It's utterly impossible for some things to coexist together.
...Darkness and light for example.
1) Optics (a branch of physics) states that light will overpower darkness and darkness will thrive in the absence of light.
2) Artistically, a white canvas can only be viewed at it's brightest and most intense if it remains white. Opaque or transparent colored pigments can enhance the canvas, but black paint will only result in hiding a white canvas completely.
3) Spiritually, light overpowers darkness and darkness thrives in the absence of light.
Some things can never coexist together in peace.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Don't Say You Believe in God
The Gallup poll indicates that 9 in 10 Americans say they believe in God.
Truthfully, this is not necessarily a good thing. Believing and doing something about that belief are not one and the same. If 9 in 10 Americans actually believed strong enough to do something about it, we would desire to know what is pleasing and displeasing to God and then live accordingly. We would be living so pure, righteous, and holy that the majority of our social problems would practically go away.
This is one area where we definitely should put our 'money where our mouth is'.
Truthfully, this is not necessarily a good thing. Believing and doing something about that belief are not one and the same. If 9 in 10 Americans actually believed strong enough to do something about it, we would desire to know what is pleasing and displeasing to God and then live accordingly. We would be living so pure, righteous, and holy that the majority of our social problems would practically go away.
This is one area where we definitely should put our 'money where our mouth is'.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
This is Christmas
This is Christmas...
We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1)
We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. We proclaim to you what we ourselves have actually seen and heard so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Ignore Ignorance
No matter what you believe, there are people who believe just the opposite.
That's just another reason it's good to have an 'ignore' list.
(Or to be so neurotically open-minded you don't know what you believe.)
That's just another reason it's good to have an 'ignore' list.
(Or to be so neurotically open-minded you don't know what you believe.)
Art
Unfortunately, so many modern-era art schools and university art programs are so lacking in providing the most basic fundamentals of art, they rank amongst the grandest educational failures in the world today. There are absolutely no other unversity degrees which offer so little foundation or important groundwork.
My hat goes off to those schools which actually do offer important fundamentals in art-related fields.
My hat goes off to those schools which actually do offer important fundamentals in art-related fields.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Fame
Fame is no indication of quality. This is especially true in today's society where fame is often achieved by those who are notorious in one way or another. We have developed superstars whose only key to their fame is in their ability to generate press coverage.
This proves true for all areas which garner superstars of fame: music; art; film; television; dance; sports; politics; science; publishing; etc, etc. And, when the notorious 'fame bug' circulates, it can even envelope unlikely areas such as one's personal home life... if you do something bad enough, you can quickly become today's headline news.
So, my point is: don't try to impress by pointing out how famous a person is, and using that as an indication of just how remarkable and great they are. Christ pointed-out that those who are great in God's kingdom are those who are 'servants to all'. He elevated the meek and lowly far above the famous and mighty.
This proves true for all areas which garner superstars of fame: music; art; film; television; dance; sports; politics; science; publishing; etc, etc. And, when the notorious 'fame bug' circulates, it can even envelope unlikely areas such as one's personal home life... if you do something bad enough, you can quickly become today's headline news.
So, my point is: don't try to impress by pointing out how famous a person is, and using that as an indication of just how remarkable and great they are. Christ pointed-out that those who are great in God's kingdom are those who are 'servants to all'. He elevated the meek and lowly far above the famous and mighty.
Friday, December 16, 2011
ישו שילם את זה כל (But Jesus Paid It All) - Winter
ישו שילם את זה כל (But Jesus Paid It All) - Winter
It's been one full year of writing the scored notation for the Alpha & Omega Suite! This is the twentieth part to be completed... and it's one of the best.
It's been one full year of writing the scored notation for the Alpha & Omega Suite! This is the twentieth part to be completed... and it's one of the best.
ישו שילם את זה כל
When playing the board game Monopoly, it helps to possess a 'get out of jail free' card. Without the card a player could forfeit enough turns to either lose the game or trail significantly behind. The card guarantees immediate dismissal from jail so the game can continue without interruption for that player. Real life doesn't offer an equivalent card... once jailed, we serve our full term if bail can't be made. When the sentence has been handed-down, there's no turning back for the law breaker.
But... we actually do have a 'get out of jail' card which we can use if we so desire. That's the purpose of "ישו שילם את זה כל". It's available to all and is there for the taking.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
How Diverse are We?
'Diversity' is one of the most masterful and ingenious words in the English language. It is often used to replace words such as: mixture, different, contrasting, opposing, conglomerate, unrelated, multiples, and divisions... all of which can have negative connotations along with the positive. Yet the word diversity has practically no negative connotation whatsoever! None, nil, zilch! It is the perfect word to use when attempting to show a group of contrasting elements as being positive instead of negative.
The most common usage of the word is when referring to differing people groups attempting to share space in the same territory. Though several thousand years of quarrels, battles, and cross-border skirmishes remind us of a very real part of who we are, none-the-less, we try our best to develop an attitude of viewing societal diversity as a good, positive thing instead of the irritation which our lower nature deceitfully whispers that it is. We try to be diverse while at the same time we also get unnoyed when confronted with some of the ramifications which are a natural part of it.
History shows that we can only put up with certain types of diversity for so long until we either separate them; water them down; or remove them completely. It really is no different now than in the past. The main difference is in the focus of what is allowed to be diverse, and what isn't. The western world has become quite adept at mixing cultures and various ethnic groups. We normally don't punish differing opinions, though we educate to encourage some far above others. We even allow a smorgasbord of religious beliefs... as long as none are too outspoken or extreme. We punish certain behaviors while giving full license to others, often using a hypocritical yardstick that's not actually based upon the reasons stated for doing so.
Not all of the world offers the same freedoms towards diversity... but the western world is trying our arrogant best to make sure those other nations do conform. We would like to dictate what those people can be diverse in, and what they can't. It is all part of the package referred to as 'globalization'. In order to be one big global village of 'everyone getting along' in our diverse ways, we must all meet up with what the western powers dictate on what is allowed. On the surface this seems like a good legitimate goal but lurking underneath is that same old asperation of one group dictating to another what they can or can't do. Some things never change... no matter how much we fool ourselves into believing they have.
So--- one thing we're learning about sociological diversity is that in order to make it work, you can't really be all that diverse in your beliefs or in your opinions. In the end you must conform; be silent; but you must not be truly diverse.
The most common usage of the word is when referring to differing people groups attempting to share space in the same territory. Though several thousand years of quarrels, battles, and cross-border skirmishes remind us of a very real part of who we are, none-the-less, we try our best to develop an attitude of viewing societal diversity as a good, positive thing instead of the irritation which our lower nature deceitfully whispers that it is. We try to be diverse while at the same time we also get unnoyed when confronted with some of the ramifications which are a natural part of it.
History shows that we can only put up with certain types of diversity for so long until we either separate them; water them down; or remove them completely. It really is no different now than in the past. The main difference is in the focus of what is allowed to be diverse, and what isn't. The western world has become quite adept at mixing cultures and various ethnic groups. We normally don't punish differing opinions, though we educate to encourage some far above others. We even allow a smorgasbord of religious beliefs... as long as none are too outspoken or extreme. We punish certain behaviors while giving full license to others, often using a hypocritical yardstick that's not actually based upon the reasons stated for doing so.
Not all of the world offers the same freedoms towards diversity... but the western world is trying our arrogant best to make sure those other nations do conform. We would like to dictate what those people can be diverse in, and what they can't. It is all part of the package referred to as 'globalization'. In order to be one big global village of 'everyone getting along' in our diverse ways, we must all meet up with what the western powers dictate on what is allowed. On the surface this seems like a good legitimate goal but lurking underneath is that same old asperation of one group dictating to another what they can or can't do. Some things never change... no matter how much we fool ourselves into believing they have.
So--- one thing we're learning about sociological diversity is that in order to make it work, you can't really be all that diverse in your beliefs or in your opinions. In the end you must conform; be silent; but you must not be truly diverse.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Can we sink any lower?
Just when you thought that commercials in the Christmas season couldn't get any worse... think again! They've really outdone themselves this year!
Word of the day
Today's word: empathy
If you don't know what it means or don't really understand how important it is... it's probably because empathy is not something you have much of.
If you don't know what it means or don't really understand how important it is... it's probably because empathy is not something you have much of.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Climbing
It is not those raised with a silver spoon in their mouth, but those who have overcome adversities, turmoils, and hardships who we can not only admire, but also learn from. When witnessing someone who battles daily with either financial, stressful, mental/neurological, sociological, or any other of the conditions which can hold us back... and yet they move ahead, we must look at our own hardships and reevaluate those things we get so bent out of shape about.
Those who deserve the greatest admiration are very seldom the ones who receive riches, glory, mass attention, and media coverage. Though they might eventually make the cover of People magazine, their true strength is exhibited before they got there... in their climb from the low place where they ascended from.
Those who deserve the greatest admiration are very seldom the ones who receive riches, glory, mass attention, and media coverage. Though they might eventually make the cover of People magazine, their true strength is exhibited before they got there... in their climb from the low place where they ascended from.
Read the Signs
We are quite skillful in blurring the lines and redefining what's natural and what isn't. Problem is, our new definitions are no more accurate than what we once believed, and pose the danger of being far less realistic. New definitions often come from societal segments who are so far removed from natural reality that their voice is in no way the best one for us to listen to.
Once again, it's all part of the basic characteristics of a society in collapse. 'Been there, done that'... it's really nothing new. Problem is, this time it's not a small regional area. It's happening on a much larger global scale.
Read the signs... they're there for all to see.
Once again, it's all part of the basic characteristics of a society in collapse. 'Been there, done that'... it's really nothing new. Problem is, this time it's not a small regional area. It's happening on a much larger global scale.
Read the signs... they're there for all to see.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Can Paint, but Won't Do It
I'm sure you all remember Claire. You know, the pastel artist who was set-up on Gatlinburg's sidewalk churning out freehand portraits... way back in the day when Gatlinburg was known for it's wide mixture of portrait and landscape sidewalk artists. (I'm sure there are literally thousands of homes who have, or had, original art decorating the walls due to the numerous artists who made their living on the streets of the little mountain tourist Mecca.)
Well, Claire said one thing which has stuck with me for years. We were discussing the subject of time and freedom and producing art for money. I made the statement that if artists had a funded income given to them so they wouldn't have to work for a living, then they would produce far greater pieces and really enrich the world with their artistic offerings. (I was young and naive then.) Claire instantly disagreed with my sentiment. She had been a part of the art community for far more years than I had. She was a professional artist; she socialized with professional artists; she lived with professional artists, she spent most of her life involved with artists and their art. Claire said, "Nope. Most of the artists I know, if they weren't producing art out of necessity for an income, wouldn't even be doing their art hardly at all." Her observations were that though her art community was extremely hard working, putting-in ten to twelve hour days (seven days a week during the tourist season), in the off-season when the artists weren't working, they weren't even thinking about producing art. Most of the ones she socialized with would sit around drinking, partying, and producing hardly any art at all. It wasn't a matter of time or income, it was more a matter of incentive. They just didn't do it.
Since then, I have observed her words to be pretty accurate. I have been around multitudes of artists, both professional; hobbyists; and students. Just like Claire, I too have observed many artists who actually do have the time, resources and income to churn-out an abundance of masterpieces... but very few of them do. Now, I'm not generalizing about all of them. I've seen a few who get wildly creative and produce like there's no tomorrow, but they seem to be in the minority. Our human nature makes it easier for us to talk about our passions than to actually put forth the effort to really do something about them.
Don't think I'm just picking on artists. This frailty of 'producing only when it's necessary' rears it's ugly old head in many other areas of life. Artists aren't alone in this regard. But it does seem when someone is working, or creating, solo... when they don't have other people to cheer them on, or to pay them, then it's far too easy to just sit back and talk about what you would like to do. It takes a rare individual to do their best when the rewards are only felt, seen, and acknowledged by yourself.
Yep, Claire was pretty accurate in her assessment.
Well, Claire said one thing which has stuck with me for years. We were discussing the subject of time and freedom and producing art for money. I made the statement that if artists had a funded income given to them so they wouldn't have to work for a living, then they would produce far greater pieces and really enrich the world with their artistic offerings. (I was young and naive then.) Claire instantly disagreed with my sentiment. She had been a part of the art community for far more years than I had. She was a professional artist; she socialized with professional artists; she lived with professional artists, she spent most of her life involved with artists and their art. Claire said, "Nope. Most of the artists I know, if they weren't producing art out of necessity for an income, wouldn't even be doing their art hardly at all." Her observations were that though her art community was extremely hard working, putting-in ten to twelve hour days (seven days a week during the tourist season), in the off-season when the artists weren't working, they weren't even thinking about producing art. Most of the ones she socialized with would sit around drinking, partying, and producing hardly any art at all. It wasn't a matter of time or income, it was more a matter of incentive. They just didn't do it.
Since then, I have observed her words to be pretty accurate. I have been around multitudes of artists, both professional; hobbyists; and students. Just like Claire, I too have observed many artists who actually do have the time, resources and income to churn-out an abundance of masterpieces... but very few of them do. Now, I'm not generalizing about all of them. I've seen a few who get wildly creative and produce like there's no tomorrow, but they seem to be in the minority. Our human nature makes it easier for us to talk about our passions than to actually put forth the effort to really do something about them.
Don't think I'm just picking on artists. This frailty of 'producing only when it's necessary' rears it's ugly old head in many other areas of life. Artists aren't alone in this regard. But it does seem when someone is working, or creating, solo... when they don't have other people to cheer them on, or to pay them, then it's far too easy to just sit back and talk about what you would like to do. It takes a rare individual to do their best when the rewards are only felt, seen, and acknowledged by yourself.
Yep, Claire was pretty accurate in her assessment.
Freedom in Art
Though I've had full formal art training, I would guess that formal training would only contribute 20 to 30% to the artist I am now. As an artist grows and expands, their growth comes from observance, scrutinizing, problem solving, inventing, but most of all... just working at it! There's no better teacher than hands-on experience. Time spent getting your hands tarnished by whatever material you use is the classroom that really counts.
If it's not possible for you to get formal art training, no need to sulk... just self-educate and ask questions, read, study, and when you have a good idea of what you're doing... get out there and actually do it!
If it's not possible for you to get formal art training, no need to sulk... just self-educate and ask questions, read, study, and when you have a good idea of what you're doing... get out there and actually do it!
Have I Got a Deal for You!
Sometimes when you are offered a 'no brainer' deal, opportunity, or situation, you should stop and take a little more time to actually use your brain.
Things are not always what they appear on the surface.
Things are not always what they appear on the surface.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Ancient History
If you interpret ancient history using modern history as your reference, there's a good chance you might be slightly incorrect in your conclusions. You could even be greatly incorrect! Ancient history must always be interpreted based upon the times, people, culture, climate, and conditions that are known for that period... and not upon our own. Historical essays, theses, and writings should be rejected or viewed with skepticism if not following this guideline.
'Pop history' should be looked upon lightly, no matter how popular it is; how much money it earns; or how greatly Oprah is impressed by it.
'Pop history' should be looked upon lightly, no matter how popular it is; how much money it earns; or how greatly Oprah is impressed by it.
Honesty, Humility & a Humble Heart - Autumn
Honesty, Humility & a Humble Heart - Autumn"Lord, help me to be like David and not like Saul" (the Chorus refrains)
Monday, December 5, 2011
Punishment
"An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" is mistakenly viewed as a harsh and unjust punishment system. The reality is, it's one of the fairest and most humane means of doling out justice... when compared to the alternative. One reason the average person feels so sickened and repulsed by the verdicts coming out of the modern court system is because we often veer from the "punishment fits the crime" and practice unequal extremes of unjust punishment. Our sentences are often "an eye for a tooth" and "a tooth for an eye".
If you've ever been shocked when hearing a verdict announced, you know what I mean.
If you've ever been shocked when hearing a verdict announced, you know what I mean.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Timing is Important
If you can’t get there on time you only have two options… get there early or get there late. Occasionally, getting there early is your only real option.
We are told that for the all important ‘wedding feast’ if you arrive too late, the door is locked and you won’t even be able to enter. Get there early; on time; or not at all.
We are told that for the all important ‘wedding feast’ if you arrive too late, the door is locked and you won’t even be able to enter. Get there early; on time; or not at all.
Monday, November 21, 2011
The Heavens Declare His Victory - Winter
The Heavens Declare His Victory - Winter
The heavens shouted for us to pay attention at his birth. They went dark at his death. They opened wide at his resurrection. And they will be filled from east to west, north to south at his return. The heavens declare who he is and confirm his victorious first coming.
"The Heavens Declare His Victory" is my first Latin themed composition. It is also one of my more difficult arrangements since there are parts where three melodies are happening at once. This is also one of the more dramatic pieces (aren't they all?) from 'the Alpha & Omega Suite'.
The heavens shouted for us to pay attention at his birth. They went dark at his death. They opened wide at his resurrection. And they will be filled from east to west, north to south at his return. The heavens declare who he is and confirm his victorious first coming.
"The Heavens Declare His Victory" is my first Latin themed composition. It is also one of my more difficult arrangements since there are parts where three melodies are happening at once. This is also one of the more dramatic pieces (aren't they all?) from 'the Alpha & Omega Suite'.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Mistrust
My trust of humanity in general is normally garnered with an extra large dose of caution and sceptiscm. I mean, what the heck, it’s not exactly like we have the best track record. Even on numerous occasions when we have stepped up to bat and actually did the right and noble thing, our arm has been twisted and/or forced to stay aboard that sinking ship and give up our place on the life raft to someone else.
A mistrust of humanity is not necessarily a negative perspective. If anything, it’s probably the safest and healthiest view one can have… providing it doesn’t hold you back and keep you from helping those in need. Once again the best role model we can have is Christ. He was fully aware of how low we would sink and the atrocities we would commit against him and yet he still had the love and compassion to carry through and accomplish his incredible feat!
A mistrust of humanity is not necessarily a negative perspective. If anything, it’s probably the safest and healthiest view one can have… providing it doesn’t hold you back and keep you from helping those in need. Once again the best role model we can have is Christ. He was fully aware of how low we would sink and the atrocities we would commit against him and yet he still had the love and compassion to carry through and accomplish his incredible feat!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Happy Birthday
Today is Billy Graham's 93rd birthday.
Definitely one of the most sincere, trusted, humble, and authentically 'ordained by God' people of my lifetime.
Happy birthday Dr. Graham.
Definitely one of the most sincere, trusted, humble, and authentically 'ordained by God' people of my lifetime.
Happy birthday Dr. Graham.
Note to pet owners...
When your animal does something questionable (like snarling or snapping at a person), please don’t respond by saying “I’ve never seen him/her do that before!”
Fact… your pet did react in a questionable manner.
It usually means one of three things about yourself. You:
(1) Honestly have never seen the pet do that.
(2) Are not totally observant of what your pet does.
(3) Telling a lie.
As with most things in life, the middle area (#2) is probably correct. You really haven’t seen it happen, but it has happened… you just somehow missed it or didn’t pay attention. If you are wrong about this, you could be wrong about other areas regarding your pet.
But the worst thing about responding with the ‘never seen’ reply is it unintentionally calls into question the person who has received a negative response from your animal. It makes it seem like something is wrong with the person that your pet would react in such a fashion.
Best response from you is to simply apologize and do your best to contain your pet.
thanks.
Fact… your pet did react in a questionable manner.
It usually means one of three things about yourself. You:
(1) Honestly have never seen the pet do that.
(2) Are not totally observant of what your pet does.
(3) Telling a lie.
As with most things in life, the middle area (#2) is probably correct. You really haven’t seen it happen, but it has happened… you just somehow missed it or didn’t pay attention. If you are wrong about this, you could be wrong about other areas regarding your pet.
But the worst thing about responding with the ‘never seen’ reply is it unintentionally calls into question the person who has received a negative response from your animal. It makes it seem like something is wrong with the person that your pet would react in such a fashion.
Best response from you is to simply apologize and do your best to contain your pet.
thanks.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Police State
With all the recent protests of Wall Street and big business, too many people are silent on the much more harmful alternative of 'big government'. This problem recently hit home when my daughter was arrested and tried for the potential of committing a crime (DUI when she wasn't even driving!) She is now paying back $1000s in court related costs and has had her license taken away.... making it even harder to pay it back! Family, friends, and coworkers are also being punished by changing our lives to assist in various, and whatever ways we can.
Yes, I too have known people maimed or killed by drunk drivers, and I realize the need to enforce laws against the problem, but I'm insisting that the present harsh laws are not well thought out and only are creating additional problems. If we're going to get up in arms over the wall street problem, we should also focus our attention on government agencies who are 'above the law'... and getting by with it!
Yes, I too have known people maimed or killed by drunk drivers, and I realize the need to enforce laws against the problem, but I'm insisting that the present harsh laws are not well thought out and only are creating additional problems. If we're going to get up in arms over the wall street problem, we should also focus our attention on government agencies who are 'above the law'... and getting by with it!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Film Scores
It's noticeable how many film soundtracks sound like they could have been composed by either John Williams or Danny Elfman. I guess those two have had a great influence in their field.
Now, if only more film composers could master the beauty of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, then we will have gone full circle... in a good way!
_____________________
Now, if only more film composers could master the beauty of Erich Wolfgang Korngold, then we will have gone full circle... in a good way!
_____________________
Prayer
Do you feel like your prayers don't get answered?
Well, there is a wrong way and a right way to pray and often the outcome depends on your motives and how you're praying.
Example:
Don't pray, "Lord, make this a perfect day where nothing bad happens to me and everything is perfect and trouble free. Let this be a day where others see how awesome I am!"
Instead, pray, "Lord, give me strength to endure all the trials which might come my way. Make my judgments sound; my actions to be above reproach; my reaction to problems to be upright; and my decisions to be pleasing to, and within your good will."
Amen
Well, there is a wrong way and a right way to pray and often the outcome depends on your motives and how you're praying.
Example:
Don't pray, "Lord, make this a perfect day where nothing bad happens to me and everything is perfect and trouble free. Let this be a day where others see how awesome I am!"
Instead, pray, "Lord, give me strength to endure all the trials which might come my way. Make my judgments sound; my actions to be above reproach; my reaction to problems to be upright; and my decisions to be pleasing to, and within your good will."
Amen
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Approval
People go about their life doing just what they want, and yet they make statements like "god loves me just the way I am".
Uh, maybe.
But remember... loving and approving are not the same thing!
Jails are filled with folks who are well loved, but who's actions are not approved of.
Uh, maybe.
But remember... loving and approving are not the same thing!
Jails are filled with folks who are well loved, but who's actions are not approved of.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
What are you dressing as?
Women have made huge advancements in Halloween costume wear. At one time girls wore mainly princess and kitty costumes, now it's expanded to where they they not only can be slutty princess' and slutty kitties, but a whole variety of other costumes, such as: slutty pirates, slutty dancers, slutty ninjas, slutty athletes, slutty animals, and even slutty zombies!
Yep, women are free to be anything they want for Halloween... as long as it's designed to entice!
Yep, women are free to be anything they want for Halloween... as long as it's designed to entice!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Banned!
Banned? What the heck?!
LOL
I just received a notice that I have been "banned" from a Flickr Art Group that I had belonged to for some time. It's always a shock to receive a 'ban' when one is not doing anything wrong, so I went to the group (your master paintings) to see what it's all about.
I carefully read the group's description and located what I believe is the clause which caused this ban. It does contain a guideline which reads "No digitally created or altered images". It's a well-known fact that I'm a firm believer in using technology as an artistic tool... I've even written online essays about the merits of artists using what is available. I carry it to the point that I maintain that today's 'technology artists' are the equivalent of the 'old masters' from long ago. It is not the artists who seem to be stuck in the 15th century (material wise), but those who are acclimating to the latest tools of the trade, that are advancing modern era art.
I had my early training in traditional art mediums and advanced in their usage just like any artist who practices his trade on a daily basis. But it has been the past couple of decades that I have moved forward and kept up with the times... learning and excelling at the digital tools offered to artists everywhere.
Yep, I was banned... and rightfully so! My art definitely doesn't meet that one criteria. But, (now I'm being facetious) the group also doesn't seem to have a criteria for the quality of the art they accept. For a group calling itself "Master paintings", they don't seem to have being a master of the craft as one of their criteria! lol
LOL
I just received a notice that I have been "banned" from a Flickr Art Group that I had belonged to for some time. It's always a shock to receive a 'ban' when one is not doing anything wrong, so I went to the group (your master paintings) to see what it's all about.
I carefully read the group's description and located what I believe is the clause which caused this ban. It does contain a guideline which reads "No digitally created or altered images". It's a well-known fact that I'm a firm believer in using technology as an artistic tool... I've even written online essays about the merits of artists using what is available. I carry it to the point that I maintain that today's 'technology artists' are the equivalent of the 'old masters' from long ago. It is not the artists who seem to be stuck in the 15th century (material wise), but those who are acclimating to the latest tools of the trade, that are advancing modern era art.
I had my early training in traditional art mediums and advanced in their usage just like any artist who practices his trade on a daily basis. But it has been the past couple of decades that I have moved forward and kept up with the times... learning and excelling at the digital tools offered to artists everywhere.
Yep, I was banned... and rightfully so! My art definitely doesn't meet that one criteria. But, (now I'm being facetious) the group also doesn't seem to have a criteria for the quality of the art they accept. For a group calling itself "Master paintings", they don't seem to have being a master of the craft as one of their criteria! lol
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Less
If the packaging says "100 paper plates" and yet two or three are consistently stuck together every time you use them, are you really benefitting from a hundred?
Many other areas of life are similar to the welded together 100 paper plates.
The promises of a politician far too often offer a hundred but only deliver it in the form of a glued-together mess. We have to pull and pry to even receive a small portion.
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Many other areas of life are similar to the welded together 100 paper plates.
The promises of a politician far too often offer a hundred but only deliver it in the form of a glued-together mess. We have to pull and pry to even receive a small portion.
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Good Deeds
In a perfect world, good deeds would always produce positive results, but in a corrupt world, good deeds occasionally bring about negative side effects and unintentional results.
Nevertheless, don't stop administering your works of kindness.
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Nevertheless, don't stop administering your works of kindness.
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Sunday, October 16, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Convicted
As many of you know,
I don’t hold opinions in very high regard.
Not yours...
Not mine...
And not even those of the experts when it falls outside of their training and expertise.
But recently I heard my pastor shed some good light on it. He said, “It’s not the opinion which is important, it’s the convictions a person holds that counts.”
Yep. Don’t let your convictions be in your opinion, let your opinion reflect your convictions.
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I don’t hold opinions in very high regard.
Not yours...
Not mine...
And not even those of the experts when it falls outside of their training and expertise.
But recently I heard my pastor shed some good light on it. He said, “It’s not the opinion which is important, it’s the convictions a person holds that counts.”
Yep. Don’t let your convictions be in your opinion, let your opinion reflect your convictions.
____________________
No Excuse
We have a natural aversion to God.
We create numerous excuses for not drawing close to Him (we wouldn't use these same excuses in any other area of our life).
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We create numerous excuses for not drawing close to Him (we wouldn't use these same excuses in any other area of our life).
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Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
History
Just think, if you don't like some of the things people did in past history, there's bound to be quite a few folks in the future who won't approve of some of the things you do or approve of.
What goes around.
What goes around.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Life Rating
If your life had a movie rating, would it be G, PG, R or X?
What about your favorite performers/entertainers?
Politicians?
How about other people you admire or are influenced by?
What about your parents, siblings, or children?
The hard part... do you wish any of these people lived a life that actually would fall into an entirely different rating?
What about your favorite performers/entertainers?
Politicians?
How about other people you admire or are influenced by?
What about your parents, siblings, or children?
The hard part... do you wish any of these people lived a life that actually would fall into an entirely different rating?
