Here’s a shot of my newest “art” project. A 1939 Plymouth pickup parked in a highly visible corner of our property. Joanne says this is my canvas. I wanted a pickup truck so I could have plants scrolling out of the bed. And I wanted something with cowl 
headlights and rusted patina to show it’s character and meaningful life. Funny how when you get really clear on a goal, it sets things in motion to come into view. I had a blast looking for about two months until I found this one in Gurley, AL.
So what’s your canvas today? We are all artists – just using different methods for sharing who we are. Your canvas may be:
- how you cook
- how you decorate your house
- the kind of car you drive
- the music you create
- the paintings you do
- how you dress
- your own back yard
- the books you write
I love being able to create, to see things others don’t see, and to integrate the past, present and future. I’ll slowly plant and landscape to make this old truck a stopping point for reflection, awe and inspiration. I’ll likely use some old hollyhocks, lilacs, and peonies in the background then come forward with some knock-out roses, phlox and day lilies in the foreground. I want to keep a trail so kids can walk back and touch the old truck. I may use some solar panels to have the headlights softly lit up at night.
Here’s one of my previous projects that I love sharing with people. The bronze eagle is the perfect expression of my message with 48 Days – Dream, Plan & Act. I decided to mount it on a big boulder from right here on our place rather than the polished granite foundation originally planned by the sculptor. I thought it was a more authentic launching point for an eagle and kept it low enough kids can sit with it and rub it’s golden beak.
What opportunities do have to create your art? What story is your art telling about you?
True art, in whatever medium, touches us more deeply than mere information or data. I’m naturally drawn to writing. And so many other art forms flow from writing … music, sermons, speeches, educational resources, plays, films, quality television programming, etc. Truly, whatever we create is a memo of what’s happening on the inside.
Brian – well said. What people see tells what’s happening on the inside.
Mine is presently interior design. We extended our great room last summer to include a large dining area. It is surrounded by windows and French doors. Every Saturday evening a group gathers around our table to share food and Bible study. I’ve been looking for a larger table made with reclaimed wood that had a certain look. I found it last week! I think this room says relax, enjoy, linger, and connect.
Debbie – I love how you are combining the aesthetic design and the ultimate feel you want in that room. So many opportunities to enhance our connection and impact right in our own living spaces. Thanks for sharing this.
I am intrigued with the art of selling using all tools available.The art of breaking through the no wall:)
Dan, I make a wonderful living as an artist, (photography, writing, coaching) but would it be too corny to say that fatherhood is my true art that I try to do every day? Everything you wrote and asked followed me back to raising our sons into great men, and how we work daily to structure the family life that is so important to us. I love what I do, but I can’t think of anything more important that I do daily than being a dad.
Vincent – man that’s not corny at all. That’s the beautiful thing about “art.” We can bring it to any area of our lives. Raising sons is an awesome opportunity for being creative and innovative. I love seeing my grandkids finding their own unique art.
It’s funny. I never considered myself an artist until I considered myself an artist. I spent much of my life denying I had any artistic ability. Once I changed that paradigm and began to consider myself as an artist, possibilities opened up and I was able to express myself in ways I never imagined before. Hope that makes sense.
Clark – I think even the way you treat people as a doctor is an expression of your “art.” And you’ve certainly shown your artistic bent in many other ways in the last couple of years.
Dan, from one artist to another… I love your style! There’s something you said that really encapsulates the artist at his or her best: “…to see things others don’t see.” Artists have an astounding ability to see things, and then to lead others by showing instead of telling (even the best authors “show” with their words instead of telling). This is used to inspire and motivate just as you have done with your audio canvas (your podcast) that I have enjoyed for years. Thanks for using your gifts, and thanks for the inspiring words.
Mike – thanks so much for your kind comments. I appreciate the many “canvases” I’ve been given.
I appreciate the beauty all around me, from beautiful blue sky and puffy white clouds, the roses in my garden, the wonder of childhood, the love of a mother for her newborn baby, etc. I attempt to reflect that beauty through my artwork in such a way that it will touch hurting,wounded hearts and enable them to take their eyes off their problems and begin to focus on the Creator who loves them.
Laurel,
Like money, water or fire, art can be used for good or evil. What a pleasure it is to use it in a way that heals, restores and brings hope.