by Lindsay Rae Rollett
“God wants you to do just what you want to do”, was a prophetic message I was given as a fairly new Christian. Really? I could hardly believe that. However, recently my creativity has been unlocked and given permission to be released in much greater measure. The catalyst for this I believe is our new season of different ways to worship. I hadn’t really made the connection between my being creative and worshipping God. Could this be one and the same thing? It recalls a line from the film “Chariots of fire” when Eric Liddell says, “When I run, I can feel God’s pleasure.” God made Eric to run, and it pleased Him to see Eric using his talent. What talent has God given you that would give Him pleasure as well as you? How could you use it?
My inspiration usually comes from nature and natural forms such as trees, birds, a pile of logs or pebbles. Copying is one thing, but interpreting is another. I like to use different materials to draw with and to paint as well as lino cutting, a favourite, and sometimes mosaic. More recently I have been working with Textiles. I joined a class to “keep my creative juices flowing” as sometimes they seem to dry up.
I love that the first Spirit filled man in the bible in Exodus35:31 is Bezalel who God filled with His Spirit, understanding, wisdom and workmanship to work with his hands for God. Bezalel, of course, had the specific purpose of making artifacts for the Tabernacle. Purpose in my Art is something I have struggled with over the years, but I have come to realise the sheer pleasure, sense of achievement and therapy Art can generate. Cave paintings and Art in “Primitive” cultures show that creativity is a fundamental function of mankind. After all, we are made in the image of God.
Sometimes we need to loosen up in to be our creative best or we can become anxious about producing some sort of Masterpiece instead of “trusting the process”. Recently I went on a course where we began by drawing with our unfavoured hand then using the technique of “blind contour” whereby you look at the object you are drawing but not at the paper or the drawing itself. It really is a bit of a surprise!
Lizi and I, along with a friend from another church, have been pioneering an Art course by “Cageless birds”. The idea is to use creativity as a vehicle for worship and a greater connection with Jesus/God/Holy Spirit, through prayerful play with Art materials and journalling, hence the title, “From mess to message”. We began with prayer, of course, and a little tutorial on acrylic painting entitled the mess prompt, see the picture from my sketchbook. It really was messy to encourage us to feel free. Subsequent weeks saw us using a variety of different materials, i.e. graphite, watercolour, Indian ink and collage. However, it is primarily not about the Art but about our connection with God and the life he has given us. One of our favourite sessions was to illustrate a special day in our lives for which we are truly thankful.
Artist David Hockney quotes that a good painting needs the coordination of “eye, hand and heart”. I say that we also need the Spirit of God which elevates creativity to another level.
If you would like to have a go at releasing your inner Artist and learn a few different techniques, please come and join us at Freedom church on Monday evenings at 7.30 starting April 22nd . No previous experience necessary, suitable for all levels.
It will be fun.
Linsday