Intertwining Faith with Art
October 15, 2024 5:51 pm
Intertwining Faith with Art:
A Sense of Rightness
The intertwining of faith and art unfolds naturally as I blend different facets of myself into my creative expressions. This happens during liminal moments when time is frozen: when “Before” and “After” meld together in the present moment. These are moments when things “just feel right”— I feel calm, things make sense, and I am centered.
In gifting Octi Eye to my son, Zach, after I’m gone, it “just feels right”—even though I’m not sure why. I hope my other two kids don’t feel shortchanged; they’re 25 and 28, so I figure they’ll manage. Octi Eye’s function is simply to make people laugh, and really, what more important function could there be? Yet, I can’t help but feel a sense of liminality surrounding him. Despite his intangible but significant function, I’m not even sure if his existence matters or if, it the continuum of time, there is no greater need than humor in our crazy world. If I have one regret about Octi Eye, it’s that I didn’t add a motorized lazy Susan. He really should be spinning constantly, thereby making his mark in the present moment. But with exhibit rules prohibiting touching the art, his turntable often goes unused. Octi Eye deserves more.
The Intertwining of Art and Faith
Reflecting on all of this “intertwining,” I realize that my artistic journey is deeply woven with my faith and family. My mother was my greatest supporter, always encouraging me to pursue my creativity. After her funeral, as I sat with loved ones sharing our art, they urged me to explore and expand my journey. It struck me profoundly—her spirit was calling me forward. In that moment of liminality, between loss and inspiration, I felt her presence guiding me, affirming that I am meant to create.
The Spiritual Nature of Art
Though I may not change the world with my art, it is undeniably spiritual. Each piece I create becomes a shrine, an altar reflecting my faith and my the power of my mother’s encouragement. With every decision, I hear her voice, intertwined with God’s, urging me onward. In gifting Octi Eye to Zach, I hope to pass on not just a sculpture but a legacy of laughter, love, and the enduring spirit of creativity. God and Mom will be proud.
Weaving Sacred Stories
In the same way that shrines and altars bring together objects to tell a sacred story, my art weaves together fragments of my history, beliefs, and faith. What might seem like playful or odd combinations to some are deeply meaningful to me, representing the spiritual journey of rediscovering faith and identity through creation. The objects, the humor, the function— all of it makes sense because it’s my way of turning the everyday into the sacred, finding the divine in the overlooked, and connecting art with the deeper, spiritual layers of my life.
Each piece, including Octi Eye, becomes a testament to this journey, an invitation for others to see the beauty and significance in the mundane. Just as my mother’s voice inspires my creativity, each creation becomes a dialogue between my past and my present, a celebration of life’s complexities and a reminder that laughter and faith can coexist. In gifting Octi Eye, I share not just a sculpture but a piece of my soul, hoping it encourages Zach and others to find their own stories within the places and spaces of our lives.
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