Commentary & Life Lessons on Contemporary Christian Fine Art
Tuesday, March 7
The First Artist
I ALWAYS like to start at the beginning. As you can see above inside our CFA graphic, Genesis 1:1 is cited. It is not our theme verse but without it, we don't have a leg to stand on art-wise.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ~ NIV
The very first recorded act by God was as creative agent - the first artist - "God created..."!
I used to think there was no value to creating art and that being something other than an artist had more merit in God's eyes. A doctor, lawyer, engineer - that's what I thought God wanted of me. However, He did not wire me that way.
Once I realized that the God himself made things - all things - I was so excited and really felt a part of the art world - being an artist had meaning!! God did not make a mistake with me; I'm supposed to be an artist! (More about that story in subsequent posts.)
The Second Artists It is difficult to understand what is happening now in the art world (more specifically in the Christian arena) without grasping what has already happened historically. We don't need to address the topic of historical significance since as artists we just want to create and make our works!
Nevertheless, it may enrich the work you are already doing in ways you did not realize, by knowing how we came to be here - surrounded by so many different art forms and subjects. Many of us have been led to believe that no art was created during Biblical times. But oh, how incorrect this is.
Color, form, sculpture, armor, fiber and all manner of materials including stone, wood, etc., were used to create decorations and images in building the Tabernacle and breastpiece. For example in Exodus:
...to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artisticcraftsmanship. ~ Exodus 35:33 NIV
All the skilled men among the workmen made the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim worked into them by a skilled craftsman. ~ Exodus 36:8 NIV
...with him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan - a craftsman and designer, and an embroiderer in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen. ~ Exodus 38:23 NIV
They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen—the work of a skilled craftsman. ~ Exodus 39:3 NIV
Fashion a breastpiece for making decisions - the work of a skilled craftsman. Make it like the ephod: of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. ~ Exodus 28:15 NIV
There are many, many more references. The idea here is that one of God's attributes was as the creator. Since we were made in His image, we too, have the ability to create; whether it's fine art, scientific invention, making a cake recipe, etc.
Therfore, we have permission and an obligation not to hide our gift under a bushel but shine for all to see for His honor and our edification.
The seed for Christian Fine Art Today [CFA] was planted many years ago, as I grappled with being an artist. After becoming a Christian in... Complete Story >
