Here & Now

By LYNNE BENSON
Artist.
Selah Companion.

My fine arts teacher would perhaps cringe at this painting.  Yet, the concept captures something that I have been thinking about – simplicity.

When I think of child-like faith, it’s like out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants.  Often children are straightforward, say what they mean, and do it in the simplest of terms.  Their younger lives don’t have as much luggage as those who are older, so there is a kind of purity in what they express.

In many ways, I would rather present my work as well-crafted, top-notch, considered beautifully painted, but I realized that personal external presentation is not everything.  This time, I wanted to express something of what isn’t quite as polished, like the me that isn’t always performing as expected, but may be a little rough, a bit unrefined, authentically unfinished yet being crafted from the inside. I’m learning to paint with greater skill, thanks to my teacher, and being formed inwardly by the Master Craftsman, lover of my soul.

So this angel, craft-like rather than elegant, seems childlike. The message:  straightforward, simple.  While it may not be what we picture in our minds when we think of angels or what you might expect from what you’ve thought, like the ones depicted as fearful enough to cause viewers to fall on their faces; this message is gentle, yet excited.  Glad. Filled with the giddyness and wonder that a joyful child might express.  Not necessarily elegant, but genuine and delighted.

As from the comic strip Peanuts, said Linus Van Pelt:

…for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Linus

Merry Christmas for all,
Lynne