What is an artist but a storyteller of thoughts, an illustrator of passion?
Artists often portray daydreams, connecting shapes to bring form, shadow, and sun upon man’s journey from suffering to sanctity.
Although artists’ styles differ, each understands the value of each intention, movement, pause, thought, and color.
Artists tailor their work to fit imagination to canvas: stretched but not forced, open to interpretation, curious, and communicative.
True artists untie ribbons to stories bound to memory through pictures, statuettes, words, tastes, and stanzas. An artist is skilled in undressing the viewer’s emotion before reason can tuck in the vulnerable bits.
Yes, art exposes a portion of us all, revealing strength within our vulnerabilities and man’s keen ability to hope beyond hope.
In this, we learn that God can draw straight lines with bent brushes, build upon and blend experiences to create new hues and perspectives, and bless His creation with the ability to adapt and create.
An artist can simultaneously take our breath away while giving oxygen to our musings. Sometimes, art propels us to act, reflect, forgive, fight, surrender, and love.
Other times, art can leave us wanting.
As we are made in God’s image, it stands to reason that we are each an artist. Who better to be inspired by than the Master of every masterpiece? What an incredible teacher we have if we are willing to humble ourselves as students.
As we begin inroads into 2025, may we take inventory of what we created in 2024.
For reflection:
- What did you accomplish or persevere through that you are proud of in 2024?
- Name one thing that you learned about yourself this year.
- What did you notice about yourself this year that you need to improve upon?
- Did you draw nearer, farther, or the same in your relationship with Christ this year? Why do you think this is?
- How would you describe 2024 in one sentence?
For direction:
- What relationship/s would you like to form or do better maintaining this year? What first step can you take towards this effort?
- What are you looking forward to improving about yourself in the new year?
- What specific actions can you take to get in the habit of spending quality time with God, His Word, and praising Him?
- What will you do to both save and serve this year? What does this look like to you?
- Write your intention for 2025 into one sentence and keep it where you can see it.
A new canvas will soon be set before you. Colors await opening; brushes ready themselves to be held by the artist in disciplined obedience.
A new year is fast approaching – a year that has never been here before – unknown and untouched.
How do you imagine your painting of 2025 will look? What can you do to bring this vision into reality?
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.