CREATE

Surely each of us has often pondered how God himself felt in the glorious moments of creation. The pure wonder of it all must have been indescribable. The voice of God… The first ray of light …words cannot possibly describe the event. A stillness in the midst of it all.

Creation. It is what artists call their work. The learning and painting is a journey, challenge, and yet a great joy. I have always believed that the gift of creating is in each of us and in every direction you turn. We may keep it in the shadows, however, there is a nagging , a curiosity, a longing, a need and finally a passion. Do not ignore it. This need is meant to give you a happiness you cannot fathom. Scientists, years ago, studied the brain waves of people as they painted. They were truly surprised when the artists , while painting, were in the exact place in the brain as those deep in prayer. That is why artists lose all track of time and place. They can work for hours and never experience the passing of time and are in a magical existence as if they are in prayer. Perhaps they are in prayer, in the presence of God. You are not alone standing at that easel . God is with us always. Sometimes in a class I recognize that each of the artists are in that incredible moment . It is so reverent I dare not speak a word.

With the balancing of color, design, and the process of applying paint, after the elements are learned and applied, an artist finds yet one more thing. No one knows exactly what to name it but one observes a scene that almost stops the heart, and savors the moment so that image will never be forgotten . Even if that moment is not included in a work of art, it is still not forgotten. The incredible view of a landscape spilling over with streams of water, or a light on a simple vase encompassed by the variety of warm and cool darks that surround it, or the charm of a child talking to his teddy bear as the light is resting on their heads like halos. These images are subjects we have fallen in love with. However, when asked to define the true interest of the subject, the artist almost always ends up saying , “I am painting the light”. It is not just any light…it is the light of God we seek.

The gift of creating is not just drawing and painting. Some who are creating are finding more than joy. Therapists use creating to heal. It is an essential part of the therapy. In the hospitals, looking at the faces of those working on their projects, it is wonderful observing their peace. When finished, their creation is usually given as a gift to someone they love.

Creativity drives us, pushes us until we have to create. Consider the great Spanish painter Sorolla who walked to the beach every day at precisely 4 PM in order to paint the boats coming in for the evening. His desire to paint the sun-drenched sails, to show the exquisite golden light, to feel the wind blowing…so much to enjoy, in those paintings. To view and feel this beauty one has to know that only the spirit of God can create something so magnificently beautiful. Create. It is God’s gift to you. It can change your life.

Praise be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Amen

Patricia Lusk.