Van Gogh saved me....as an artist.Impressionism set me free from mere copying still life and it was the most liberating artistic discovery for me as a mentally mired artist.
I was bound by exactness.
Being able to explore the subject from the impression: the colors, mood, light, form, the displacement of space, or some other impression, has been more challenging and artistic to me. When I saw Van Gogh's work in person in Amsterdam...I was delivered and saved as an artist, because I had been getting bamboozled by realism. Realism was too legalistic for me....impressionism reflected grace to me. In impressionism, I did not have to measure up perfectly...I could reflect the origional and yet be different. It's was a wonderful freedom.
When one stands real close and examines the painting stroke by stroke...you wouldnt "see" the image...in fact you would most likely reject it as a painting of that subject. But as you step back...gain perspective, distance and time...you begin to see that each seemingly random stroke...adds to the meaning of it all and builds a impression of the subject.
So I anticipate my meeting with eternity and the image of Jesus will be one of perspective not perfection. I won't upon close examination be too great a piece, with each day alone. In fact it would be frightening, if you look at it for its stark moment to moment, realism. But, added up, mixed with a lifetime of strokes and days...I trust the painting of my life will be a masterpiece...a testimony to His grace and creative use of life's colors and moments.
I will be a testimony to the mysterious, impressionistic work of time...and I am so grateful for that.
1 comment:
I love the link between grace and impressionism... I'm never going to forget that, it's a perfect illustration! Speaking of grace, when you have a moment, I hope you'll check out my recent post about St. Francis... I think you might enjoy it. Your dad would enjoy it, too, I bet. :)
Post a Comment