Thoughts on Art, by Steve Terlizzese

Steve and Zoe Terlizzese, the artists of the Creative Union.

rom my years of being at art shows, I have noticed how most people respond to a particular art piece. Perhaps this is how you do it too:

When you look at an artist's work, your first response is probably deciding whether you actually like the work or not. Your next thought is usually to figure out what the artist is saying.

If the particular work you are observing is intricate in nature, you'll most likely ponder "How long did it take to complete all these details?" Then your mind may begin to wonder about the artist himself: What is his motivation? What is he trying to say?

Depending on how inspired you are by the artists' work, you may even desire to get to know him, complimenting him on his work or asking him questions. Of course, the ultimate compliment to an artist is when you acquire his work!

Anyone who appreciates art has seen myriad paintings, drawings, sculptures and other media depicting subjects found in nature. Landscapes, seascapes and cloudscapes abound. Birds, fish and other majestic beasts are the favorite "prey" of photographers.

Clever artists capture interesting lines, curves, textures colors and patterns in natural surroundings. Some folk artists even find their materials for sculptural work and furniture making in serene forests and on sunny beaches.

Have you ever stopped to think that all of these "nature" and "wildlife" artists are actually drawing their inspiration from someone else's art?

The "someone else" we are referring to is God, who created the Heavens and the Earth! What we see all around us is His handiwork -- every twinkling star, every spreading tree, and the wondrous face of every innocent child. He paints the morning horizon with astonishing golden tones from His pallette of glory. Don't you just love this Artists' work? Let's apply the steps to evaluating the Artists' work that we mentioned in the beginning: What is the Artist saying?

God is using His art (creation) to tell us, first and foremost, that He exists! In the most beautiful book ever written, God tells us, "Since earliest times, men have seen the Earth and sky and all God made, and have known of His existence and great eternal power," Why is it so important that we know He exists? Because "Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there IS a God and that He rewards those who sincerely look for Him."

In the literal interpretation, it only took God six days to create everything we know! However, He is still busy at work on His most cherished and prized creation: YOU. One of my most favorite and oft-quoted verses is "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ to do God's work." If you are not satisfied with the way He made you, then just wait -- because you are not completed yet!

Why did God create you and me? He created us so that we could be His friends, and even members of His family. John 1:12 says that "To those who received Him [Jesus], He gave the privilege to become children of God. All they needed to do was trust Him to save them." Some of you might be saying at this point, "Whoa! I can accept the 'God' stuff, but where do you get off sneaking 'Jesus' into all of this?" Again, quoting God's book: "Christ Jesus Himself is the Creator who made everything in Heaven and Earth." It doesn't get any simpler than that!

The greatest compliment you can pay an artist is to acquire his work; but how is that to be done where God is concerned? Invite Jesus Christ into your life in all sincerity, believing that He died to pay the price for your sins, and then rose from the dead. Then, the Artist will acquire you into His family, showing you His wonderful plan for your life!

I would like to talk to you more about this; just give me a call or write. One more thing:

The next time you gaze upon a breathtaking sunset, remember to compliment the Artist!