Art

I was talking with a colleague the other day about art, and the creation of art. We were talking about how we were grateful for down days and for demonstrations. The reason we are grateful is because we get to create. Teachers often get so busy doing administrative stuff and do not get to work on their own art.

We talked about how the lack of creation brings a type of depression. Artists are meant to create. Teaching is meant to demonstrate a higher level of skill. Maintenance and improvement of skill is difficult to do when focus is put on other duties. Another dynamic that is added is plates we have spinning outside of our jobs.

He looks forward to sketch days, and I look forward to demonstrations and quiet time in the early morning and late afternoon hours of the day. It is in this time we come to be in our element. All of the garbage washes away. The only two things in the room are ourselves and whatever we are creating. We become one with our art, and we leave a piece of ourselves in it.

Another thought from recent experiences:
In every artists life there appear moments. We are copied, criticized, or a host of other things. At that time, we need to decide how we are going to handle it. Will we lash out? Will we cower? Will we put our frustration into our work?

One day I had someone say, "I can't be you! I can't compare to you!" Um, duh! We will never compare to those around us, because we, like art, are unique. No two people are made the same.

It is flattering someone would want to emulate our personal work of art. But they will never accomplish it because there is no recipe. We are not meant to be copies of one another because that would be boring. We may be able to do a VanGogh paint by numbers, but it will never be his Sunflower painting.

We, like art, will not be like another person. Our unique features make us valuable. No matter how much effort is exuded into replication, it will not happen. So, it's best to accept yourself for the work of art you are, imperfections and all.

Renewed committments

If I were to be asked the proverbial pick-up line, "Are you tired? Because you've been running through my mind all day!" I would promptly respond that I was, and I am now going to sit down on my bench and catch my breath.

Truth is, I'm tired of running; I'm tired of seeking; I'm just plain tired. I'm going to sit down on my bench, open up my books, and read. There are places I have to be, goals I have to meet, and things that are keeping me from them. Those things hindering me are no longer a priority in my life, and I have other ways to run.

If someone wants to catch me, then let them run. They can come find me. But for now I am on a mission for something else. After this week I will have just five classes left until I complete my master's degree. In between all of that I have my project to plan and execute. I am excited for it! And I hope it all works out :D

On top of everything, it certainly has been an interesting few weeks. I spent some time away where God and I had a chat. Ok, so it wasn't a chat... It was an, "If Elder Well's can give you a list, then I can too... Here's what I want..." I am not sure how my apparent demands are going to work out, but I know something will come of sacrifice.

Sitting here, I think about sacrifice and what an opportunity/blessing it is. We are asked to give up something good for something better. I am not sure I entirely understand what it is to sacrifice. There are things I have done in my life, but I am not sure they define "sacrifice." I am a person who gets distracted easily, and perhaps my challenge in this life is to learn to master my distractions.

This last weekend I learned some things, and I know there are many areas I need to improve on. Over the next eight weeks I am going to need to learn to master discipline. The class I am taking it quite rigorous, I have to take my Art Praxis exam in two weeks, I need to start planning for my project, and who knows what else is going to come my way.

I know in the midst of it all, Heavenly Father will bless me as long as I stay faithful and on the path. God is no respecter of persons and he will never give me more than I can handle. I just need to keep reminding myself of this. The next two months are going to be challenging, and I look forward to it!