Friday, September 28, 2012

The Creative Surround




Why do I add images of my artwork to all my essays, papers, and blogs entries? I began doing that in 2009, when I returned to school to do Master’s graduate studies at the University of Alberta. Every blog entry, and every assignment, including my final thesis, began with an image of one of my drawings or paintings. I am continuing “the tradition,” during my Doctoral studies at St.Stephen’s. The reason is to demonstrate the very essence of my research, that is, to propose that art has a positive effect on one’s ability to think critically. It is with critical thought one examines the message of the kingdom of God, and it is through the inspiration and revelation of that kingdom that we purpose to engage the issues of life. In other words, I encourage everyone to surround themselves with creativity, to build a positive construct of artwork and art images to enhance a personal environment for reflection, examination, and meditation. 

“The Embarrassment of Linear Riches,” illustrated in this post is an abstract work of art, drawn in brass point, copper point and silverpoint with a hand-rubbed metal point under-drawing. The work demonstrates an amplified line, as if I imagined magnifying a single metal point line to exaggerated proportions. Yet, in that magnification, I discovered a world of linear and textured beauty, and the evidence of a positive construct, to the point of feeling embarrassed about the simplicity of it all – that is, the richness of a simple line in brass, copper, and silver.

“The Embarrassment of Linear Riches,” by Gerrit Verstraete. 2011. Cat.No.1205. Amplified line in metal point on hardboard, Hand-rubbed brass point, copper point and silverpoint. (48 X 24 in./122 X 61 cm).



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