Experience the ARTIST

4/02/2010 Lately I’ve been feeling like education is really getting in the way of my schooling.   Honestly, I don’t have time for all this “class” and “studying” and like I’m really going to read my textbooks daily.. I have a job to work, friends to hang out with and a town to explore, lets be serious. (its 2:30 AM by the way- welcome to college) Also, being undeclared, GenEds don’t seem to quite satisfy the notion of learning for a purpose, a greater goal or future career. One thing I do usually love, regardless is English, but after having Mrs. Roland, I wanted to personally crown my professor the queen of dullness and all things boring. Originally, I was excited because the class was centered around advertising schemes, until we started reading a book (that I didn’t actually own) about the different ways to see art. It was quite the drag, until we got into an incredibly interesting discussion that struck home with me. (It’s a little wordy at first, but has a point, I promise)

In John Berger, Ways of Seeing, he addresses the problems of art. Art is no longer what one sees or individual appreciation, but has become a devaluated empire rooted in commerce. Confusing, I know, but let me explain. Once upon a time people visited museums, historical sites and famous artworks. They actually saw the Sistine Chapel, looking from below. Then along came cameras which captured images to show the rest of the world, creating reproductions. At a glance, objects that are reproduced in such a way seem to be more valuable, and they are, monetarily. Although, in the midst of this process they have become appreciated for their fame and worth and no longer the meaning for which they once represented. If I were an artist I would honestly prefer someone to view my work and appreciate the value behind it, to interpret it for themselves or try to see my interpretation, over fame. As a result of this process, we can go to any museum and experience people “oooing” and “ahhing” at an artwork that is supposedly, “exquisite.” It’s almost humorous to see the trap they have unknowingly fallen into. In a poll, Berger found that the majority of people correlate their museum experience with church; probably because of the reverence and commonality of purpose. He referred to this as “bogus religiosity” Which makes me wonder if the renaissance period, one of art and appreciation, was partially spurred by the rarity of the art, by the lack of reproduction of images, and worth based on fame. Maybe these people were better off. Which got me thinking..

It is great that Christianity has been so widespread, but it also creates inevitable problems. How much fame has God gotten and how much of his meaning has been lost? We go to church to show reverence for the One who created us all, but many times that reverence comes from being seasoned to being reverent. It becomes a routine, a monotony. I realize this is a sermon we have all heard a thousand times, “don’t just go through the motions.” But how many times have we stepped back to see the irony and humor of the situation and viewed ourselves as the sheep, as Emerson would say, in the museum? It makes me wonder if we would be better off in the first century church. A time where “church” wasn’t popular. Worship wasn’t out of habit. Reverence was felt because of true awe, not as a result of brain produced wonder and feeling because we are supposed to feel that way. A time where spiritual “highs” came after experiencing the nature of God, daily.

I’m not saying don’t go to church and worship. What I’m saying is don’t worship him for who He has always been or for what others know Him to be, worship Him for how your ARE experiencing him. Personally I want my experiencing God to be in constant present tense. I want to see His works daily. Not just the seven natural wonders of the world, which are great evidence of his handiwork, but I want to see every aspect of his art. I want to recognize not just the panoramas, but the snap shots, the candids, if you will. When I see a father pick up his toddler and swing him around, I want to see art in motion. When I see a couple holding hands, I want to see love incarnate. When I see rain drops on piece of grass I want to see the nurture of God. His art is all around us.

“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” (or merely what everyone else sees) -Camille Pissarro

I want to know The Artist in the rawest form. I want to be stripped from all influence and pre conceived feeling that I bring to worship. I want to experience the Artist in his original context, and all of his handiwork, how it was meant to be experienced. Through his eyes.

“Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures.” Henry Ward Beecher

Psalm 34:8 “Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is..”

Awaken your senses, Experience the artist.