Desert Wanderings

I decided to begin the 2012 Art Pilgrimage reflections similar to what I did with the 2009 Cornerstone Burning Brush experience. I posted one art piece per week and then commented on it a few days later including feedback received.
Before leaving for the festival this year I had the 2009 posts slurped and gathered into a book using Blog2Print. The printed copy arrived just in time to take along to the festival. It was fun to share it with the art critic who led the pilgrimage again this year. Go here to see her and the recycled mosaic she entered that year. Then, if you feel inclined, come back and comment on the theme for this year's art walk and her latest piece shown above.

Friday Follow-up: Living Lilies

 Living Lilies

The responses were so positive this time:

"That is seriously cool!"

"It's pretty."

What if I told you it was made from trash? Yes, thousands of plastic caps and lids from containers we normally toss without giving them a second glance. 

The artist, Nancy Hughes, was also our guide and art critique. And here she is, telling us about the process. As she speaks she reaches out to snap shut some of the mustard caps that curious passersby have messed with.

She explained that the door panels were placed on the ground and the bottle tops arranged as best she could. Then, in collaboration with family members, she directed the desired changes from above, looking down from the deck where she could view the whole from a distance. When every piece was firmly in place, it was grouted.
Early on we came to a station titled Consider the Lilies, based on the same passage, the emphasis being on God's care for us, so lavish and personal we need not worry. That painting showed a hand carefully holding a lily. Imagine this, God clothes the lilies of the field, and they are more beautiful than anything the richest human ever wore--King Solomon, symbol of wealth and wisdom. If the heavenly Father looks after the lilies, won't He care for you?
The title of this final piece leads us to think beyond ourselves and our cares and worries to see the bigger picture. If we are those living lilies that God has designed us to be, what a beautiful bouquet we form together. When each of us redeemed ones occupy the place the Father designed for us, it is wonderful to behold!
This reminds me of the song Something Beautiful.

He can take trash and turn it into treasure!

So, my friends, this is the end of our Art Pilgrimage.

Wandering and Wondering

Art Pilgrimage: Station #21


The very last art piece of the Burning Brush exhibit.

What responses do the art and the scripture elicit from you?

Friday Follow-up: The Sign of Jonah

Art Pilgrimage: Station #20
Cornerstone Festival

The Sign of Jonah

So, how do you like that image of Jonah? He looks rather bleached, maybe the fish's stomach acids had something to do with that.
Me? Well, I cannot begin to imagine living quarters inside a fish that allowed him to survive this hard lesson. Nor begin to feel what he must have felt to be confined in there, or sloshing around.
But, it was a whole lot better than thrashing about for his life in the tempestuous waters of the sea. And there inside that specially-prepared-for-him fish belly, he uttered a beautiful, powerful prayer.  He described his desperation as he was sinking to the very depths, hopelessly banished by God for running away from Him. And, still inside the special fish, he continues to praise and thank the LORD God who brought him up from the pit. He cried out to God as he was drowning and the Lord heard him. Truly those who cling to their old worthless gods are missing the grace that could be theirs, he says. So, is he willing now to go preach this to the Ninevites?
The Lord commanded the fish to spew him out and gave Jonah a second chance to obey Him and go to Nineveh. That great city experienced an amazing revival. God had compassion on the helpless thousands, even the cattle are mentioned. However, Jonah was not so gracious. He had been preaching doom and damnation. When they repented and God changed His mind, Jonah couldn't handle it.

There are so many rich lessons in this story.

It could be argued that this was not one of the parables, but Jesus chose to bring it up, to confront the scribes and Pharisees with this story they knew well. Why?

In his second year of ministry, Jesus is at the peak of popularity and beginning to have a lot of opposition from the Jewish leaders They accused Him of breaking the Sabbath, of using the devil's power to cast out demons, and even plotted to kill him. Jesus argues with them very logically and from their own scriptures. They say they want to see a miraculous sign. 
His response, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah."  What in Jonah's story was to be a sign to them? "as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights." After Jesus rose from the grave, I wonder how many remembered the sign of Jonah? 

Wandering and Wondering on a Wednesday

Art Pilgrimage, Station #20

 

I would love to hear from you. Any reaction, insight, comment?

Friday Follow-up

The Rich Man and Lazarus



The variety of textures and components cause me to look more closely, reread the passage and ponder what otherwise is a very familiar story that I've read or heard many times.
I look and see two levels and a great divide.
Lazarus, in the lower right, has been carried to the gates (perhaps represented by the bars in the picture) of the rich man. We can infer that he was crippled in some way and depended on others who probably regularly took him to places where he could beg a subsistence. And he must have been quite helpless so as to be covered with sores and unable to push away the wild dogs that came to lick his wounds.
The rich man, in the upper left, has everything, but his countenance does not reflect peace. In contemporary terms we could imagine him wearing the latest designer fashions, eating gourmet food, and living sumptuously.
They are on opposite sides of the spectrum. Our human natural tendency is to show respect to the rich man and have a hard time even looking at the destitute and diseased, let alone reach out and touch.

From God's perspective, the one he knew by name was the lowly one, the one we would despise. The artist portrays that set-apartness, that hallowed position, by giving Lazarus a halo.
It is interesting that this is the only one of all the parables or stories where a man is called by name. 
I love the song He Knows My Name.

Many probing questions come to mind for me personally and for our society as a whole.
I welcome your thoughts.

Wednesday Wondering

Art Pilgrimage: Station # 19


How does this art expression add to your understanding of the story?

Friday Follow-up: Who hath ears to hear...

Who Hath Ears to Hear Let Him Hear

Another artistic representation of the parable of the sower. This time the artist chose to use the King James Version. Interestingly, the art itself is more stylized which we tend to consider more modern or contemporary.

The first time we encountered this admonition "he who has ears let him hear" and the parable was back in November, an earlier Art Pilgrimage station.

Both artists chose a similar title and message, to visualize the different circumstances and responses to the Word.

The former is more literal and includes the actual words of Jesus and even scripture words woven into the painting. This one is more symbolic and colorful.

The latter bird is cute compared to the scary one in the previous station. This is probably a stretch never intended by the artist, but it occurred to me that the thieves, who like the birds come and eat up the seed, could be attractive, cute and interesting, all the more deceptive.

Several commented to me that this final panel, depicting the growth that results when we heed the Word, lacked green. Did the artist run out of time or are those many trunks of tall trees and we cannot even see the abundant foliage at the top? I am reminded of statements both in the Old  and New Testaments: 

“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

   Nor have entered into the heart of man
   The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

We cannot begin to fathom what God has for us! 

"He who has ears, let him hear."

Wednesday Wondering

Art Pilgrimage, Station # 18

 

There was a previous station with the same title and theme, which allows us the additional exercise of comparing the two artists interpretation to notice the differences in emphasis and effectiveness.

So, there you go, a double challenge this week.

Friday Follow-up (on Saturday)

When He Came To Himself

We read the scripture and the title chosen by the artist and see the collage on cardboard, framed and under glass which unfortunately reflects the surrounding campground.

 

The focal point of the picture seems to be the upper right hand corner. Nature and the repentant prodigal look in that direction. If I remember correctly, our tour guide art critic said it represented the heart of God.

This story is more commonly known as the parable of the prodigal son, but some commentators say a better title would be parable of the forgiving father, because it is the parable of the Father's heart. In other words, Jesus' main purpose was to describe His Father's love.

The sinner in the picture is adequately represented as finally recognizing his smallness before the Almighty and opening himself up to God's love. I love the choice of posture, it says so much about the sinner who comes to his senses: he recognizes and acknowledges God's greatness; he receives the freedom of sins forgiven; he  surrenders his whole being to serve and follow; and he welcomes the sunshine of God's love.

It is good for us to remember back to those times and circumstances that drove us to our senses and reflect on the Father's love.

Wednesday Wonderings

Art Pilgrimage: Station # 17

What do you make of this one?

Friday Follow-up

Faith Like a Mustard Seed


This station left me with more questions than answers.

1) Did anyone notice that the Mark 4:30-32 reference did not match the quote?
In fact that passage was used for an earlier station titled Smallness to Significance. (BTW, as I went back and searched, I realized that I never wrote a follow-up to that one.)

2) So, what is the correct reference for the scripture quote?

It is Matthew 17:20 (NASB).
One commenter noted the sea on the right: "I think the stuff in the lower right is the sea, with waves and perhaps a rock.[mountain top, perhaps?] Isn't there one verse that says something about telling the mountain to go throw itself into the sea?" Yes, Matthew 21:21 says that. And, yes, that's what the art representation looked like to me also.
The same commenter noted the likeness of the designs on the mountain to thorns, which would symbolize the pain Jesus went through bearing our mountain of sin. The comparative smallness of the struggling person might be significant as well, reminding me of the statement in Hebrews 12:4 which basically says we have not suffered as much as Christ.
I look at the struggler and ask:
3) When have I/you felt like that, gone through something like that, barely hanging on, no strength left?

Or, as the other commenter pointed out:
4) Is it a relying-on-self, I-can-do-this, "I think I can, I think I can" attitude, instead of saying, Lord, I believe, help my unbelief , "You take over, You do this, I cannot"?

About the technique:
5) What is 'painted metal'?
 My DIL liked the stark quality of the black and white, no color. There again, technique adds meaning.

An interesting note I read in the commentary section provided by Bible Gateway: "'moving mountains' was a typical Jewish teacher's image for doing what was virtually impossible." Going over the several mustard-seed-size-faith passages, I was struck by Jesus repeatedly pointing out the faithlessness of the disciples.
In that culture the disciple or apprentice was expected to learn from the teacher, mentor and be able then to replicate, repeat, do-as-he-did. The commentary goes on "With this illustration Jesus indicates that even were we casting out mountains rather than demons, we would only be scratching the surface of a life of faith."
Then another question:
6) What could we do with faith greater than that of a tiny mustard seed!?
This challenge reminded me of the promise in John 14:12 that we will do greater things!
Can you believe it?  (Oops, that was another question!)

On the lighter side:
There is a short story titled La fe y las montañas by Guatemalan satirist, Augusto Monterroso. His stories are so short they are called mini-cuentos. I enjoyed using this one when I taught college Spanish. Here is my rough translation (for those who did not already read the original).

At first, Faith moved mountains only when it was absolutely necessary, thus the landscape remained the same for millennia. But when the Faith began to propagate and people found it amusing to move mountains, these did nothing but move around and it was increasingly difficult to find them where you had left them the night before which of course created more difficulties than the ones it solved.

Good people preferred then to abandon the Faith and now mountains generally remain in their place. When there are falling rocks on the highway and several travelers die, it is because someone, very far away or close by, experienced the slightest hint of faith.

In closing, a song that's been going around in my head and in my humming: 

Faith is just believing what God said He would do.
He will never leave us, His promises are true.
If we but believe Him, His children we become...

Wednesday Wonderings

Art Pilgrimage: Station # 16

 

  

What do you get out of this?

Friday Follow-up

The King's War Plans

The pondering place, though not the posture, reminds me of when and where I get many of my ideas, solutions or answers--in bed before I get up.

The one comment I remember from the art critic was that the artist intentionally gave us no details of clothing to indicate rank nor defining physical characteristics in order that anyone could relate to the parable.

Jesus' illustration was that of a king who is aware of an army coming to attack that is twice the size of his own. He doesn't have much time to ponder the situation. If he considers it possible to defeat the enemy, he will commit to warfare. But if not, his only option to avoid disaster is to seek peace before the confrontation. To delay is to default.

The context of the parable is Jesus' call to discipleship. You'd think He was trying His utmost to discourage followers by the harsh demands (hate father and mother, carry your cross) and the repetitious he cannot be my disciple. However, this section is sandwiched between parables that reveal God's true heart desire: the story about the wideness of His mercy--the banquet where the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame were brought in; and the parables of seeking the lost and the great joy in finding, even one!

The crowds followed Jesus, they were drawn to Him, but not all were His disciples, many were merely going along. He is calling for intelligent, realistic and total devotion; count the cost and consider the consequences of refusing the call.

I made that decision long ago, yet the commitment to follow is a daily experience. I am willing to lay down my life for Him, sometimes pondering what that means for me.

 I leave you with the song I came across this morning by Felipe Ortega, one of my favorites: Give Me Jesus.

Wednesday Wonderings

Art Pilgrimage: Station # 15

 

Yet another puzzler!

Comments welcome.

Friday Follow-up

The Lost

Yes, the ninety nine twigs or branches on one side of the bridge represent the sheep that were left behind (probably in the care of a neighbor or another shepherd) in order to go search for the lone lost one. Can you see the one symbolic sheep on the other side?

I wondered at the outset whether there was a meaningful order to the stations of the Art Pilgrimage. I have not discovered any yet. This bridge marks the mid point, the turning around point when we begin to make our way back to the beginning or end, however you look at it, to reflect on the pieces posted on the other side of the path.

We already viewed a representation of the parable of the lost sheep by another artist, which emphasized the end, coming out of lostness, being found.

This graphic portrayal, however, emphasizes the value of one sinner. The shepherd left the flock to go after one lonely lost sheep.

Jesus' audience were the tax collectors and "sinners,"  the ones who gathered eagerly to hear Him. Meanwhile the Pharisees and teachers were muttering in the background about Jesus' habit of hanging out with "sinners".
In response Jesus tells a story, very common to their culture, of an average sheep herder. So happy was he to find his lost sheep that he invited his friends and neighbors to rejoice with him, further emphasizing the value of the one stray that was recovered.

⁷I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

I love the commentators' quote: "When a sinner turns to God, heaven throws a party." No wonder Jesus hung out with them!

Of the hundreds and hundreds who walked across that very bridge at Cornerstone, I wonder how many noticed the tall white branches and reflected on their significance?

Wednesday Wondering

Art Pilgrimage: Station # 14

 

Different art form. What do you see?

Friday Follow-up

Exhibiting the Work of the Holy Spirit, or Not?
The Parable about the Loaned Money

This is one where I wish I could remember all that our guide, art critic Nancy, explained about the piece. Something from art history, the significance of the three parts and the fancy metal trimmings. She may have explained the presence of a fish and other details. But, sorry, too much time has gone by, never mind that five minutes could be too long to remember things nowadays! Next time I will take my little tape recorder along.

I do recall one comment about people, faces and clothing in these paintings being rather generic and non-specific so that anyone could relate to the message and put themselves in the picture.

The story is about a man who goes away and entrusts his servants with different amounts of money to invest while he is gone. The footnote says that a talent was the equivalent of $1,000. So to one he gives $5,000, to another $2,000, and to the third $1,000.

The first and second put their money to work and double their amount, while the other does nothing with his.

The master considered his willful neglect so serious an offence that he casts him out as no good and worthless!

His portion was given to the number one guy.

What this says to me is that if I do not put to use what God has given me, whatever that may be, I am disobedient, faithless, and deserving punishment.

The painting illustrates the two extremes.

I like my DIL's comment: "I think it's appropriate that the person pouring out the money has a heart and a joyful countenance, while the person holding on to the money looks sad and has a black hole where the heart should be. It's a reminder that hanging on tightly to money does not bring us joy, but being responsible with it (including investing and giving) does.

It's all God's money anyway."

I was reminded of a similar story I heard recently. Bloggy friend Sara and  husband started this two years ago. On Thanksgiving Day each family member receives a certain amount of money to use for a good purpose. Christmas Day is very exciting and emotional as they share their carefully kept secrets, the stories of how each one used their gift to "pay it forward."

Wednesday Wonderings

Art Pilgrimage: Station #13

 

Any comments?

Friday Follow-up

Banquet at the World's End

The joint interpretation was difficult to figure out. I need the Hayward family members' help.
So, I studied the story itself.

Characters involved:

• owner of the house
• servants
  
• invited guests
• alternate attendees

Act 1: The Banquet
          invitation sent out
          RSVPs returned
          feast ready
Act 2: The Excuses
          post-purchase inspection of field
          purchase of five yoke of oxen (denotes extravagant wealth)
          just married
Act 3: The Guests
          misfits
          homeless
          wrethced

Then I looked at the three sides of the Art Station to match any of the above characters, acts, excuses, guests. Again, I failed to make many meaningful connections.
One commenter mentioned 'a lot of joy'. I also saw the laden table and a lame person. Another version lists those who were brought in as the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame.
The banquet was not postponed or called off just because those invited had other last minute priorities, i.e. rejected the opportunity. Instead, the servants were ordered to find any who looked like they needed a square meal and bring them in, and do it quickly, with urgency. They were the kind of people who would not feel comfortable entering a banquet hall, so they must be forcibly persuaded. The servants are told to bring, "all you can lay hands on."
There is a strong message here: How proactive am I in reaching out to those who are truly needy?

At the beginning of this series we noted that Jesus' parables responded to a question He was asked. In this case the question was: "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?" From what follows, the answer was, Yes. However, that was not surprising to His Jewish listeners. The real surprise came in who gets into the Kingdom.

One commenter questioned the significance of using doors for this project. Perhaps it was to emphasize the point of entering the Kingdom, not missing out on the Banquet at the World's End.