Exodus 35:30-33 Then Moses said to the Israelites, "See, the LORD has
chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he
has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all
kinds of crafts-- to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and
bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds
of artistic craftsmanship.
I rediscovered art about six years
ago. It happened late at night because, as usual, I couldn’t sleep. I came
across a box of wax crayons, took some white paper from my printer, and started
to draw. At first I was only doodling, but after a while shapes and forms,
shades and objects began to emerge on the paper. I drew cartoons and abstracts,
posters and religious designs. And then I made an amazing discovery: using my
computer scanner and reversing the colors, I made wax crayon drawings look like
stained glass windows and chalk art. I called the process ‘digital glass’ and
have used it ever since.
Last week I was commissioned to
design a 2015 conference logo for the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.
Last month, scores of churches throughout the world used my Easter drawings for
their worship bulletins and screens. To date, I have sold over 650 prints and
over 400 ACEO cards. I design Bible art cards for our church kids and teach
them how to draw in a weekly art class. To think that it all began with a
sleepless night, a box of crayons, and some ordinary white paper!
I feel blessed and hope that my
religious artwork pleases God. When I read about Bezalel in the Book of Exodus
being given creative art skills by the Spirit of God, I am both humbled and
delighted. He was empowered to design the sacred artwork in the sanctuary of
the Holy Tabernacle. What a commission! It seems that art is given a special place in
the Bible. It appears that God also likes His people to create things artistically
for Him.
Questions for personal reflection
What kind of art
inspires me? How does religious art bring us closer to God?
Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the
blessings of artistic creativity that You have given to the world through the
Holy Spirit. May we be drawn closer to You through the religious works of art
that You have inspired throughout the centuries and across the nations. In Your
Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If
you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com. You can also view his latest
and past art online at his website www.stushieart.com.
Today’s
image is the poster design for the PAM 2015 conference. If you would like to
view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8635937266_cafcf4360b_b.jpg
No comments:
Post a Comment