November 5, 2004
It's technically the 5th, though it's actually still Ann staying up too late and thus the end of the 4th. I got this interesting response from a friend in New Mexico who owns a theater and is producing (and performing in) edgy, experimental work, at least I think that's how you'd describe their personality as actors and artists. I haven't actually seen any of their shows, so I'm going with the tidbits I'm piecing together. Anyway, I asked her thoughts on being an artists, because she's so committed to it. Here's what she wrote:
"What is it that makes us artists? Of all the artists I've met (and I've met quite a few), the thing that makes them artists, in my opinion, is their constant and unrelenting pursuit of their work. How this plays itself out is in their constant questioning and (like Waugh) unwillingness to go with something just because it's 'in'. I've known some that LOVED technology, some that eschewed it, but really the issue was not technology but the why behind their choices. A lot of people like to say they are artists because they think its tres chic, but what I've found is that a life in art is very uncomfortable, a lot of hard work that mostly leaves you feeling in constant doubt about everything: Including whether you are an artist or not."
2 Comments:
An artist, to me, is more than someone who pursues. True artistry to me is the act of creation and releasing. One who creates and releases is an artist. An artist releases something from within themselves into the world around them. This releasing, this birthing, is itself a creation. People are touched by these creations because at a fundamental, basic level we are all human. We live our lives at this fundamental level with common needs, common fears, common wants. As artists release their creations from within, these creations resonate on a fundamental level with all of us. Theses creations bring words to emotions that we all have felt, these creations bring images and colors to thoughts we have all had. In a sense, artists bring definition to the mosaic of the human soul. With each creation we have a glimpse into who we all are as human beings. When we see into ourselves, we are moved, we are stirred. This explains why the words of a song from a person you don't know stir your own soul.
We tend to think of artists as only those whose medium is paint or music but I would challenge that thought. I think artists are all around. People are constantly creating, releasing their expression into the world.
I think we are God-like when we are acting like "artists". God's very nature is to create and to release. One of the most godly things we can do is to create, to release that "thing" from within us into the world. It takes courage to do this because this releasing is so incredibly personal. This releasing exposes you to your very core. But we can't keep it in, we have to get it out.
Just a few thoughts on artistry...
Comment on artistry..
Excerpts from the book, "Unstoppable Force" by Erwin McManus
"In many churches compliance and conformity are the greatest values. There is rarely a rumor, much less a reality, of a church being the center point of imagination, invention, and innovation. If we are teaching sound theology but neglecting to create an environment in which people fulfill their God-given purpose, are we not, by definition, an unhealthy culture?" p108
"At the same time, the church has been at best aesthetically challenged, if not in fact an enemy of the arts. Somewhere on the road, we seem to have lost our love of beauty for beauty's sake, as if somehow God did not indulge in this kind of triviality. Those who worship the God of creation must never forget how beauty both reflects God and his values. Artistry matters to God." p109
"A culture is a beautiful art piece that uses people as its canvas." p. 112
I loved this idea of McManus: "Periodically at Mosaic we create a forum called Velocity. It is an explosion of creativity. It's 2 hours of dance, drama, poetry, short film, and comedy all wrapped up into one experience...The church is one of the few places where children are actually encouraged to sing. The church is one of the few places where musical talent is nurtured and developed...We dream of a day when local churches will be known for their wellspring of creativity and the Steven Spielbergs and Quentin Tarantinos will be forced to visit churches to keep up with the newest innovations and the most creative artistry." p 128
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