True Creativity

"True creativity flows from the Creator. Christians should be the most creative people in the world."This quote is from  Linwood Berry, an IPHC missionary to Spain and a fantastic artist. I look at his art and I am in awe. 

 I have always known as a nurse that the Lord, our creator, made us all unique. We are all human, but genetically we have differences that cause us to be individuals. That uniqueness goes deeper than our DNA. It goes into our very spirit and soul!

My nephew David is also an artist. He doesn't think so but he is. I have told him, art flows out of who you are. It is as unique and individual as the person who creates it. And as Linwood so beautifully stated, it flows from our Creator! And I am continually learning this applies to me and my art as well. 

For over thirty years I put my art in the back of my mind. I had a career, a husband and a child. (I do regret that many times in my life, they actually fell in that order.) Last year I decided I wanted to paint again. I was a little leery about how to start. Mainly because I used to feel pangs of envy when I looked at the art of people like Linwood and others. Envy because I wanted to paint like they did. I didn't think I was good enough. 

The Lord has brought me to the realization that I am not supposed to paint like anyone else. He created me to be different that others just as He created you to be different from me. I have to remember the advice I gave David, art flows out of who you are. 

God is the ultimate artist! I see it with every sunset and sunrise. It is evident in the beauty of the flowers and the majesty of the mountains. And in the face of a child. "The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. (Psalm 19:1 NKJV) While I am developing my skills and still have much to learn,  this is what I want my art to show, the glory of God. This is why  my art is, Peinture Nan Ke  yon Bondje (paintings from the heart of God), or simply Penti (painting) .