LLAA No. 2: Pursuing Beauty
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As an aspiring artist, and art business owner, I default to thinking of a “creative practice” as literally making art every day. And while, I do think that is pretty crucial if you want to hone your skills and improve technically, I know there’s more to it than that. I believe we’re each created and called to co-create. This series explores ways in which we each (whether practicing artist or not) might approach life with creativity and artistry, and how we may answer the call to co-create in an authentic way.
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Pursuing beauty
The other day as I was ordering a *few* art supplies online, I decided a couple more of my favorite oil pastels would be nice, too. They’re usually a bit of a splurge item for me, something like $5-7 each. But my jaw dropped when I saw that the price per pastel (we’re talking the size of a crayon here) had jumped to over $17! Yowza. And most colors were out of stock altogether.
I of course am aware that the world is unsettled (to put it mildly) at the moment. I know that inflation and supply chain issues are affecting so many of us. So, not being able to buy a fancy new art supply is obviously not a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
But it was still a bummer.
I texted my artist friend, Christie, to commiserate, and what ensued was a text thread filled with BIG questions. One from Christie: What would I do if the world were in major turmoil, and if art supplies were not readily available…what tools and means would I use to create?
I’ve continued to ponder this question, and I think it’s a good idea for anyone to think about it, even if you’re not a practicing artist. Just replace “art supplies” with whatever you need to do something you love.
I’d say I have a modest collection of artsy-crafty supplies. I’ve got paint of course, and paper. I’ve also got needle and thread, and beads, and glue, and popsicle sticks.
I think if I were cut off from a steady supply of materials, I could continue to paint for a while. And then perhaps I’d begin to make objects or add some embroidery to my clothes or tea towels. Maybe I’d turn to my home, arranging furniture and keepsakes in new ways. I’d fill half-used journals with essays. I could try my hand at gardening. Or baking, perhaps.
I’ve got options, it seems. Honestly, I think my creative energy just wouldn’t take “no” for an answer.
The urge to create is persistent, relentless…some might say restless. Even when resources are scarce, or when circumstances are less than ideal, it seems to always find a way.
Why is that?
Here’s a confession: I left out a part of Christie’s question earlier. And it’s the part that I think reveals the why of all this creative activity. She also asked, “How would I continue to bring beauty into the world?”
It’s a wonderful, revealing question. It shows that Christie knows that her creative work (and mine, and yours) is part of something—someone—bigger than herself.
Our creative energy is relentless because it’s in pursuit of Beauty.
Beauty, along with Truth and Goodness, is a way that God reveals to us who he is. God is Beauty. God is Truth. God is Goodness. And since we’re made in the image of God, we have a natural inclination to seek, contemplate, and contribute to what is beautiful, truthful, and good—to help us keep our minds and hearts focused on God while we navigate life in this world. For Christie (and myself) creating beauty through art points to God himself.
““You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.””
Christie and I went on to text about other questions, concerns, worries—and joys, too!—and every tangent came back to this: If we’re faithful to whatever it is we’re called to do (make art, raise a family, love our spouse, be a friend or an employee), and if we do those things with love, the outcome (whatever it might look like) is surely going to be Beautiful.
I didn’t buy the $17 oil pastels. I do wish I could justify the cost, but I know that I don’t need to spend more money on supplies to make something beautiful. I have plenty to work with already—in my studio and beyond. I’ve got Goldfish crackers to sweep up and dishes in the sink. I’ve got a boy ready for bed, and a baby to rock. And tending to those things, I know, will be perhaps my most beautiful work of all.
Live Like an Artist Challenge: beauty spotting
Take some time this week to notice the beauty around you. You might make a list in a notebook, take pictures, or record your voice, describing how you feel when you encounter the beauty.
Give it a week and then share your experience with me.