~~~~
Take a Look Through My Eyes...
(~Phil Collins)
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Apologizing to Vincent
Forgive me, Vincent...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I spent a majority of my major in upper level and graduate level art history classes - yet somehow I missed an important detail in Van Gogh’s Starry Night. Don McClean didn’t fully clue me in when he sang about Vince, and the sky, and love…though I see now that McClean understood, too.
Starry Night ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Oil on Canvas 73 × 92 cm, 28¾ × 36¼ in
The Van Gogh Gallery says of the painting:
“Perhaps the cool dark colors and the fiery windows spark memories of our own warm childhood years filled with imagination of what exists in the night and dark starry skies. The center point of the town is the tall steeple of the church, reigning largely over the smaller buildings. This steeple casts down a sense of stability onto the town, and also creates a sense of size and seclusion. ”
The ‘fiery windows’ and the ‘sense of stability’ from the steeple are at odds with what I now see and know.
Vincent’s father was a minister. Vincent desired to follow in his father’s footsteps to share the hope of Jesus Christ with the least of these. He ‘trained’ for it, but was a poor student. He was poor at public speaking. He wasn’t a natural. It was a struggle.
Yet because of his sincerity, he was assigned as an evangelist to a small coal-mining town in Belgium where he could fulfill his heart’s desire. He found himself deeply moved by the destitute flock and all he experienced there. He was moved to sketch and paint these people. His superiors admired his care and concern, but after about 6 months the church terminated his assignment due to his lack of preaching skills.
Now look at his painting Starry Night.
The windows of the church are black and cold.
In another painting, The Church at Auvers, notice the church is dark inside and has no doors. His deep disappointment from his ‘failures’ as a preacher and the church’s response never healed. I am grieved.
In another painting, The Church at Auvers, notice the church is dark inside and has no doors. His deep disappointment from his ‘failures’ as a preacher and the church’s response never healed. I am grieved.
The Church at Auvers ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1890Oil on Canvas, 94 x 74cm - 37 x 29 Inches
Rory Noland, in his book The Heart of The Artist, (which I do NOT recommend or endorse, but am referencing to make my point) notes this of Van Gogh:
“One can’t help but wonder how different Van Gogh’s life might have been had the church encouraged him to be what God obviously made him to be - an artist. I wish a caring Christ-follower had come along side him and said “Hey, Vince, maybe preaching is not your thing. But God gave you an amazing ability to paint and draw, so why not serve God with your art instead of trying to be a preacher?”
I would only add to Noland’s "wish" that Van Gogh could have indeed fulfilled his heart’s desire to preach THROUGH his art and not given up that aspect at all. I believe they are one and the same in the heart of an artist called by God. It is not an either / or.
Actually, Vincent does 'preach' through his art - and still does. He just didn't know it.
He lived in a different day.
I also want to note that because the 'church' of his time (or even one or two or a few particular people) treated him the way they apparently did - is not a reflection of Jesus and His response to such as these.
Always get to know Jesus…go to the source for the answers, not the counterfeits.
My experience in the last year ministering to the 'darkened church’ has reminded me that all who proclaim the name of Christ are not little Christ’s themselves (ie “Christians“, or “Christ-Followers”). There is a mission field inside the so-called 'church' to these lost ones.
I understand the dark windows in Starry Night.
I understand the doorless building that is The Church at Auvers.
My family informally 'counsels' (loving and listening) with the wounded and messed up product of such places. We have spent late nights with the young ones who have lopped off their own ears (metaphorically) in the wake of manipulation and false teaching. Preachers who lie in the name of Christ have a special necklace awaiting them (it’s called a millstone).
I want to apologize to all the Vincent’s out there who have ever been hurt by those in the (so-called) ‘church’. I plead with you to trust again -- and know that this manipulation & deceit is not the message of the true Church - the true Body of Jesus Christ.
“They would not listen - they're not list'ning still -- perhaps they never will.”
We are listening! Don’t cast aside those who still uphold the Truth and want you to know there is Hope.
“They would not listen - they did not know how -- perhaps they'll listen now.”
Yes!
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
~Revelation 3:20-21
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
ADDED NOTE:
Anyone who imagines him/herself in this particular blog should be aware it is not targeted at a specific group - or a specific person (or written in CODE or as a way to vent-- wink wink) - but to all of us in 'the church’ as a whole… it is about self-examination as a body - and was born out of the personal experiences of witnessing the pieces of broken hearts scattered along the paths of life... victims of those who lie and deceive from inside the "church"
No code there... no venting there...
Van Gogh was a casualty.
There are casualties every day.
I have been thanked by some recent casualties…thanked for trying to understand and for attempting to reach out to them...in Truth.
Sometimes the Church just messes up because they are not mature; they make a mistake - they don’t mean to - it just happens … we all do that… and sometimes the "church" messes up because they are not walking in the Light...THAT is not acceptable.
This blog also contains entries on Forgiveness,
Pain,
and
Owning up to Our Own 'Stuff'.
Take a look around ...
Thursday, June 21, 2007
I'LL FoLLow the SoN
GooDBYe ~ MoViNG oN ...
The song has been hosted by a youtube user (totally unknown to me or endorsed by me) - simply click the tiny icon to play while you read - easy cheesey (it takes a moment to load). If you click too often it will open a new window and take you off-site into youtube land which is not our intended journey today. If you play it through and want to hear it again - you will need to refresh the entire page and repeat the process. Thank-You
The song has been hosted by a youtube user (totally unknown to me or endorsed by me) - simply click the tiny icon to play while you read - easy cheesey (it takes a moment to load). If you click too often it will open a new window and take you off-site into youtube land which is not our intended journey today. If you play it through and want to hear it again - you will need to refresh the entire page and repeat the process. Thank-You
"One day you'll look to see I've gone ~ For tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. Some day you'll know I was the one ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. And now the time has come and so, my love, I must go ~And though I lose a friend in the end you will know, oh. One day you'll find that I have gone ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. And now the time has come and so, my love, I must go ~ And though I lose a friend in the end you will know, oh. One day you'll find that I have gone ~ But tomorrow may rain, so I'll follow the sun. "
The Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun
The Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun
Featured Art on eBay: an old distressed altered suitcase.
I am a crazed suitcase collector - and have been a long while (way before it was a fad)! I have stacks of vintage cases as end tables, lampstands, a stereo tower, etc - they are everywhere!
I feel like we are travellers afterall - on our way to somewhere else. The suitcases all around make it look like we are ready to go at any moment - living in expectancy of a grand journey.
This song lyric (I'll Follow the Sun) popped into my head - and perfectly coupled itself with a tattered suitcase (representing our journey to a better place). We have been in a transition for exactly one year and finally, by God's grace & mercy, have it figured out. I am thrilled to have created this from what I thought was 'worthless' (yes, metaphorically so, but in a real sense too).
Nothing of our last year has been wasted. Regardless of who you serve or where you journey - so long as you serve "as unto God Himself" and journey to be closer to God in all His purity & Truth ~ the blessing remains.
One day eyes that are blind will see You clearly ~ And one day all who deny will finally believe. One day hearts made of stone will break in pieces ~ And one day chains once unbroken will fall down at Your feet ~ So we wait for that one day come quickly! We want to see Your Glory ~ Every knee falls down before Thee. Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised. Singing Glory to You and unto You only - We'll sing Glory to Your name.
One day voices that lie will all be silent ~ One day all that's divided will be whole again. One day death will retreat and wave it's white flag. One day love will defeat the strongest enemy. So we wait for that one day come quickly! We want to see Your Glory ~ Every knee falls down before Thee. Every tongue offers You praise with every hand raised. Singing Glory to You and unto You only - We'll sing Glory to Your name.
We know not the day or the hour. Or the moments in between ~ But we know the end of the story when we'll see ...
~"Glory" by Nicole Nordeman
~"Glory" by Nicole Nordeman
~joy in the journey
Katey-D
Psalm 103pray for me
~some days it seems there is irony is everthing~
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Willow Creek SCRiBBLeS
~JULY FOLLOW UP COMMENTARY AT END OF ENTRY~
God scribbles on our hearts in ways we may not even notice. When we do pause to notice, we will see a masterpiece emerge from those scribbles… those many elements… those doodles of life we experience as joy, peace, pain, confusion, understanding and all the other feelings of the rainbow.
I just spent several days in Chicago at an arts conference with thousands … and thousands of other artists. There was much scribbling going on.
I just spent several days in Chicago at an arts conference with thousands … and thousands of other artists. There was much scribbling going on.
“Hallelujah ~ What’s Right with the World” was an international gathering of artists in every texture, fragrance, color, and flavor that exists on GOD's palette.
To quote them directly (in part) from the 2008 event site (which is relevant to what just took place): “The Arts Conference 2008 brings together thousands of church staff and volunteers who, like you, are out there on the front lines of ministry week after week. This outstanding three-day experience draws participants from over 1,000 different churches—and is filled with opportunities to sharpen your vision and fill up your creative and spiritual “tanks.” Check out the '07 event to see more of what really goes on at The Arts Conference.”
It was massive, yet personal.
It was affirming, yet challenging.
It was a contradiction.
That was the point, they said, to challenge us to live in ‘the contradiction’.
...because... where would the world be without artists? Artists often 'contradict' reason...and from that we can sometimes find beauty and deeper understanding of the Truth that has been there before all time.
I am soberly reminded (ears open - eyes open alert) that this 'contradiction' is interesting and viable so long as we proceed in the Truth.
I have become aware of those who feel the Truth isn't enough anymore - and something 'new' needs added ... a "new truth" they say.
The Truth I know is complete. The joy and refreshment comes when I follow closely and discover His richness all over again.
There is nothing new under the sun ~ King Solomen indeed knew what he was saying.
In light of eternity - this is vanity of vanities - I take comfort in that. My place is secured. I am free.
~~~~~
I walked way outside of my comfort zone to even go.
In the midst of huge transitional struggles in my own life ... and walking in a place of imminent change made it ridiculous to go. Still... God, who is oh so creative in His planning, predestined this time and place in my life for me to go and be exactly where I needed to be regardless of my circumstance.
The event, for me, was about recapturing my place as an artist (something so hard to say) in the world and in the Church. No one had to know me there and yet, they ‘got me’ instantly. We didn’t have to speak, yet we were in communion. As artists we generally do not find that in our real worlds, let alone our churches.
As one who walks that crevice between right brain and left brain (being neither one nor the other more dominantly as so many are) I have yet another isolation point.
The event, for me, was about recapturing my place as an artist (something so hard to say) in the world and in the Church. No one had to know me there and yet, they ‘got me’ instantly. We didn’t have to speak, yet we were in communion. As artists we generally do not find that in our real worlds, let alone our churches.
As one who walks that crevice between right brain and left brain (being neither one nor the other more dominantly as so many are) I have yet another isolation point.
I’m a hemisphere tightrope walker.
When I lean left, my art relationships see their conservative antithesis. When I lean right, my intellectual relationships dismiss me as less than I am. We can change that ~ together. In our real worlds... In our churches.
Our different textures, fragrances, colors, flavors, sounds, and emotions are the very things that unite us. Our differences make us the same.
It was something beautiful.
There's no need to mess with the Truth to experience that.
SOMETHiNG BEAUTiFUL
(just listen - sing along if you want)
“I wanna start it over ~ I wanna start again
I want a new a new beginning ~ One without any end
I feel it inside ~ Calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name ~ It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head ~ Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
I've heard it in the silence ~ Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour ~ Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true ~ It's calling out to me
It's a voice that whispers my name ~ It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head ~ Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful
It's the child on her wedding day ~ It's the daddy that gives her away
Something beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry ~ It's the love between you and I
Something beautiful”
NEWSBOYS 2007 “Something Beautiful” from GO
(please visit them on the juke box list to the left to hear the song on their site)
~joy in the journey,
katey-D
psalm 103
pray for me
featured art - watercolor "HANDS OF AN ARTIST"
FOLLOW UP:
Time and distance do give us a sense of perspective and wisdom. We have now looked into many of the speakers we listened to at Willow. There were certain things that popped out like a bad note in a lovely song...like a sneeze in the middle of a quiet prayer. Those pops of conflict that arose throughout the experience were generally soothed by so much aesthetic comfort that we stayed in our comfy paddle boat during the journey and enjoyed the scenic, lovely ride. Since then, however, we have discovered that those pops of conflict in our conscience ... those odd sneezes at inappropriate times, were moments of heresy being introduced. There we were in our conference provided paddle boat - floating along in what appeared as a nice clear river of love and understanding ... flowery fragrance in the air ... all so beautiful. In retrospect we see it was a river of pollution and the fragrance was like candles covering up a secret bathroom odor. I still 'enjoyed' the event as an experience with other artists - but the part that I longed for deepest (as all human souls do) was that spiritual enrichment that comes from gaining understanding from those who have gone ahead in the journey and have good news to report back. Instead, our spiritual radars were beeping warnings we were required to look into once we returned home. Those internal warning systems proved divine as we found so much spiritual error had been shared. God is God and I am not. Don't mess with Him and don't mess with what He says.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
D-Day
Criss Cross - Sailing
PRESS PLAY as you read this Blog Post
D-DAY
June 6, 1944 — the day on which the Battle of Normandy began — commencing the Western Allied effort to liberate mainland Europe from Nazi occupation during World War II.
My Dad, Sam, was a gunner in the Mighty Eighth - in a B-17 Heavy Bomber… usually high above the personal battles that ensued on the ground.
How different my world is from my Dad’s - 63 years later.
Dad painted “things” while I grew up - lots of “things” -- cars, walls, furniture… anything… and everything… but no one ever considered him an artist. But what an artist he always has been! As I look at my piles of art stuff, collections, and half-finished schemes ... and when I experience brain-explosions (ie: new ideas) I know where I got it from!
He would “doodle” if we asked … and it was always fascinating… his sketches were locked in a 1940’s style… very distinct…very good.
A couple years ago I set him up with artist materials: brushes, canvas, paint…
An artist was "officially" born - one that other people could recognize.
He found his niche - at 81 he began painting lighthouse ACEO’s (artist trading card size pieces) 2.5” x 3’5”. I have appreciated it more than he knows - as he painted these tiny things - I know how hard it is to see what you’re doing on something that small…and my eyes are half his age!
He was excited to have many of his tiny lighthouse paintings sell on eBay last year. I stopped listing them because he stopped painting regularly. I covet the ones I have remaining and cannot sell them. You understand.
I’m sad he isn’t painting- he was on such a roll. His studio was packed up and put into storage by the owner of the house they are in who plans to move my parents - someday. Apparently a ‘messy’ studio is detrimental to selling a house.
I, on the other hand, think real life inside a home is essential to selling a house.
Enjoy Dad's art - I sure do ~xo~
joy in the journey,
Katey-D
Most recently he has stopped painting traditionally and has been working on a 3-D 1:12 scale model of the interior of a B-17 - complete with gunner 'guys' (they are not 'dolls' mind you, thay are 'action figures' !) I hope to get photos and post them.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Quick 'n Cute
Why hello!
I have some new domino art on eBay.
Nothing profound going on - just straight forward painted dominoes.
Here are 5 of them (there are many more to follow).
This first one is three fish - one swimming the OTHER way - doing her own thing...
I used dreamy Copic markers and acrylics on many of these - mostly the Copic markers (I will need to sell a bazillion or so dominoes to pay for said Copic markers).
This little hummer below is a happy skelly head - don't be afraid. Skellies have that dark, death reputation (gee, I wonder why)... But it's a bad rap really. Bones are magnifiscent. Being that I have brittle bones, I have come to appreciate skellies more than some might. I am ever aware of my own bones. This particular domino is titled: "Kiss me, I'm eternal". Kinda catchy I think. (I have many, many skellies to list on eBay in the very near future).
This next one is TWO fish - not unlike the THREE FISH version - except these two look more sardine-like. Great summer fun-wear!
Okay then ... we're on to "cute" now.
In that department I have two:
a slurpy dalmation pup
and a panda bear.
So, there you have it.
They are available (really affordably) by using the link to your upper left that says "MY ART FOR SALE" (which will take you to eBay).
thanks! joy in the journey,
katey-D
I've BEEN TAGGED AGAIN!
This is the second time someone has tagged me, but the first time I am responding (though I WiLL do my other "tag" as well!).
This "tag" is from Amy-Amu (orion713) a beautiful & talented soul I know from Studio33.
Here's the scoopidy-doopidy: Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those who are tagged need to write in their blogs 7 things that are a habit, unusual or that no-one else knows, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.
Here are my 7 things:
1. I weigh 98 pounds
2. I wish I could play the cello really really really well (I don't play at all).
3. I knew I would home school my children before they were born.
4. I create art every day.
5. I am in construction (project manager/contractor).
6. I feel, listen, relate, enjoy, smell, see, think, and hurt deeply.
7. I used to be a medal winner hurdler.
I tag: Patti, Mellie, KiM, Adri, Glenda, Bettina, May ~xo~
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