I've been following a new blog lately called The Intolerable Compliment. It is well worth a read. These are stories about interactions with real people we too easlily overlook in our day to day busy-ness. I'm thankful that someone is taking the time to tell these stories, and to tell them well.
Check out the link to the right.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Worship arts retreat
Last summer I was invited to conduct a workshop on painting in the church. With the conference scheduled for February of '09 year I readily agreed. As February drew closer I wondered whether I really had anything to add to a retreat dealing with corporate worship.
As I prepared for the trip I struggled with how I would approach the subject and how to present painting as a viable and valuable art form that should be embraced and celebrated by the church. I wondered how many people would even want to participate or try to understand my point of view. Often when I have participated in church services as a painter people either don't understand what's happening or see me as a distraction from the "singing."
To me that kind of attitude is the reason why artists have trouble in the church. They find their talents discounted and feel as if they don't fit in. It's interesting that in the book of Exodus God tells Moses he has given a group of artisans talents and abilities to create the Tabernacle-the place where God is to be worshiped. These artisans then create and amazing place of worship where all of Israel is invited to encounter God.
Why have we drifted so far that we now go to worship in buildings devoid of any kind of artistic expression? Why does the church see any kind of artwork not containing a dove, rainbow, cross or praying hands as suspect? And how is it that worship has become purely auditory (singing, playing instruments) and not visual as well?
God is creative. Just look at the world around us. We should celebrate that with whatever talents and abilities we've been given.
The retreat I attended featured music, drama, dance and yes painting. My fear of not being understood was, thankfully, not realized. The response to the workshop was tentative (just four people showed up), but the overall response during the general meetings the painters participated in was very positive. It was a good weekend. I hope to give more specifics in an upcoming post.
As I prepared for the trip I struggled with how I would approach the subject and how to present painting as a viable and valuable art form that should be embraced and celebrated by the church. I wondered how many people would even want to participate or try to understand my point of view. Often when I have participated in church services as a painter people either don't understand what's happening or see me as a distraction from the "singing."
To me that kind of attitude is the reason why artists have trouble in the church. They find their talents discounted and feel as if they don't fit in. It's interesting that in the book of Exodus God tells Moses he has given a group of artisans talents and abilities to create the Tabernacle-the place where God is to be worshiped. These artisans then create and amazing place of worship where all of Israel is invited to encounter God.
Why have we drifted so far that we now go to worship in buildings devoid of any kind of artistic expression? Why does the church see any kind of artwork not containing a dove, rainbow, cross or praying hands as suspect? And how is it that worship has become purely auditory (singing, playing instruments) and not visual as well?
God is creative. Just look at the world around us. We should celebrate that with whatever talents and abilities we've been given.
The retreat I attended featured music, drama, dance and yes painting. My fear of not being understood was, thankfully, not realized. The response to the workshop was tentative (just four people showed up), but the overall response during the general meetings the painters participated in was very positive. It was a good weekend. I hope to give more specifics in an upcoming post.
Time flies
March? Already? Is it me or is the year flying by?
It seems so much as happened since my last post. Been traveling some, to Portland for an arts retreat, to Vegas and Santa Ynez for pleasure, celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary and attended an amazing conference called Idea Camp. Well there was also Christmas and New Year's in the mix, too. Now it sounds like I'm just making excuses.
My apologies for not being more diligent in putting my thoughts down here. Can't promise I'll be more consistent, but I will try.
It seems so much as happened since my last post. Been traveling some, to Portland for an arts retreat, to Vegas and Santa Ynez for pleasure, celebrated a 25th wedding anniversary and attended an amazing conference called Idea Camp. Well there was also Christmas and New Year's in the mix, too. Now it sounds like I'm just making excuses.
My apologies for not being more diligent in putting my thoughts down here. Can't promise I'll be more consistent, but I will try.
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About Me
- Kevin Dobruck
- I'm an artist who works in graphic design, fine art and digital mediums.
