The Artist Within

Secretly, for years, I have dreamed of being an artist. Outwardly, for years, I have believed I had been by-passed when God gave out artistic talent. Why - because I could not, cannot, draw or paint. And where did this idea come from? In grade 3 art class we were asked to paint a picture and the more I tried to paint something that resembled what was in my mind the more paper were scrunched up and tossed. Finally turning over the paper I discovered the wonder of mixing colours and was amazed at the result of my various combinations. The teacher on the other hand, furious that I had not painted a “picture”, told me how stupid I was and sent me off to the Principal to be disciplined! In that instant I knew I had no artistic talent and was disciplined and shamed for it.

First let me tell you where this train of thought came from. I will soon be attending a course on Story at Mars Hill Graduate School. One of the preparatory exercises is to look at statements made in our childhood that seem insignificant yet have profoundly affected how we see ourselves. My Grade 3 art teachers’ comment has never been forgotten.

Wes Roberts forwarded this quote by Arthur Lismer:
“Inside each one of us is an artist and that’s what an artist is…a child who has never lost the gift of looking at life with curiosity and wonder. Art is not the exclusive possession of those who can draw, write, make music or design buildings. It belongs to all those who can see their way through all things with imagination.”

How many of us have believed what Lismer says and felt art was only paintings or drawings? Do we not all have the ability to be an artist as we open ourselves to seeing it?

My relationship with Abba often takes me into the “art studio” for tutelage with the Maestro (teacher, music director, art tutor). This piece, written almost a year ago reflects agonizing soul pain to which smashing my soul seemed the only release. Ah, the Divine Maestro refused to destroy the work begun, but instead chose to remove the plaster round my heart and invited me to spend more time in the studio. Here the Master Artist could breathe life, colour, passion, fresh life and creativity into me. Often great artists are referred to in tandem with “the Master” who taught them. The hours spent, the discipline learned, the passion released under the watchful eye of a master artist who has mentored students and encouraged them to step out and become known in their own right. Are we willing to become apprentices with this Maestro, Master of the Universe?

Who is the artist within you? Who is the artist within me? How is the apprenticeship going? Within our stories what has prevented the artist from producing pieces for those around us to enjoy? One woman courageously explores and writes here about Canvases, Brushes’n Paints.
I acknowledge that I am an artist - I create with food, my camera, with my writing and at times with music. The learning process with my Divine Maestro is freeing my heart, soul and body to release creativity as I am breathed on by the Divine breathing of the Spirit. Can others look at this art and know under whose tutoring it was learned? Does it reflect the Maestro? More than that, the Divine breathing of the Spirit is to inspire every person who comes to the Maestro and asks, whispers, cries out for freedom that will release the artist within.