Thought on Art

(Andy Warhol's Marilyn Monroe)

Art is a funny thing. Until I majored in it at The University of Texas at Dallas, I looked at art in a naive way. I did not properly analyse the art for the message in or behind it. I did not fully understand the artists and their creative process. Where did Jeff Koons get his wild ideas about his art? Was it truly art even though he did not actually create it himself? In fact Jeff Koons actually has people who make his art for him. Although he is the mastermind behind each piece, workers fabricate each work.

The name Andy Warhol should conjure up popular images in your mind. Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John F. Kennedy and many others represented important individuals that Warhol made into famous bodies of work. Silk screen was his medium in which he produced his amazing work. Compare the mechanical process of silk screen with the process of painting a piece.

While silk screen happens to be my preferred medium, painting requires a great deal of control of the hand itself. Monet's beautiful work showcase the beauty of the mind and nature communicated through the hand while silk screen requires the mastering of the mechanical aspect.

Next time you view a piece of art, stop and think about the artist in context with the work. Think about creative process. Research the artist and the process they use before going to the museum or gallery. You will appreciate the work all the more. As a viewer, you will be able to understand the struggles or the joy the artist brings to the piece.

Aura

So last night we became a one car family! I can't believe it, but we turned in our two cars for one car. We just purchased a Saturn Aura. It is very nice, almost as nice as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP my husband had when we met. While it is not super charged, it does have 220 hp! Wow! I am used to a little 4 cylinder. This puppy goes!

I am a little nervous about going to one car. We have our baby now, and we have to make sacrifices in order for me to stay home. I count myself blessed to have the opportunity to stay home even though it has been a difficult transition from my job of seven years to full time mom. I know I will be glad I did stay home, but I am mourning my old self a bit. So one car it is! It really is a beautiful car though!

Thank you Lord for giving me the gift of family and for the one car we have.

So I'm Blogging...

I have recently been inspired by several Godly women in our church to begin blogging. I have been so edified by their blogs! I spent some time reading through several posts and just cried. I feel so humbled by their triumphs and their struggles. I do not claim to have any "pearls of wisdom" in particular. If anyone finds wisdom through the blog, it is of the Lord, not in and of myself.

We just returned from our ladies retreat in which we discussed the blessing of God's peace. I have been stirred up to cultivate that peace in our home. We should desire peace especially during these times. While our country faces possible financial collapse, unstable relations with countries overseas and an upcoming election, people are looking everywhere to find something to hold on to. As Christians, we know and understand that the only peace that passeth all understanding comes from God and God alone. Earthly pleasures will pass away, but we as Christians have the grace of God. Our treasures are not of this world, but stored up in heaven. Praise the Lord!