Ch. 6:
“Canvas: The Context of Art”
Every artist uses
limitations to create.
Think
of someone who has overcome personal challenges/limitations (Examples in book are—
Phil
Hansen
(p153)—Phil was an artist that developed a tremor in his hand. After being devastated and thinking of
quitting, his doctor said “embrace the shake”. He continued his art, but with different materials.
Joshua
Prager
(p154)—a prowess in language as a journalist. Those who hear him, or read his work, may not be aware that
after a bus accident in Jerusalem, he was left a hemiplegic at age 19.
Temple
Grandin,
born with autism, developed a revolutionary and “humane” method of slaughtering
cattle. (See the movie “Temple
Grandin”)
LIMITATIONS
What’s
the difference between “limitations” and “boundaries”? We thought of limitations as immoveable and imposed upon us, and
boundaries as moveable and self-imposed. God can use both for our good.
p. 145 “One of the great misconceptions about
creativity is that it only exists where there are no rules, no boundaries, and
no limitations.”
p. 146 “Every medium carries within itself
inherent limitations, and every artist also comes with limitations...Creativity
not only happens within boundaries and limitations, but in fact it is dependent
on those limitations. The true
artist sees boundaries not as the materials denied to us but as the material
that allows us to harness and focus our full creative potential.”
Being
a mom (our medium) does carry limitations, and we also have limitations. We are dependent on our limitations
because they allow us to focus on this season of our life, and to live it
creatively and fully. (John 10:10
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”) We get to decide how to utilize our
canvases as tools (i.e., how can I help my son play well, and not just veg in
front of the TV? (nothing against TV!)
How can I make nutritious meals?
How can I schedule the day for the best possible outcome? How can I create a positive environment
in my home? etc)
p. 149 “The perceived limitation is in the
medium, but the actual limitation is in the artist. Everyone begins with the same material; it’s what we do with
the material that matters...We aren’t limited because we have limitations; we
are limited because we haven’t embraced them...What makes you an artist (in
this case, our role as a mom) is what you do with the material you have been
given with which to create.”
p. 151 “The colors we use to paint our own
lives splash all over the souls of those who are close to us.”
Have
you observed other moms/grandmas/aunts and noticed that they enjoy their life
and role as a mom? Did you find
yourself wanting to be like them?
What is it about them that you want to imitate? How are they using their limitations to
enjoy life?
p. 154 (about Joshua Prager) “I was mesmerized
as he spoke, hearing his personal story and his reminder that our limitations
are often not what we perceive them to be...limitations are often perceptions
and not realities. It all depends
on how we allow those limitations to restrain us or refocus us.”
When
we have a bad day (or week!), do we allow the definition of that day/week
define our attitude? Our thoughts? Who we are? Who our kids are? Don’t allow negative thoughts (from
self or Satan) to bring us down. Fight
back with truth from scripture.
p. 158 “Even the God of the Scriptures
embraces limitations, which is kind of unexpected for a God who is
all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present...The creative act has within it
inherent limitations. The moment
we create, we establish boundaries and limitations.”
When God created the
universe, one day at a time, each day brought additional limitations. By the 7th day, He needed to
create man “to fit the material already created.” (p. 160)
Before
we became a momma, we were single.
Then we married (a limitation).
Then we had our child (a limitation). The moment we become a momma, we were redefined with new
boundaries and limitations—but every limitation was something to celebrate!
p. 161 “...God’s most creative act, rescuing
all humanity, could be accomplished only when he emptied himself of his
limitlessness and took on the limitations of being human...He understood
that...to save humanity, he would need to become a man...”
p. 162 “...if our lives are to be our
masterpieces...these boundaries are not to be despised but to be embraced...”
God
embraced his limitations as a human in order to save us. Thank you, Jesus!
Our
limitations in this season will result in creating a beautiful human being with
our love.
Do
I find myself resenting my limitations?
How can I embrace them, and mean it? and experience happiness each day?
p. 168 “...there is an undeniable relationship
between happiness and resilience.
People who enjoy life make life more enjoyable for others.”
What
is the height, length and width of art?
p. 165 “...our relationships, accomplishments,
and well-being.”
“Everything begins with relationships. We humans are designed for relationship
and find our greatest fulfillment in intimacy.”
How
do you experience intimacy with others?
Your husband? Your
children?
p. 166 “...we’re all driven to become. The human spirit is designed for progress...we
should leave the world better than we found it.”
How
can I wake up with this attitude and live it each day? Intentionally try for one act of
goodness each day (at least)!
p. 167 “...well-being reflects how we have
cared for the health of our soul...Well-being is not a journey toward
perfection, but a journey toward wholeness...it is not a destination; it is the
realization that the journey itself brings fulfillment and even creates
happiness.”
Where
are you at on the journey toward wholeness?
What
brings you fulfillment and creates happiness? Do it—a lot!
Accept
my limitations as a time to intentionally focus on my children and husband
during this season of life.
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