Abstraction and mindsets

Abstract with stars – mixed media by Ken Riddles

ABSTRACTION and mindsets

The ‘average’ persons, who have a passing interest in art, more specifically painting, are often quite suspicious of abstract art. Perhaps less so nowadays? (Who really knows?).

Usually the reason they are suspicious is because they do not immediately see any skill.

Skill they consciously or unconsciously measure by depiction that resembles the real world.

To which they respond “Oh that’s beautiful”, (or not as the case may be).

They can see it is exactly what it purports to be as in being exactly what it says on the tin.

[Conversely – Warhol’s Campbell soup tins/cans, come to mind].

They conclude that if something looks ‘just like a photograph’ (an oft repeated comment when viewing naturalistic art) – it is therefore of great merit.

They conclude (or half-conclude), that anyone who ‘throws’ paint around on a flat surface producing something similar to what their four year old did the other day – is out to deceive us all, into considering them artists rather than ‘con artists’.

They can be ‘guilty’ of being unable to separate good abstract art from poor. And there is no doubt that good abstract art can appear by ‘chance’ under the hand of even a non-arty person.

Such considerations as the above can cause us to conclude that it is best to abandon abstract art as being too ‘dodgy’.

But there is the artistic mindset and the non-artistic mindset. Usually people have one or the other.

It is not my intention in this post to defend abstract art, but simply to draw your attention to the different mindsets, that exist amongst the population, regarding this subject.

One mindset is the result of little time spent studying art. The other is usually the result of daily contemplation of the same.

One mindset, embraces and enjoys all aspects of art making, the other responds to what is before it’s eyes, and how it relates to the beauty of God’s creation, and whether it is doing justice to that beauty, even though on the trompe l’oeil lie of a flat surface.

NB: [Trompe l’oeil def. Visual illusion in art, especially as used to trick the eye into perceiving a painted detail as a three-dimensional object.]

The artistic mindset would encourage the non-arty mindset to delve into and study art more fully.

The non-artistic mindset would chastise the abstract artist, exhorting them to stop trying to fool the public, and get back to their day job.

The eyes have it.

The eyes have it – by Ken Riddles

THE EYES HAVE IT

I was just thinking lately (again), how visual art leaves itself open to misinterpretation perhaps more than any other art form.

Of course there is the school of thought that holds to the view that once the painting has ‘left’ the artist’s brain and hand, it is no longer his own, and whatever the viewers choose to make it, is fine.

And to a large degree that is true.

It’s only when the viewer reads all kinds of narratives into the work, that are contrary to the artist’s personal beliefs, that trouble arises.

Perhaps the viewer will form a moral conclusion that goes contrary to the artist’s held view or lifestyle, or their conclusion has nothing to do with his intention in producing the work.

The art critics ‘read’ paintings all the time. That is supposed to be their ‘job’.

Sometimes the ‘non-arty’ observer will remain unconvinced about their conclusions.

“How did he get all that from looking at this…?” kind of conclusion.

Part of the ‘fun’ of viewing paintings is that they can mean something to you, that the artists never intended. And that’s ok – except when a conclusion is formed about the artist (rather than the work) that is just plain untrue.

                                          ***

For those who will miss the play on words in this title. I suppose I should explain. In the British parliament, when a vote is taken on the floor of the house of commons, the speaker is heard to read the result and sometimes conclude: “The ‘Aye’s’ have it, The ‘Aye’s’ have it.”

Which simply means those in favour of the proposal have won the day.

The eyes here depicted have no other message – than paying attention in anticipation of approaching bus.

But then all kinds of narratives could be read into the scene – could they not?

[NB: The painting came first – the title second].

‘Getting through…’

‘Getting through…’

Christians who share the gospel message on a one to one basis, with a particular individual, often discern that the person is ‘not getting it’.

We take hope in adding ‘at least NOT YET!’.

We too were in the ‘not getting it’ category.

A gospel message with the hand of The Holy Spirit upon it, and upon the hearers, will/does/can, get through to the persons mind and spirit.

This ‘getting through’ – as I refer to it – is what the bible more exactly describes as ‘a revelation of Jesus Christ’.

There’s just no other way to appreciate and respond to the gospel, except for the inner God-given sense that it is true.

100% true.

JOHN THE BAPTIST PREACHING TRUTH:

33 You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.

JESUS THE CHRIST PREACHING TRUTH:

36 But I have a greater witness than John’s; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.

The greater witness or testimony of truth by The Lord Jesus Christ, could not have been greater, as He is The Son of God.

When the Son of God ‘gets through’ to your innermost being, the result is an encounter with Him, if you respond to the revelation.

John testified that the Messiah had come and said:

35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

John points us to The Messiah, Jesus The Christ.

The greater witness/revelation comes when you allow the message to mingle with your innermost being, realising that God Himself is speaking to you directly through His Word of Truth, found in the gospel.

That’s why He ordained that the gospel should be written down, and preached. It is God’s chosen means of communicating to mankind that Jesus is the Saviour of the world.

The ‘greater witness than John’s’ was the fact that God was willing to demonstrate His eternal power and Godhead through manifesting His healing and delivering power. He did so through His Only Begotten Sinless Son.

His sinlessness meant He could access God’s healing virtue and power. Thus was demonstrated the greater ability than John was given. Thus the expression ‘greater witness than John’.

But also His patient delivering of message after message, about life’s answers, giving us a guide to Himself as we obey this gospel of Jesus Christ. His preaching was greater than all who had come before:

John 7/

45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?”

46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!” (The greater witness)

And in conclusion…

John 10:

40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptising in the early days. There he stayed, 41 and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man (Jesus the Christ) was true.” 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Will He…?

Will He…?

If someone had the answer to everything, and he gifted it to the whole world, but let it be known, in a whisper, so that millions couldn’t hear Him except for a few nearby friends, who happened to be in the room, when he gave the answer….

The only way the world could get the answer would be if the few spread it – to the many. 

NB: (They turned the world upside-down – see Acts 17/6.)

(However a different kind of ‘not hearing’ would take place if those who heard loud and clear – refused the answer, not because they couldn’t hear the whisper. But rather refused to hear, the loud and clear proclamation of the answer. A closing of their ears in other words, by choice).

The one-to-one word of mouth, is initially what happened amongst the early disciples of The Lord Jesus Christ. 

Hundreds/thousands of years later and it is still spread that way – on a one-to-one basis.

But of course, also now, through multi-media means, the message – the gospel – is spread to the eyes and ears of many.

Christ Jesus is Lord and holds the answer(s).

But Jesus Christ The Lord, whilst walking the earth,  asked a very pertinent question on one occasion:

Luke 18:7-9

7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

I am allowing myself the liberty of not contextualising His question. As I believe it has application in context or out of immediate context…

“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Rather than give you a theological response to this statement, why don’t I just leave you with His question, for you personally and subjectively, to find an answer to. Therefore beginning with yourself.…

“…will He really find faith on the earth?”

Well…will He?

Fruitcake

FRUITCAKE

An obnoxious little chap is he

Shuffling about with grim face and sore knee

Glum – with lower lip straddling the upper

He slouches over the table at supper

                           ***

But you will not find him change

That’s why people find him so strange

A kind word – a pleasant glance

And he remains oblivious to your stance

                           ***

All the compliments you can make

Make little difference to this fruitcake

Now before you think that I’m unkind

Let me tell you he is self-defined

                           ***

“I’m just a little fruitcake”

Is his own personal take

On a life of eating and walking

Silent as a lamb or always talking

                           ***

In the bakery he insists on marshmallows

Though his friendship seems to remain shallow

Kindness filters through from time to time

As he listens and laughs at a funny rhyme

                           ***

He is schizophrenic – you might have guessed

His friendship never goes away – you are blessed

He’s glad to see you day after day

And he gives you a hug – if you care to say:

                           ***

“That he is your friend no matter what”

He will expect your friendship to stand up

Stand up to his ups and downs

Stand up to his dismissive frowns

                           ***

Can you see your way to accepting him?

After all you are only once-removed

From where he is at

We are all fragile beings – are we not?

Life on the jar

LIFE ON THE JAR 22

As my eyes lit upon this row of jars on my shelf in my art hut/studio, I suddenly realised there must be some kind of message here?

All kinds of people ‘brush’ against – or – past us, in life’s journey.

There were folks back in the day that we ‘hip’ guys called ‘square’. A term long since lost in the mist of time. It referred to those who were not ‘with the programme’, not ‘where it was at’, not ‘clued-in on the scene…’

“Not in the groove man…”

So ok they were not all ‘small’ – but they were ‘square’.

Only, the thing is, in hindsight, often the square people had more going for them in common sense, than us ‘Cool types’.

                                          ***

Then we all I’m sure have encountered the ‘poor’.

There are those who are financially poor. Others are ‘poor’ at a given activity. We used to receive school reports and often the dreaded teacher’s summation: ‘Poor – will have to show more effort,’ would appear.

However the Bible also talks about the ‘poor’. Who, the scripture informs us, are in for a blessing from God Himself.

The Amplified version of the Bible states Matthew 5/3 in a way that gives us a clear picture without adding a word:

“Blessed [spiritually prosperous, happy, to be admired] are the poor in spirit [those devoid of spiritual arrogance, those who regard themselves as insignificant], for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].

The poor (in spirit) are found on my jar label, inasmuch as abandoning our inherent pride and becoming small before the Lord, and we become The blessed of God:

James 4:6

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”

                                        ***

Next we have ‘small good’. If you are like me you upbraid yourself for accomplishing (in one’s own eyes) nothing big in life. But at least the small things, we perhaps did, are at least good.

And we have, from time to time, done a good job. All my three children are followers of Christ. So this has to be a good small-big-job, to have been that influence in their lives.

The saying also comes to mind: ‘Do small well’.

                                           ***

Next is ‘special’. Well it’s great to know we are special. 

Everyone of us is special in the sight of God. These brushes are used for certain effects, other brushes cannot accomplish as easily.

You are special, and you contribute something no one else can possibly provide. As it carries the stamp of your personality, making it unique and enjoyable to others.

The crux of the gospel is John 3/16: 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

It’s often been stated that if you were the only person in the world – Jesus would have come and died for you. Guess that makes you special – right?

                                       ***

The last jar is a mixture of medium, square, and large brushes.

That reminds me of the fact that ‘It takes all sorts to make a world’.

Regardless of our outward appearance, the real person is inside. To have a big heart is more important than to be tall or large in stature.

There is over indulgence, complete abstention, or there is a ‘happy medium’ in partaking of the things of this world.

And referring again to ‘square’ – don’t watch too much TV or you will get a square head. 😅

Taking a break

Taking a break by Ken Riddles

In the shade

Watercolour by Ken Riddles:

Young love

YOUNG LOVE

And I – lying in hospital

Young – so very young

There was a girl nurse

So attentive and kind

This little boy fell in love

With the girl who looked-in

Even when her shift did not begin

                ***

Appendix removed

And tubes down the throat

Burst – residue up the pipes – did soak

                ***

Later discovered she was a Christian

Who loved the little boy so pale

He is now an old boy

Still living to tell the tale

Enough…

Enough…

Is a long poem

One written on a toilet roll?

                  ***

Is a sink only a sink

If it has a sunken basin?

                  ***

Is a pip – all seeds

Or only fit for an orange?

                  ***

Is progression ever made backwards?

Or is digression – retrograde?

                  ***

When is enough enough?

Is it ever enough?

As there is always more

Is there not?

                  ***

Enough said…

What Traditions?

WHAT TRADITIONS???

We might say that some traditions are good – and are to be kept.

Dead tradition we might describe as a dead tree with no life.

When tradition takes the place of a real and intimate relationship with God, we are left with Pharisaism.

The increase of spiritual darkness over the world creates a ‘pressing-in’ on the human race, as mankind is buffeted and cajoled, by the powers of darkness. Provoking mankind to abandon morality, and normality.

In response to this, Christians can try to counteract the ungodly pressure of secularism  in Christian communities, by holding to the traditions of the fathers.

Paul the apostle says:

1 Corinthians 11:1-3

2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you…

2 Thessalonians 2:14-16

…15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.

So here the life-giving principles (traditions) that Paul and other apostles taught, were to be embraced and maintained.

This gives a much needed sense of stability in an unstable world.

As things fall apart, with the wars and rumours of wars, that are happening, and the mental and emotional pressure from the powers of darkness – tradition can give hope, something to continue in, something to practice to give a sense of staying on course.

However The Lord Jesus spoke out against DEAD TRADITION.

Matthew 15:2-4

2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 

To get the context and The Lord’s ongoing teaching – see the full passage.

From the above incident we learn that Jesus exhorts us to put the Word of God (commandments), before conforming to any kind of tradition.

So the world in which we live as it abandons the right principles of God, may be fooled into thinking that if only it sticks to a traditional religious mode of outward behaviour it has the antidote to all that is happening.

But in actual fact it is only the Word of God that is the antidote.

It is the life-giving Spirit of God who comes to our rescue and help, applying His Word to our inner person, strengthening us and enabling us to walk in His ways, in contradistinction to all that is happening around us. 

1 Corinthians 15:44-46

44 It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

The ‘last Adam’ is of course The Lord Jesus Christ – He gives spiritual life to all who call upon Him.

Notice the reference to the natural body and then the spiritual body.

That can also be a picture of natural religion, compared to spiritual life. One – a thing of man’s fallen nature – the other – of his new life in Christ.

Let’s not keep the ‘traditions’ of the first Adam, but the ‘traditions’ of the Second!

Futility

FUTILITY (all scripture in red)

As natural human beings, consisting of the same physical and mental make-up, as in male and female, we are endowed with a mind, a will and emotions plus a human spirit.

Solomon who (it is generally accepted amongst bible scholars) wrote the book  of Ecclesiastes, informs us of something that pre-occupied him.

It was a quest to find out what it was good to do ‘under the sun’.

What should one do with one’s life? What should one give oneself to, as we pass through this scene of time?

What are the common ingredients that go to make up a life?

We eat, we sleep, we walk, we talk, we think, we see and hear, we work, we learn, and so on and so on…

In what activities do we engage our faculties?

What is it good to give ourselves to?

Solomon undertook the task of finding out. What conclusions did he come to, in his search to find…

What profit has a man from all his labor
In which he toils under the sun?

It would be looked upon, as a totally pessimistic view of life, if one were to give the one-word answer to Solomon’s quest/question, about what it was profitable to do under the sun.

The one word answer would be ‘nothing’. There’s no profit. We could add: ‘after all we just die in the end, so what’s the point?

There is no profit in the sense that man’s lifespan is short on the earth and eternity awaits. 

All things are full of labor;
Man cannot express it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor the ear filled with hearing.

That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.

Nothing satisfies, or more correctly ‘has lasting satisfaction’.

I see so many people, often celebrities who have received the ‘momentary’ adulation that followers give, go on to manifest in one way or another that all is… 

“Meaningless! Meaningless!”
    says the Teacher.
“Utterly meaningless!
    Everything is meaningless.”

(Ecclesiastes 1/2)

They demonstrate this with their mixed-up lifestyles. Dabbling in debauchery to see if that is the answer. 

Trying to be satisfied with partner/wife/husband/children – followed by discontentment that can’t resolve issues, which then leads to  break up or divorce, and often more than once.

What about the acquiring of great material wealth? Is that the answer to what life is about ‘under the sun’?

Solomon says, quoting but a snippet of all that he did say:

Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces…

Going on to conclude:

And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.
There was no profit under the sun.

With all of the things that make up a human’s walk on this earth, we miss out on the satisfaction that can only come from a relationship with The Creator Himself.

                                          ….

I see myself as a discontented human being.

That’s part of the makeup of my personality. And it is my relationship with Christ Jesus, that keeps that discontentedness in check.

There is an old saying that did the rounds in Christian circles years ago: ‘I’m satisfied with a dissatisfied satisfaction.’

In other words I long for more of God in my life – so although He gives deep inner peace and satisfaction, I long for more of Him.

The other extreme is people who are so satisfied and satiated with the natural world, that they are travelling towards eternity like some train, filled to capacity with goods, but about to go over the cliff.

For some or many (?) – any discontentment they have – they have managed to bury under heavy layers of apathy, numbing all desires they have for inner peace.

Some are naturally satiated and directionless when it comes to spiritual matters – blindly walking into the ditch or quicksands of lostness.

I believe the book of Ecclesiastes was ordained by God to say to mankind: ‘If I leave you to your own wrong choices and devices in your present state of selfishness then this (book) is written to show you the only conclusion you can come to’:

“Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” (HCSB)

The way mankind has rejected and turned his back on God and when considering all Christ has done at the cross of calvary, using human reasoning alone, would suggest that the proper conclusion for God to come to, regarding mankind would be:

“Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”

*…all, like sheep, have gone astray…

What’s the point in giving my Son to die on their behalf ? – why it’s…

“Absolute futility. Everything is futile.”

But completing that verse we read:

*…all, like sheep, have gone astray…

…each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53/6)

In God’s infinite wisdom, He did not think it a futile endeavour to send His Son to deal with the sin problem on the earth.

It was not futile even though mankind in, let’s just say large numbers, rejected Christ’s cross-work as futile.

God knows the only redemption for mankind is found in this perfect plan of salvation, that He himself drew up.

But the cross and what took place thereon, is foolishness to many.

It is a perfect plan and action – but the god (the devil), of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe that it is God’s perfect plan.

God does not handle rejection, the way we, left to our own devises – do.

Despite man’s rejection of His Son, the plan and action of Christ on the cross will still stand to the end of time, and beyond.

There is no other plan, no other Saviour, no other means of obtaining deliverance from the sin and evil that lives on the planet, and is the cause of the ‘futility factor’.

Because of the mystery of iniquity contaminating our souls and producing deep dis-satisfaction, insatiable greed and more – we are left with the conclusions of Ecclesiastes.

But thank God, He has made provision and remedy for every form of

“Absolute futility. Everything is futile,”

in the Person of The Lord Jesus Christ.

He it is, that makes life worthwhile. He has given us all things to enjoy, BUT – only whilst we partnership with Himself in a living relationship.

It is a relationship with Him that brings the contentment, that all the other things we try to cram into our lives to find peace, contentment and satisfaction – cannot achieve.

If you desire this relationship with Jesus the Christ, but have no idea how to have this relationship, let me know. (ken.riddles@btinternet.com).