Over the past ten years or so, I have come to really appreciate the unique work produced by a young artist named Andrew Clemens, who grew up in Iowa in the late 1800’s and produced some amazing things that have not been matched since. He became deaf at age 13 and taught himself how to create works of art in glass bottles using tiny grains of sand, all put together upside down. The originality, patience, and dedication it took to learn this and then to complete each piece is what impresses me the most. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy works by more traditional artists like Chagall, Vermeer, Russell, Rothko, Dingilian, etc, but really appreciate those who can create remarkable things from almost nothing. What style of art catches your eye?
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2
Maybe some types of fine art do not impress you as much as some people. You may much more appreciate the design of a nicely built house, a vehicle, the layout of a garden, a well written book, or a catchy tune. You might stand in awe when you look across the horizon just before sunrise and are amazed at the beauty in this world, or when you look up into the night sky you get a glimpse of the splendor and extent of creation. There is design and beauty throughout this world that testifies to the creator when we stop to listen for a moment. What most speaks to you? What do you hear?
“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? Job 12:7-9
So, take a moment today, or any day to appreciate the beauty found throughout your world during the normal, daily routine. Whether that is the engineering it took to put together the vehicle you are driving, the simple beauty found along the road, or the quality and effort some put into their work each day. Give thanks to the God who gave each of us these abilities to use as we emulate what He has done in creating order out of chaos and beauty out of nothing. Take a quick glimpse across the expanse of this earth and acknowledge Him in the wonders of creation, as well as the unique work he does in each of us!
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. John 1:3-4
Courage in Christ,
Clark
