What is the mind of an artist?
It is a place of ideas and inspiration, beauty and wonder... and lists, and chores, budgets and relationships, and all the things that everyone else thinks about.
Now more than ever, I realize the importance of finding that place of inspiration and beauty. I must turn off the chaos of the world and go to that place of solace and creativity. Is it a form of escape? Perhaps a little. Who doesn't want to escape from the messiness of life, whether it is on a global, national or even personal level?
My studio practice is a discipline as much as it is a joy. Some days are tough to get there. Some days have long lists of "to-do's" that I feel I must accomplish prior to giving myself the "privilege" of creating in my studio. I must clean up the kitchen, do the laundry, get the groceries, make dinner. Funny how the list never ends.
Our hearts are designed with the yearning to find that place of peace and beauty. It's always around the next bend. Or maybe it seems a thousand miles away. We just have to clean up all the messes in order to get there.
Or do we?
I think a lot of us consider God in this same way. We think, "If I can clean up all these messes, then I can find peace with God. He surely doesn't want me in the midst of my depression, addiction, anxiety, financial issues... First I must take care of these things, then I can have peace." Funny, though, the list never ends.
Allow me for a moment (and please don't consider it heresy) to compare the God of Peace to my studio (believe me, He is so much greater than my studio!):
My studio does not require that I accomplish my task list prior to entering; I am the one that makes that rule. My studio doesn't judge me for not having a perfect life. My studio simply beckons me, offering hope, solace, joy, comfort, and creativity. When I am in that place, I am renewed and refreshed. I solve problems. Sometimes they are problems with the painting; other times I find the solution to a completely unrelated problem while in the flow of creativity.
My God is a lot like that. He says, "Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis. Simply join your life with mine. Learn my ways and you'll discover that I'm gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in me. (Matthew 11:28-29 TPT)"
My God doesn't deny that there are troubles in the world and in my life. But He has overcome them. He says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NIV)"
In Him, I find rest for my soul, nourishment and love for my heart, and the creative life I've always wanted.
I want to personally invite you into my studio, during the Loveland Art Studio Tour and Sale. At my home studio, you can be inspired. Come see my latest works and some demonstrations of my process. I will also have some giveaways, as well as a portrait tutorial you can practice at my studio, or take home for yourself or your children.
You can meet all 30 artists on the Loveland Art Studio Tour (LAST) during two weekends in October. Download the app (iPhone or Android) for a complete directory and interactive map to the studios. Preview and shop the artwork now at the Loveland Museum & Gallery, where all the LAST artists are represented in a show in the Foote Gallery.
See you in October!