Thursday, February 20, 2014

Creatively Created to Create


A few days ago, I joined a group of ladies from our church at a local art studio. It's one of those wonderful places where you paint a canvas or a piece of pottery with the help of a local artist. If you've known me for any length of time, you've probably heard me say that I didn't get the "craft gene" or that I'm "artistically challenged". I say that because I didn't, and I am. I'm just not gifted like so many of my artsy friends. I did struggle more than most with the sketching required before you can paint. But when I was finished, and I signed my initial in the corner of my painting (a must, said our instructor) I was actually excited to take it home, in all its splendid imperfection.


I know, it's kind of wonky, and not exactly proportional. Kind of like me :o)  But I mixed the colors myself, and the brush strokes are all mine. There's something so meaningful about creating something. It reminds us that we are, after all, created in the image of the One Who Creates.  As I walked around the studio, I marveled at the spark of the divine in all of our handiwork; each woman's unique personality so beautifully reflected in her painting.  I learned some things from our night at the studio:

1. Because the Creator lives in us, we can all create! A song, a dress, a garden, a business.. create!
2. I cannot chat and paint at the same time. Or really even think and paint at the same time.
3. Never pass up the chance to have the instructor trace your squiggles with the puffy paint. Genius.


Verse for Today: "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  - Ephesians 2:10 NLT


7 comments:

Lisa Marie said...

It looks really good! I have gone to places like that a couple times. All of my paintings have imperfections, but I still enjoy them! Like you said...they are MINE and I created them. I love them, imperfections and all! :)

Leslie said...

Thanks, Lisa! Good to hear from you :o)

Unknown said...

I just started attending Crossroads and have been perusing your website. This past Sunday (9:15 service) was me and my family's second visit. We are enjoying it and are so glad to be going back to church again! When will you be creatively creating again? I would love to join!

Leslie said...

Carrie, welcome to Crossroads! Watch the bulletin and Facebook page for women's events. Women's Bible studies on Weds nights at 6:00 at our office/kids building.

Chris Carter said...

That looks AMAZING!!! I absolutely love that cross! You are an artist after all... :)

That definitely needs to go somewhere so all can see it and take in the beauty and creativity of your work.

Good for you!

Unknown said...

This is so cool! I really love the colors you chose. So warm. I think it's really neat that you have artwork in your home that you made!

Anonymous said...

I love your work! I also love this post. :) Many times I don't think of myself as crafty either. Your post reminded me of the things I do like to create with, food and love notes.