To borrow a phrase from Forrest Gump: Entering art shows is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get.
Recently, I entered two pieces into the National Fine Art Show at Lincoln Gallery. One was my most recent piece, I L Y, symbolizing 'I Love You' in American Sign Language. It is in my latest style, charcoal on canvas. I was pleased with the way it came out. I felt confident in its rendering and style, and that it would be accepted into the show. This show had a requirement of entering a minimum of two pieces, so I also selected a small acrylic painting, Translucence, that I had done late last summer. I really like this painting also. It has great color, composition and light.
Guess which piece was accepted into the show? Translucence!
I am not disappointed that I L Y was not accepted into the show. Art is subjective; you never know what will resonate with a juror. If one of my paintings or drawings is not accepted into a show, it opens the door for that artwork to be somewhere else.
Paul writes to the Romans: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (8:28 NLT)
I am called according to His purpose, to create art. You are called according to His purpose for you, too, in the unique strengths and gifts that you have received.
Every piece of artwork I create is in union with His Spirit. That's not to say it all comes easily, or without challenges. But it does mean that God speaks through the creativity of His people. This not only applies to my artwork; I believe that God speaks in and through artwork, poetry, music, movies, operas... anything. He is a creative God and is always communicating. Are we listening?
Pause for a moment or two on this fine Spring day. Allow yourself to consider the beauty of life re-emerging after the stark winter. Consider the wonder of a solar eclipse in the magnitude of the heavens. Meditate on God's goodness and love over creation. Take a deep breath, you never know what refreshment you might get from these simple pleasures.
Now that your day is a little brighter, share the joy. Smile at the next person you see. It just might change their day.
And if you are wondering when and where you will be able to see I L Y? You won't have to wait long! I will be including it in my display and it will be available for purchase at Lincoln Gallery, April 12-18. It's convenient to view artwork online, but it is so much better to see it in person.
I will be demonstrating my technique of drawing hands in charcoal on canvas during our Featured Artist Night. Four Lincoln Gallery artists will be demonstrating during Friday Night on the Town, April 12, 6-9pm. I will also be doing an Artist Talk & Demo Saturday, April 13, 12-2. The Artist Talk will begin at noon. I will speak about the inspiration and process of my artwork. Hope you can come by this weekend! You never know what artwork might inspire you.
