around and sends another opportunity our way. Much stuff to muse upon.

peace

Larry

[LarrySeiler]

Last night was another moment, small moments that are memorable. I had been honored as the NE Wisconsin Ruffed Grouse Society banquet's artist of the year, second in a row. A ruffed grouse...for those that do not know is a upland game bird, and sound habitat management, efforts of specialized cutting, planting of aspens and so forth is ongoing to create ideal conditions for its survival. The bird is natural to our area, and often suffers an 80% die off during harsh winter conditions.

Over the years....I have contributed tens of thousands of dollars worth of contributions which goes to auctions and raising of money for Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited. I have fought to prevent destruction of an important wetlands across the country. One painful loss which I think to further man's progress comes as a pain to God's heart, was a major flyway thru Green Bay, Wisconsin. The purpose was to build a bridge to redirect traffic away from the city, around it and make travel faster on route south to Milwaukee.

The cost was a wetland that drew 4 million ducks and geese per year, making it one of the four main flyways. The destruction has resulted now in only about 125,000 ducks and geese per year coming thru that area. These things too, I think are important for those that love our Creator to involve themselves with.

Wouldn't we wish intervention if those hostile to our art had set out to destroy them one by one?

There is actually a scripture in Revelation 18, a warning of destruction to those that have destroyed the earth.

At any rate...what a night like last night calls for is sacrifice. Many artists simply would not do it, placing too high a value on their work.

Each time I do something like this, its a feeling of wondering if I've not bitten off more than I can chew. I agree to donate some prints for silent auctions, but I set up my easel and finish a painting I started before the night. Finish it where folks can watch and enjoy.

Its a risky venture...like a sporting event, but the night's billing and promotion making me one of the main events...my own membership given as appreciation to me for my contributions, the dinner and so forth really means the results cannot fail. It is exciting...nerves are a bit on end, yet I feel a confidence surging. I always lean on that "I can do all things thru Christ Who strengthens me"...and have for years. My wife sometimes is flabbergasted at things I'll attempt to do...but, if we approach it as a child (children not knowing what they don't know are rarely fearful...), and trust God, the end result is often a good thing to experience.

I did this turkey painting, strutting and displaying in a field, put it in a gold homemade frame...and it was ready for auction.

If you'd like to see it...I have the thread up at Animal/Wildlife forum and the link is here-
http://www.wetcanvas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182167

Don't ask me why I look so serious all the time. I've got to learn to smile more, intentionally. I look mean when I'm not smiling...its strange.

The sacrifice though...is that ordinarily a painting of this size would be priced between $1400 on up to about $1800 in a gallery.

The evening is an opportunity for people that might not ordinarily be able to afford original art or decently framed print works to attain them.

An elderly couple won the auction bidding...and at only $325...and I was very happy for them. The guy that bought it doesn't smile very well either by the way! hahaha... his wife not wanting to be photographed.

I'll say her reaction and excitement was childlike joy. What a neat thing to use our gifts to bless people that way.

Larry

[Stoy Jones]

Larry, those are wonderful replies and pics! I'm a frowner at times too, unless I make myself smile, so no worries. Certainly our Lord knows ways to test us and for you, it was where it is most poignant, your art, your gift, and your family. I can't say I have been tested in that manner as I'm a budding painter and exploring that now. When my son was of that age to use a crayon on everything, I was still recovering from years of a harsh environment where my ability was unsupported by my parents... and not knowing where to go to pursue my desires. The test for me was to not rely on myself, but on Him for direction. I suffered years of creative block and had no support other than my wife. I put these problems to prayer, going to Him as my parent. Things started to happen for me, opportunities to learn and advance like I haven't thought possible, but lesson learned (and quite an elementary one)...He loves us.. has an interest in us and is listening.

I find it extremely difficult at times to be tested still, but be glad in it (as I know you are now in hindsight) as we are being looked after by the Lord we accepted.

Stoy

[LarrySeiler]

good stuff Stoy...

the testing never ends...nor does our Big Dream ever fully materialize as God continues to expand our potential and the dream. With every notion to go deeper, comes the testing. Also comes the wasteland or desert which further prepares us to be ready for our dream.

Larry

[Proverbs 3:5-6]

Wow...I really enjoyed reading the story about Troy "helping" your painting along. I enjoy your analogies. It is a captivating picture too. Is that watercolor??

[LarrySeiler]

Wow...I really enjoyed reading the story about Troy "helping" your painting along. I enjoy your analogies. It is a captivating picture too. Is that watercolor??


the river otter is acrylics...water based used like washes similar to watercolors in many ways...

take care

Larry

[Keith Russell]

One of my favourite comic book stories is the science fiction story The Incal, by the French master Moebius (Jean Giraud). It begins and ends with the same scene, a 'low-rent' detective being thrown off of a balcony by 'the bad guys'. In between, he is saved (by cops in a flying car, who aren't much better than 'bad guy's themselves) and has numerous adventures, which have been collected in three large volumes.

(Word of caution: these aren't stories for kids...)

Near the end of the epic, he and several of his friends meet 'God', and they are all absorbed into 'the One'--except our hero, the detective.

'God' sends him back to the beginning of the story, telling him that his place is to observe...to remember.

Jesus admonished us to be 'in the world, but not of' it--but to my mind he was rather vague on how--exactly--one goes about accomplishing that. (Regardless, I've always like that quote, since it meshes nicely with my own idiosyncratic individualism.)

As artists, whether one is an en plein aire artists depicting the momentary light of a 'natural' setting, or a non-objective artist trying to visually depict emotions or abstract thought, or if one is the kind of artist who 'straddles the fence', using realistic imagery to convey allegorical meaning, the world of human senses--and the world we sense--is our territory.

Even to create religious art is to refer to the 'culture at large', either as a direct challenge that 'something's missing', or as a call to 'turn away from' the larger culture. Either way, that culture is referenced.

I am not religious, but there are nonetheless elements of the 'larger culture' that I puposefully avoid in my art. As artists, we help to create culture--and I want my 'contribution' to be one of which I can be proud, that expresses my own views as well as I am able.

Perhaps that is how one can be 'in the world', but not 'of it', by creating works which express something to the culture from within ourselves, rather than simply parroting or recycling messages which originate from the culture itself.

K

[LarrySeiler]

Perhaps that is how one can be 'in the world', but not 'of it', by creating works which express something to the culture from within ourselves, rather than simply parroting or recycling messages which originate from the culture itself.

K

this is a very interesting point of view...and feel I've been made broader to consider it. Thanks Keith...

Mimicking...following the in vogue for the moment art thing or fad is a habit of the world. It is important to discover what YOUR work is going to be and remain faithful to it, all outside influences set aside. Also...it is the habit of the world to value that which assures most money to be made...and so many artists go off this direction, and then that...adjusting what they will make, how many and so forth in hopes of that gain. To not be like the world, is to find a higher purpose for its making...that which is not to be dictated by the world.

In seeking out that higher purpose, it just may well be a work that finds appeal...yet we sure do make something out of that possibility don't we?

For those that have had their 15 minutes of fame...it is not lasting. Then one can spend the next ten years just trying to hold onto that reputation, turning one's creative freedom over to a driveness...possibly missing really what would make you and your work unique in the first place.

Thanks Keith...got me thinkin' this morning! Good stuff...

Larry

[Stoy Jones]

Jesus admonished us to be 'in the world, but not of' it--but to my mind he was rather vague on how--exactly--one goes about accomplishing that. (Regardless, I've always like that quote, since it meshes nicely with my own idiosyncratic individualism.)



Paul sums it up for us in his various letters, but it does have an interesting angle when applied to art. I think we all dream of finding our own style (going against the grain) despite occasionally painting what culture dictates for a sale. I think you may find John Ruskin's writings interesting. I have not read his work, but understand that he was much opposed to convention (anti-classical) and somewhat took up the cause of the Pre-raphaelite painters who broke a lot of "rules" and expectations in the English Academy.

Stoy

[designingrose]

Bravo Larry! I am a new member and have never posted a response, but have been looking around and found your post. I love it! You have articulated what I have always found difficult to explain.
Thank you!
Leslie Rossetti