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Art Manifesto

My manifesto took me some time to create and there is a lot of meaning behind it. I wanted to create my own abstract artwork with a purpose and meaning behind it.

For this artwork, the colors in the background represent the messy, hard life we live in. Often times it is hard to see through the chaos we are living in, but there is hope! The white hand that pops through the color represents Jesus' hand and how his hand is upon us guiding us through our days. God is the clarity we need and when his hand is upholding us the chaos disappears because of the hope and peace he gives us. The hand is in artwork is what pops out and gains attention and the same is how it is for us. When we focus our eyes on Jesus, the wind and waves might still be there but we will not sink because he is with us! ❤️

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Week 15 - Reading Response

Bittersweet moment as this was our last assigned reading, thus the last response post for this class. We ended with some interesting, yet pretty eye opening readings. This weeks readings consisted of an article reading titled, "Art As a Twenty-first Century Calling." This was focused around Christian artists who need to stay to date with the times if they want to have an impact on society. Secondly, we also were assigned to read an essay written by Joe Lloyd that was titled, "How To Look At Abstract Art." As written in my discussion post, this essay was a very interesting, yet eye opening read. Being completely honest, I was not a fan of the first reading because it had some similarities to previous readings, but also I just did not feel I connected to this reading let alone the author. I did however enjoy Lloyd's essay, not because it was a pleasureful reading but rather because it was captivating in the sense where it brought up some points that made me open my eyes to a different view on abstract art. I think it is so easy to dislike abstract art because not always is appealing to the eye and difficult to understand, however Lloyd addresses that just because it is a different way of artwork doesn't mean it should be viewed any differently than any "regular" artworks. This certainly opened my eyes and made me go into some reflection. It is true, although its different does not mean it is any less than. Overall, did enjoy the essay reading the most because it brought new perspective on this topic!

If you can't tell I love the beach! This piece of beautiful abstract artwork is created by Laurie Humble!

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Week 15 - Discussion Post

In our last discussion which is so bittersweet the conversation about abstract art came up as a topic. Abstract art to me is something that is very unique however I feel that it is a very challenging piece of artwork to create, because you want that artwork to be appealing to the guy, but at the same time abstract art does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures. One of the conclusions that was discussed is that abstract art is challenging because it is hard to understand the meaning behind it. Also discussed in class that abstract art is supposed to not be easily understood, and actually is meant to not be understood but rather to be understood by the artist themselves. In my discussion group, we discussed the essay that was written by Joe Lloyd and how he was telling us to look at this type of art. We seemed to agree that the article did not align with what we though abstract artwork was. We see in the essay that Lloyd agues that this type of art is not a puzzle, thus it needs to be looked at the same as any other pieces of artwork. Overall, the discussion went really well and brought up a lot of conversation. We were trying to set aside our personal opinions and open our minds and perspectives in order to see if we could agree to somewhat agree with Lloyd. Both the class discussion and group discussions were great with lots of opinions on this topic!

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Week 15 - Question of the week

What art is most challenging for you? Why?

The art that is the most challenging for me is honestly paintings, because I don't necessarily know where to start when I am painting a replica or something or even just my own creation. I would say for myself one of the biggest challenges that I create for myself is comparison and judging my own art. Naturally artists are critical of their own artwork, however I feel that I become so critical that I end up dropping the paint brush or the pen because I've become so discouraged. Honestly, this class has really helped me to see beyond that and be able to recognize that I need to work on not being so critical of my self, because my artwork is just as unique as someone else's because I created it no matter if I feel it is flawed or not. Now I know that there are artist that are incredibly talented and have sold numerous art pieces because they are truly amazing. I am not that person and that is okay, although I always wished I could participate in art like these amazing artist do.

What makes an artwork good or bad?

I feel we've had similar if not the same question come up a few times during the course of this class, but I do believe that is an intentional thing in order to make us students really think and reflect on this particular question. For myself as a Christian I have a broader view on what makes artwork good or bad based on the type of artwork that it is. Not necessarily the artwork appearing to be bad, but the meaning and purpose behind the artwork is what I believe can make an art piece bad. If a artist is creating artwork that is not edifying to Christ and rather bringing people farther away from him, regardless if the artwork is appearing nicely I consider it not good. On the flipside, for myself a good piece of artwork is something that is beautifully created in order to bring peace, joy, love to the world and those who view it as well as artwork that is growing the kingdom of God and making people reflect on Christ!

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Week 14 - Discussion Response

Our discussion went really well. The group that I was placed in seemed to be the same for the last few weeks which was actually really neat, because we were able to learn more about each other as well as our ways on thinking. Professor Linville said something in class that was along the lines of “Listening does not necessarily mean that we are agreeing." I completely agree with this statement, because there is such a difference between listening to someone and agreeing. Listening to, and agreeing with, are two different communication processes. And in between the two lies a third one – understanding. Not always will people agree with everything others have to say, however validating and having an understanding heart can go a long way. This conversation was centered able what Christian's roles are in this world. Often times it is easy to want to just agree with people to be nice or to avoid conflicts, however it is important not to just do this because it can make you agree with things you do not actually agree with. We as human beings must be careful with what we chose to agree with, because our agreement can affect our lives. Overall, this discussion was wonderful!

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Week 14 - Reading Reflection Post

For this week's assigned reading, we read an article that was titled. "Let the Games Begin" by Stephanie Sabo. This article was about Tina's art project. Another article we read was titled, "Art as a Proper Job" which was focused around people doing art for more in order to be successful. For myself, I personally really enjoyed Tina's project. I found it was very creative, although at times maybe was a bit confusing.

Secondly, the article titled "Art as a Proper Job" was intriguing on the grounds that it raised how it very well may be difficult to earn enough to pay the bills in craftsmanship since everybody needs the enormous name workmanship from specialists. Individuals don't actually think often about the craftsmanship except if it is made by somebody they know. In light of this it is difficult to get yourself out there. In the article there was a trial to test this hypothesis. A well known craftsman made a piece of workmanship with an irregular name and entered it into a show. At that point he changed the name making it realize that it was his specialty and it was sold very quickly. We do this constantly, we are destined to watch motion pictures without most loved entertainers in them, or tune in to music by are most loved craftsmen. I can possibly envision the uncertainty and disappointment that specialists feel when they are attempting to get known.

love this beautiful picture of the Hawaiian beach

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Week 14 - Question of the week

What types of art are you most drawn to and why?

Music is honestly my favorite type of art. You can enjoy music without thinking because it is a universal form of entertainment. Without any doubt, music is the most important art form. Often times people who enjoy listening to music are less likely to suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression. I can certainly relate to this when it comes to listening to Christian music. When I allow my mind to be filled with things from Jesus I feel at such peace. I use music as a form of worshipping Jesus and lifting my prayers to him.

Has artwork ever changed your mind about something? Explain?

Before I can speak about how art has changed my mind, I must share something about art which stuck with ever since I heard it: art makes life bearable. As for how it has changed my mind, first I have to admit it has always been with me just as it is with every child. Every child is an artist. But unfortunately we lose it mostly because of the disciplinarian trend in education we are subjected to. So it would be fair to say art actually shapes us to start with. Later in life some re-discover it and I think they are enormously richer for having done so. The art that changed my mind was when I would see artwork about Jesus whether it be a picture of him on the cross or a painting of one of the parables, whenever I see this type of work I am in awe of Jesus and begin reflection my life.

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Week 13 - Reading Response

For this weeks reading we were assigned to read an interview with Lynn Aldrich. Lynn Aldrich is an American sculptor whose diverse works draw on a wide range of high and low cultural influences and materials. Learning about this sculptor was very interesting. We also watched a manifesto video that was created by Julian Rosefeldt was a German artist and filmmaker who's work consists primarily of elaborate, visually opulent film and video installations. Lastly, we read a chapter in the book Imagine. The chapter that was assigned was focused around artists starting relevant and ahead if they want to be successful in their journey.

Overall, I would say I enjoyed the interview with Lynn Aldrich the most. Although all of the assigned work was great, the interview stood out the most to me. She expressed how Christian artists should create art. Although there is no one right way, it was helpful being able to hear of some ways. Her artwork is not always visibly portrayed as Christian artwork on the outside, but within the artwork we are able to see her incorporation of Christ. The video watched by Julian Rosefeldt was honestly just very different. I did struggle trying to be engaged. The idea that video presented was cool. I don't understand what a Manifesto is, so the entire thing was just weird for me. Lastly, the chapter that we read in Imagine was great and I did enjoy that as well. It was all about how artists who don't make a certain art are not successful. However, I am someone who does not believe there is only one correct way to something. Although there may of been people who have not been successful because of this, doesn't mean that is how it is for everyone. Overall, as stated above the interview was the one I enjoyed and followed along with the most. The others were interesting and I did learn somethings, but they were not my favorite!

Here is a photo of my esthetically pleasing tea from a cute coffee shop in Auburn! <3

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Week 13 - Question of the week

What makes art successful?

There is a difference between good art and successful art. What makes art successful is the compositions, colors, and subject matter, all work harmoniously to deliver a unified and well-executed artwork that is pleasant to the viewer. There are a couple of main elements that typically come together to make art successful. It also depends on the person themselves. many times someone can view something as successful, but to someone else it may not be. I think it starts with the artist themselves that makes it be successful. The first thing would be, successful artists define what success means to them. For some artists, success has nothing to do with money, but instead whether people are enjoying their artwork or not. Success for some artists can come from the satisfaction of creating work that is unique and innovative. There are many things that can play a part in making art successful. In the art world, another way an artwork's success can be attributed to provenance. In other words, who has owned the painting in the past. Overall, the ways artwork can be made successful are endless. Ultimately, it is up to the artist themselves and whether they believe they have the potential to be successful or not.

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YAY AND BOO PLAYLISTS!

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WHO CREATIVE PROJECT

My results for the test was, "You are the Visionary." Which actually is pretty accurate. I am full of big ideas, ability to see potential and possibility everywhere. I am someone who believes in the things that are impossible, because all things are possible through Christ. I think it was helpful to just read what this meant and how it applies to my life.

For my project, I chose to label the mirror in my room. Often times, I look in this mirror and find myself criticizing myself and comparing myself to others. So after thinking about what I want to do for this project, I thought it would be best to be creative and make artistic little notes that have encouraging things on them to remind me each day. This is one of the most rewarding things I have done for myself and I will continue to write things that speak to me and put them on this mirror. Changing the way I view this mirror is important and I believe this will help me view it from a negative thing to a positive encouraging thing! Truly loved this project.

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Week 12 - Discussion Response

As always, I thoroughly enjoyed this weeks class discussion. I really enjoyed the breakout room I was in, because we had some very great discussion. I always love discussing the questions with the breakout groups because I enjoy hearing others opinions and discussing the different ways people think. Overall, we all pretty much agreed, but one of the classmates brought up some great points that I had not thought of. Aside from the breakout rooms, but within our class discussion, I pretty much agreed with everything that was said in the discussion. We talked about truths and lies that we tell ourselves. We also discussed the fruits of the spirit and what brings glory and honor to God compared the things that do not. Overall, I really enjoyed the discussion within this class for this weeks discussion.

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Week 12 - Reading Response Post

This week we finished reading in the book Emerge (which is super bittersweet, because I thoroughly enjoyed that book), and also read two chapters in the book All That Is Made. I would have to say my favorite chapter to read from this weeks reading would have to be the truth chapter, but more so the usefulness chapter. It talked about being a lukewarm Christian, which is a person I do not want to be. I want to be someone who is fully present with Christ and unashamed to speak out even when those around me are frowning upon it. This chapter really made me reflect. What am I choosing to spend my time doing? Am I living a life that is striving to actively growing the kingdom of God or am I doing my own things...truth is I get so caught up in my days and the business that when I have a chance to relax I tend to go onto social media. Something I want to change in order to avoid being a lukewarm Christian. Following that, the truth chapter also spoke into this a bit to. Being truthful and honest is extremely important in order to live a life of honoring God.

I did also enjoy the chapter that we read in All That Is Made. Although, I enjoyed the chapters in the other book a bit more, I did learn some great things in this reading. The book discussed the idea of taking creativity and using it as a devotional peace in your life. I love this because you can use the gifts God has given you in order to strengthen and grow your relationship with him. Overall, great readings for this week.

I love Francis Chan in general and this quote from him is fyre!

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Week 12 - Questions of the Week

How can art be made “to the glory of God”? What does that look like? What doesn’t it look like?

There are many ways in which art can be made to the glory of God or bring glory to God. While God is the only one who is the ultimate Creator, God did create humans to reflect his glory. One of those ways we reflect God’s glory is through the various giftings that God bestows on humans. Art helps to make the invisible inner workings of the Spirit visible. Whether the content of our artwork is overtly or covertly inspired by the gospel, it can illuminate something about the God to the world. Art to the glory of God is literally simply bringing only glory and honor to his name. Art that will praise God and only him. And the opposite of that would be what art does not look like. If art is brining honor to the word instead of God, then it is not art to the glory of God. Instead, it is bringing glory to the world. Art is not limited to paintings, drawings, or anything of that nature, but can be a plethora of things. The art of singing can be done in such a way that brings glory to God if used to lead others into worship, etc. For myself, that is how I use art to bring glory to God. The ultimate goal of art being made to the glory of God should bring others to Christ. If your art is leading people away from Christ, then the art being portrayed in not made to the glory of God. Ultimately, God knows the heart of all people, thus he knows if the art portrayed is focused around bringing glory unto him. Nothing can be hidden from God and all things that are done against God will need to be answered to on judgement day.

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Week 11 - Reading Response Post

For this weeks reading, we were assigned to read three chapter in our book from Emerge. These chapters were focused around simpleness, creating village, and creating an healthy environment to live in. A long side of the reading, we were also assigned to watch a video that was about a nun that made list of different ways to succeed and live a life in the world. Both of these sources were very informative and helpful in their own ways.

In the book Emerge, all of the chapters we great. I personally enjoyed the chapter Habitat the most, because learning about how the environment can being inspiration to us was something I never really thought of before. When something brings up inspiration in our lives it tends to lead us to become creative individuals. This chapter taught me the importance of finding a space that I can fully be creative and although that side of me to evolve. If I am not fully comfortable, then I will no be completely my creative self.

From the video of the nun, it actually really stood out to me and taught me the importance of creating lists in order to help motive me and keep me focused. The majority of people all want to be successful human beings and often times life can make that a difficult task to accomplish. Learning about ways that help teach people how to live a successful live was informative and actually inspired me to create a list of what I want to accomplish and then a list of how I can succeed at accomplishing those things. Interestingly enjoyed this weeks assignments, however I think I enjoyed the video a little bit more!

I read this from my devotional book this week and it really encouraged me, so I wanted to share in hopes it speaks to someone else!

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Week 11 - Discussion Reflection Post

For the discussion this week, we talked about what we think God renewing our minds meant. For the most part we all seemed to agree within my group. Often times, I feel that in order for God to renew our minds, we have to go through something that requires a renewal, however a classmate basically said that God can renew our minds and it doesn't necessarily have to be because of a negative occurrence. I have never thought about it this way, but after this was mentioned I now see how that can be due to personal experiences. For myself, God renews my mind when I fully surrender my will unto his will. If I am leaning on my own understanding, I tend to struggle because I am trying to use my own mental strength to get me through rather then God's. There is such a different when you allow yourself to fully lean and depend on God for strength; he will give you physical strength, mental strength, etc.

Another topic that was discussed was basically being surrounded by other people or as stated in class a village. This was not new news for me, because I grew up learning about the importance of fellowship with others. It is important to be in relationship with people and having that outlet to share life with, however as long as the people you are surrounding yourself are helping you grow spiritually. Being aware of your influence is crucial, because influences impact you too. Overall, I really enjoyed this weeks discussion both in breakout groups and within the entire class!

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Week 11 - Questions of the week

How should art be used in church? What should that look like? What shouldn’t it look like?

Art is such a unique gifting that should be used in churches. However, a reminder is that art is not limited to drawings but can be a plethora of things. Art should be used in order to bring honor and glory to the Lord. The Bible speaks highly of those with gifts of artistry and craftsmanship. As stated above, art is not limited to one specific genre, thus art in the church can be presented through artwork, worship, videography, etc. There are so many different types of arts and each one is unique in there own way. In my opinion art should not be used in the church if it is going to dishonor God in any way. If it is going to lead people down a sinful path than it should not be used. I think it is easy for people to get caught up in themselves and forget that God has given them their talents and gifts. We must all be mindful to not allow arrogance to get in the way of our art, rather we must stand humbly and allow God to use us just as he desires. 

In what ways does God “renew” our minds?

Your mind is the battleground on which the war for your emotions, purpose, effectiveness, and fullness of life is won or lost. It’s your mind that is attacked daily by the enemy. It’s your mind that the world is trying to influence for its own benefit. And it’s your mind that the Lord desires to renew daily in order for you to live in abundant relationship with him. Scripture says clearly that to achieve victory over your mind it must be continually renewed by the power of God’s word. Romans 12:2 states “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” He carries out this refining work in the inner recesses of our hearts. This meaning if your mind changes, you will change. Feed it with truth from the word. When you sin, confess and repent. With a renewed mind we have the Spirit of God and the mind of Christ.