I enjoy to draw things, but only in moderation. For if I did it often, I must either show improvement or lose the interest of all involved. My friends can really draw - beauty and vision flows from their fingertips so gracefully. Through the loving process of many days, their thought takes form on paper, colorized and brilliantly shining. I, however, rely on speed as my guide. I start with a few lines on a blank piece of paper and work in the moment, trying to decipher what my mind can shape from a few strokes on paper. Shading lightly as I have need, giving the object a feeling of depth and dimension.
The key to art is making use of the space you have allotted to your work. Suggesting shape by the absence of marks, setting forth borders to your creative mind. That is how I work - I act and see how my mind is able to respond. It is not existential, for I will make it purposefully shaped in the end, but it is a process. My end goal is not in sight, it will reveal itself as I move forward. I do have some hopes for what it might become, but I cannot be quite sure that my finite body will carry out my wishes.
It is a paradox for me - I have a vague concept in my mind of something grand that I want on paper, but if I saw it on paper, the concept would be that much easier to translate from theoretical to practical. The art of suggestion, revealing of the finished product, surprising both myself and my audience.
What exactly is art? My friends laugh at me in reply, giving a knowing smile that they will know it when it manifests. It is a perspective, a view of your world captured on paper or clay. Writers, sculptors, painters, preachers, politicians, and publishing editors all may engage in the medium. Indefinable, beautiful, touching, horrifying, hopeful, or deranged, it moves humanity into action, whether it be awe or revulsion. We learn when we observe it.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Motion - Study
The two words in the title comprised a phrase that was frequently repeated in my childhood home. The underlying theme was "You are wasting time and energy! Work at it harder, do it faster, make it a better job!" One trip is more efficient than two sloppily rapid trips. Think before you commit to something, consider the import of your actions. This was drilled into me day after day, it makes sense, but it takes time to do so.
I am impatient at times, preferring to do something decisively and quickly, not always stopping to check how my results will be viewed. In games it has the effect of a surprising opening gambit, but soon spirals into predictability. One who determines to live in the moment and act on impulse is a slave to whim. Many a good beginning has a bad end. I have enjoyed today and am satisfied that my choices have had been harmless and inconsequential. However, these decisions I make today will shape tomorrow's choices, ad infinitum. Life may not be a closed circuit but biblically speaking, you will reap what you sow.
May I cast my seeds of thought with purpose, rather than scattering them aimlessly like today. Motion is but the result of effort over time, its value lies in that it is a measurable manifestation of those changes.
"Never mistake activity for Progress." - John Wooden
I am impatient at times, preferring to do something decisively and quickly, not always stopping to check how my results will be viewed. In games it has the effect of a surprising opening gambit, but soon spirals into predictability. One who determines to live in the moment and act on impulse is a slave to whim. Many a good beginning has a bad end. I have enjoyed today and am satisfied that my choices have had been harmless and inconsequential. However, these decisions I make today will shape tomorrow's choices, ad infinitum. Life may not be a closed circuit but biblically speaking, you will reap what you sow.
May I cast my seeds of thought with purpose, rather than scattering them aimlessly like today. Motion is but the result of effort over time, its value lies in that it is a measurable manifestation of those changes.
"Never mistake activity for Progress." - John Wooden
Friday, July 29, 2011
Downpour - Grey
Wasn't sure what would occur to me today - but nature has made a case for its inclusion.
It has been in the upper 90's day after day this week, the intensity of the heat stunts the growth of lawns and transforms cars with leather seats to be saunas on wheels.
But today, the sky slowly became grey (or gray, curiously titled color isn't it?) and overcast, lifting up hope in my heart for a cleansing storm. As I glance up at my window screen dappled with droplets, I view it in the light of being simply beautiful.
It started as I was fetching laundry from the clothesline - a wind whipping the bedsheets every so often, rattling the leaves in the trees. It seemed that Nature was sighing in relief, as a tired laborer taking a shower after a long shift. I looked to the sky and reckoned it to be both a comfort and a source of awe, such was the raw power of the darkening weather. I hope it rains hard tonight, for sleeping through thunderstorms always spurs me to be grateful for having a roof over my head. I pray for those who don't have the blessings that I am given freely. I pray to He who wields the storm, that he takes pity upon these souls, and watches over them as they soldier through life.
May I ever sing for His praise and glory. Selah.
It has been in the upper 90's day after day this week, the intensity of the heat stunts the growth of lawns and transforms cars with leather seats to be saunas on wheels.
But today, the sky slowly became grey (or gray, curiously titled color isn't it?) and overcast, lifting up hope in my heart for a cleansing storm. As I glance up at my window screen dappled with droplets, I view it in the light of being simply beautiful.
It started as I was fetching laundry from the clothesline - a wind whipping the bedsheets every so often, rattling the leaves in the trees. It seemed that Nature was sighing in relief, as a tired laborer taking a shower after a long shift. I looked to the sky and reckoned it to be both a comfort and a source of awe, such was the raw power of the darkening weather. I hope it rains hard tonight, for sleeping through thunderstorms always spurs me to be grateful for having a roof over my head. I pray for those who don't have the blessings that I am given freely. I pray to He who wields the storm, that he takes pity upon these souls, and watches over them as they soldier through life.
May I ever sing for His praise and glory. Selah.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Honor - Unsung
To my father, as thanksgiving on the anniversary of his birth.
I hold much love, for his patient smile, his joyous mirth.
His laughter and thrill at life as it is. -
Trained me to see blessings with eyes filled with bliss.
He raised me up, his firstborn son.
He bought a basketball goal in hopes of what I might become.
Though I still love that game, my younger brother's passion for it is more inflamed.
For I was also my mother's child, her love of books passed strongly with style.
My father loved sports from a young age.
A scrappy mop-topped twin, though susceptible to rage.
He overcame his temper with discipline and prayer,
And taught me long-suffering when my own anger brought me there.
I wonder how he raised me as he did.
I have nothing but fond memories when I was a kid.
Snipping my nasty habits in the bud before they grew
The moments of discipline pruned the old, kept the new.
I know am frustrating to converse with sometimes, holding my cards close to my chest.
My father waits for my play, he knows my potential best.
He trained himself as a thinker, analyzing for his career.
He is logical and methodical, doesn't play things by ear.
From a young age, the Word of God was his study.
Gifted with great memory, it kept his heart from being muddied.
That same faculty was passed on to me, his counsel and wisdom saved me from the pull of vain philosophies.
These verses I write cannot fully communicate,
The life of the man who trained me in the way narrow and straight.
He is an example for me to follow without fear or shame.
I am quite honored that I will ever bear his name.
No matter how far I fight and stubbornly push for my way.
He loves me deeply, and won't let me stray.
I owe God so much for giving Him life years ago to this day.
I hold much love, for his patient smile, his joyous mirth.
His laughter and thrill at life as it is. -
Trained me to see blessings with eyes filled with bliss.
He raised me up, his firstborn son.
He bought a basketball goal in hopes of what I might become.
Though I still love that game, my younger brother's passion for it is more inflamed.
For I was also my mother's child, her love of books passed strongly with style.
My father loved sports from a young age.
A scrappy mop-topped twin, though susceptible to rage.
He overcame his temper with discipline and prayer,
And taught me long-suffering when my own anger brought me there.
I wonder how he raised me as he did.
I have nothing but fond memories when I was a kid.
Snipping my nasty habits in the bud before they grew
The moments of discipline pruned the old, kept the new.
I know am frustrating to converse with sometimes, holding my cards close to my chest.
My father waits for my play, he knows my potential best.
He trained himself as a thinker, analyzing for his career.
He is logical and methodical, doesn't play things by ear.
From a young age, the Word of God was his study.
Gifted with great memory, it kept his heart from being muddied.
That same faculty was passed on to me, his counsel and wisdom saved me from the pull of vain philosophies.
These verses I write cannot fully communicate,
The life of the man who trained me in the way narrow and straight.
He is an example for me to follow without fear or shame.
I am quite honored that I will ever bear his name.
No matter how far I fight and stubbornly push for my way.
He loves me deeply, and won't let me stray.
I owe God so much for giving Him life years ago to this day.
Use - Eyes
It is nice that my father's birthday conveniently falls upon tomorrow, my day in which I try my hand at spontaneous poetry. I hope to honor him well, as he is quite an amazing fellow. I know that all children look to their dads at some point and think him great, but it is still true in my case. The years have only served to deepen my appreciation for my father and all the love and patience he has bestowed in guiding my life. A lot of this sentiment will flow in the following post, if God grants me the wit and clarity to express it in words.
This day went remarkably well, alternately working small tasks, listening to Leon Patillo's "Dance Children Dance" which I bought as a gift for tomorrow, and reading short essays by James Thurber. Thurber never ceases to delight me, as with P.G. Wodehouse's whims of fate, so with Thurber's daydreaming a supposed timidity away. His "Snapshot of a Dog" piece is particularly good, for the reason that Thurber is nostalgically fond of its subject. "The dog that bit people" is humorous in its accuracy - I have held the acquaintance of such miserable specimens before. Those are my thoughts for today, until tomorrow's sunrise, I leave you.
This day went remarkably well, alternately working small tasks, listening to Leon Patillo's "Dance Children Dance" which I bought as a gift for tomorrow, and reading short essays by James Thurber. Thurber never ceases to delight me, as with P.G. Wodehouse's whims of fate, so with Thurber's daydreaming a supposed timidity away. His "Snapshot of a Dog" piece is particularly good, for the reason that Thurber is nostalgically fond of its subject. "The dog that bit people" is humorous in its accuracy - I have held the acquaintance of such miserable specimens before. Those are my thoughts for today, until tomorrow's sunrise, I leave you.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Affliction - Experience
"Not much for conversation, I still find need to pray. Sometimes I get tired of walking through these ordinary days. If nothing else I get to see you, even if we never speak. The harm of words, though sometimes We don't quite know what they really mean.
I don't know where, I don't know how, I don't know why. But your love can make these things better.
So let me lay down in this field and stare up at the sky. I hope the days and clouds turn into something as they pass us by. And maybe you could settle for a skyline faded blue. I hope that you might settle for this love I have for you." - Jars of Clay "These Ordinary Days" (Eleventh Hour)
I rest in the knowledge that although the weather has been hot and humid, there is the breeze to abate overheating. In all the everyday obstacles and problems, there are small blessings and beauty as well. I will not be blindly advising you to sardonically smile in the face of hardship, but to be mindful of what you can learn through its duration. Maybe you will weather it better the next time a similar problem arises. Possibly you may cross paths with another struggling with the same emotions, and an opportunity to empathize will open. The world isn't against any one person in particular, so do not wallow in self pity or woe. Set your face like a flint and your shoulders to bear burdens for others. Even if they do not reciprocate, your actions will be observed by bystanding innocents - setting an example for how a life is to be lived.
"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." - Mark 9:35
"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." - Mark 10:44
"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:40-45
I don't know where, I don't know how, I don't know why. But your love can make these things better.
So let me lay down in this field and stare up at the sky. I hope the days and clouds turn into something as they pass us by. And maybe you could settle for a skyline faded blue. I hope that you might settle for this love I have for you." - Jars of Clay "These Ordinary Days" (Eleventh Hour)
I rest in the knowledge that although the weather has been hot and humid, there is the breeze to abate overheating. In all the everyday obstacles and problems, there are small blessings and beauty as well. I will not be blindly advising you to sardonically smile in the face of hardship, but to be mindful of what you can learn through its duration. Maybe you will weather it better the next time a similar problem arises. Possibly you may cross paths with another struggling with the same emotions, and an opportunity to empathize will open. The world isn't against any one person in particular, so do not wallow in self pity or woe. Set your face like a flint and your shoulders to bear burdens for others. Even if they do not reciprocate, your actions will be observed by bystanding innocents - setting an example for how a life is to be lived.
"And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all." - Mark 9:35
"And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all." - Mark 10:44
"And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." - Matthew 5:40-45
Monday, July 25, 2011
1337- 9000+ - 5555
All the above numbers have side meanings according to the internet.
The first is "elite" in gamer vocabulary, the highest honor and designation, a Master statistic.
The Second is derived from a Dragon Ball Z episode in which a character's power level is "over 9000," an outrageous measuring system for ki - Japanese mental focus.
5555 is primarily claimed by Daft Punk's animated film, "Interstellar 5555 - 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem." A immortal gains world ending power upon obtaining five-thousand-five-hundred-fifty-five golden records. Absurd idea, but also an incredible one.
Numbers are fundamentally unemotional, but for the stories and significance people attached to them. Words may be strung together to make beautiful prose or cutting commentary to the human condition. Numbers are used to measure, calculate, and qualify our progress throughout life. It is a human mindset to attach significance to objects surrounding their everyday lives - it makes them notable and thus easier to care about.
However, we also have a tendency to extend this to people in the form of stereotypes - Which are handy, even eerily accurate at times, but are not definitive measures of individual people. For once we can categorize, we can trivialize, and stop taking note of new data or trends. By the time the person or object changes through time's processes, we merely glance and update our labels of them.
We cannot conceive the totality of another human being in its complexity - its whims, its habits, its loves. Humans are beautiful, fragile, and vivacious, seizing the moment and carrying the day. Yet we fear what others think of our actions, what they will call us. I will attempt to live in the wonder of free will and the dignity of being made in the image of God. For though we may attach meaning and stories to the objects around us, it is poor form to treat meaningful and living people as if they were objects.
The first is "elite" in gamer vocabulary, the highest honor and designation, a Master statistic.
The Second is derived from a Dragon Ball Z episode in which a character's power level is "over 9000," an outrageous measuring system for ki - Japanese mental focus.
5555 is primarily claimed by Daft Punk's animated film, "Interstellar 5555 - 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem." A immortal gains world ending power upon obtaining five-thousand-five-hundred-fifty-five golden records. Absurd idea, but also an incredible one.
Numbers are fundamentally unemotional, but for the stories and significance people attached to them. Words may be strung together to make beautiful prose or cutting commentary to the human condition. Numbers are used to measure, calculate, and qualify our progress throughout life. It is a human mindset to attach significance to objects surrounding their everyday lives - it makes them notable and thus easier to care about.
However, we also have a tendency to extend this to people in the form of stereotypes - Which are handy, even eerily accurate at times, but are not definitive measures of individual people. For once we can categorize, we can trivialize, and stop taking note of new data or trends. By the time the person or object changes through time's processes, we merely glance and update our labels of them.
We cannot conceive the totality of another human being in its complexity - its whims, its habits, its loves. Humans are beautiful, fragile, and vivacious, seizing the moment and carrying the day. Yet we fear what others think of our actions, what they will call us. I will attempt to live in the wonder of free will and the dignity of being made in the image of God. For though we may attach meaning and stories to the objects around us, it is poor form to treat meaningful and living people as if they were objects.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)