Evidence of Beauty

Even though this evidence has been presented before, it has been more subtle than self-evident. Since beginning my research in 2009, for my Master’s degree and from there towards a Doctoral degree, I have prefaced every essay, every paper, and every project and thesis, with a visual artifact from my personal artwork collection of drawings and paintings. No explanation for the artifact was given in the said essay or paper except for perhaps a brief reference if such were required. Nevertheless the purpose of these artifacts has been to demonstrate the power of art to draw attention to an idea, or in my case, to draw attention to the subject of the writing at hand, and to offer an aesthetic experience. In this manner, I set out to demonstrate the use of visual language as integral to my long term goal, that is, the inquiry into the experience of spiritual ministry at the intersection of art, critical thought, and the kingdom of God. In every case, people have validated the utility and acceptance of my unique, unifying and comprehensive approach with which I have drawn attention to the writing submitted.

“The Evidence of Beauty,” The Silverpoint Metaphor by Gerrit Verstraete. Generative Works, Luminata Series, 2003. Luminata No. 1. Cat.No.337. 33 X 21. Silverpoint & graphite on mixed media paper with silver enamel spray.

Continuity

I realized I had not posted anything since November of last year, when I was busy exploring the meaning of engaging culture. Somehow time just fell through gaps in the Christmas holidays and into the New Year, and here on the west coast there are rumors of an early Spring. Sounds good to me. I was contemplating the nature of my continuum as I geared up for an appreciative inquiry into my methodology, that is, the research design and methodology that will carry me to completion of my Doctoral degree. That was when a little note posted on my studio wall, caught my eye. I had written, "you must draw continually because you need to, and that will help you draw when you want to." It didn't take much to transfer that thought to writing, which is a major component of my research. And thus it reads, "I must write continually because I need to, and that will help me write when I want to." But, my need is not a burden. I love to write, as I love to draw and paint. And so, the New Year began with a return to writing my fourth novel, an historical novel of WWII that I had begun early in 2012. Within days, the continuum kicked in, and I found the process of writing fiction in complete harmony with writing academic papers, especially when I am prompted to add a good piece of narrative to my research papers. Just as charting or mapping the events of WWII lends credibility to my novel, so the mapping of the methodology of my research is similar to exploring a family tree. If I display a hit of excitement about the continuum, I am.