The Definition of Art

Art captivates the soul and raptures it into an unseen realm.  Reality’s rules vanish in fragile moments of beauty that overwhelm the senses.   The Lord breathed life into the darkness similar to the artist breaths on the blank page, music sheet, and canvas.  The definition of art is, “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional  power.”(oxforddictionaires.com/definition/English/art) 
My first introduction came in a visit to the Huntington Library and gardens in San Marino, California when I saw Thomas Lawrence’s painting “Pinkie” and Thomas Gainsborough’s painting “The Blue Boy”.  It was followed up by a visit to the Getty villa and a play with my late Great Uncle Buck.  
My kaleidoscope unto the world is through a writer’s lens which have always felt is the stepchild to the musician or the artist that creates through drawing, painting, or photography. Artwork is beauty and a reflection of our creator as Ephesians 2.10 states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (NASB)  I have struggled with seeing the beauty within myself that the Lord has created and learning to walk in the stewardship of the gifts that he has given me.  It’s always been easier for me to see the art in others; whether its two people dancing as the two bodies push and pull from one another in coordinated movements or a conductor directing the symphony of sounds of an orchestra.  Since, I have greatly esteemed artists but never placed myself amongst them until my eyes were opened to a new perspective this past November.  I completed the NaNoWriMo challenge; it’s for writers to write a novel or 50,000 words in one month.  I completed my first draft of my Admissions thriller novel and to my surprise a good friend stated that I was an artist.  
It’s been learning to accept that in all my imperfections; I am the Lord’s workmanship and an artist. My art is as the storyteller, and my pottery is the words that I craft to create the unseen world that I see for my reader.  I have always loved the beauty of words and they have a power to create or destroy depending on their usage.   I hope through my words molded through Christ’s workmanship that my readers will be able to see the art in the ordinary and mundane of their lives.  The art can be found in a conversation with a friend or co-worker that goes beyond the “how do you dos” and into what makes them who they are; or the sunset upon the horizon, kindness and grace showed.  We are the expression of the Lord and can share that beauty and love in the ordinary. It’s His artwork that will captivate and we are merely the vessels.   I don’t want to be the servant that hid the talents away but instead, someday, I want the Lord to say, “…’well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ “(Matthew 25.23).  


By Shannon McKemie