What's In Your Sketchbook?

I like to draw and sketch. But I can't imagine something in my mind then draw it. I'm too visual - I need to look at something and draw my interpretation of it. The above sketches are from my sketchbook. I have this cool clear glass bottle that my husband bought for me from the awesome Corning Glass Center in Corning, NY. It has a hole in the center.

So, to practice shading and highlights, I decided to draw the bottle as it sat on my dresser. The sunlight was coming in and flooding the space from the right. When drawing I have to be very conscious of what direction the light source is coming from and where the shadows lay. I love it because I interact intimately with the subject. I just don't glance at it, I investigate it up close and personal. I see so much more when I'm drawing - I see the texture and shape and color and design and density.

After exploring the subject fully, I sketch the outline, making adjustments as necessary. Yes, I use an eraser. It's not the devil, I promise. Once I'm happy with the overall shape, I begin filling in the details - again noticing where the light is and where it is not. That is when I get 100% into what I'm doing. My cell phone can ring and I wouldn't hear it. A fire could start in the kitchen and I wouldn't see it. In other words, I'm totally present in that moment and the only thing on my mind is how my pencil is functioning under the pressure of my right hand - does it need to be sharpened - does it need to be rubbed dull - stuff like that.

When I get into that "zone" I'm most content. There is something rare and wonderful about being fully present and totally engaged in that moment. Art does that for me more than any other practice. In those times my mind is free to wander. More often than not, it becomes a time to listen for God's voice. Not necessarily regarding my drawing. I don't hear Him saying, "hey, a little more shading depth on the right side." No, it's like the act of drawing preoccupies my consciousness to so that my subconsciousness can mingle with the Spirit. This is when I feel most close to God and can hear His voice clearly. I long for those rendezvous with my Creator. And it happens when I'm creating. Ironic huh? Not really...

If you think about it, creating is tapping into the a depth that is truly of God. He's the master Creator of the Universe, humans, animals, and all things lovely. When we are creating and intentionally listening for His voice - I believe we have an open channel directly to Him. It's an awesome experience, one that is difficult to put words too. The highest form of worship for my King that I've ever experienced. And yes, it happens when sketching. But, only when I'm mindful of His presence as I enter the artwork. It's so cool.

So, what's in your sketchbook? Dare to share? Scan it and email it to me, deAnn. Also, it would be cool if you shared your experience, how you sensed God's presence or what you heard from Him during the time of the creative endeavor. If it's clean and appropriate, I'll post here on Vertical Creativity. Your story to encourage others. It's about community. Creating in the context of virtual Community.

Grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn

p.s. I didn't give much credit to the egg sketch - which I really dig, even more than the bottle!

(c) deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity. Can be used with permission by contacting deAnn.

Refractions - the book

Are you familiar with Makoto Fujimura? How about International Arts Movement?

Makoto is an artist, to say the least. He's the founder of IAM. His vision is astounding. Check it out:

IAM gathers artists and creative catalysts to wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith and humanity in order to inspire the creative community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be.

Art is society's existential statement, in answer to the question, "Why live?" International Arts Movement works as a catalyst to inspire people to hope, engage deeply into the depth of culture's critical zones, and create a world that ought to be. We believe that artistic excellence as a model of "what ought to be" paves the way for lasting, enduring humanity.

Does that fire you up or WHAT? Exciting! Art, Faith, Culture.
Art that is redemptive, healing, and beautiful. Awesome, huh?

Mako's new book is out and ready to be added to your library. You can bet I'm heading to Hearts and Minds today to pick up my copy.

Don't underestimate the power of creativity and the arts. God created us as creative beings. To co-create with Him and bring to our broken world our heartfelt expression of the human existence and to express our innate longings for what's yet to come - the unstoppable and never ending beauty of Jesus.

grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn

A Sense Of Being Home

The summer of 2007 my husband, two teenage boys and I took a trip to Northern California to spend time with my family. I grew up in Redding, at the very tip of the valley and surrounded on three sides by beautiful mountain ranges. There is something about the Cascades and Sierras that creates a deep peace in my soul. As a little girl, we camped a lot on the Northern California rocky coastline. (We never refer to the coast as "the shore" - that must be an East Coast term for the east coast, er -shore.)

On our trip, after spending several days in Redding, I decided to take my boys and husband over the Cascade range via the crazy curvy highway 299 West. My husband has never experienced the breathtaking coast of NorCal, so I was particularly excited. As we crested the last mountain top, off in the far distance was the ocean - sky meeting sea - a seamless transition. My heart skipped a beat, just as it did when we traveled that same unchanged two lane road as a child. "We're almost there!" Dropping down in elevation, ours ears popped and ached, the tall pine trees greeted us once again to their lovely home. The air was filled with a mountain fresh scent and moisture from the sea. Mountains AND the ocean, together in a single glance - I was home.

The beauty was overwhelming. It all looked the same as it did when my eyes last saw the landscape - simple, grand, pure. We turned north off of highway 299 and began our journey up the coastline on highway 101. In many places this highway winds right next to the waterline then suddenly climbs great elevation up the side of a coastal bluff. Your eyes are drawn towards the body of water dotted by gigantic black rocks shooting up from underneath. Taking in the surrounding beauty, I felt deep emotion rise and tears began to fall from my eyes. It was a strange thing, but instead of fighting it, I just let the tears come. I sensed that God wanted me to really feel the moment, interact with past memories, the stunning landscape full of ancient Redwoods, and the familiar salty air on my skin.


I recently read an excerpt from one of my favorite books by John O'Donohue, "Beauty: The Invisible Embrace." In chapter two, Where Does Beauty Dwell, he asks a profound question: "Concealed beneath familiarity and silence, the earth holds back and it never occurs to us to wonder how the earth sees us. Is it not possible that a place could have huge affection for those who dwell there? Perhaps your place loves having you there. It misses you when you are away and in its secret way rejoices when you return."


As I read John's words, the memory of my time at the coast in 2007 came to mind. The emotion that bubbled up and made itself visible through my tears - could it be a sense of coming home to a land that remembers me? My special connection with that particular piece of God's beautiful earth, my awareness of His presence through the gift of beauty for my eyes to witness.

Yes, its a bit strange to think that the earth, a landscape, could miss me when I'm not there and rejoice when I return. But God created the earth and everything on it, the landscape and me. Both are created from the love of God, His careful design, and swift intention. It causes me to wonder...

I believe these moments are gifts from the Creator of all things beautiful. I long to be fully present in those moments and want to listen for His voice as He speaks to my heart through the beauty.

grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn

(c) 2009 deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity on all original works. Can be used with permission by contacting deAnn.

Sabbath

May your Sabbath be filled with creative endeavors that feed your soul.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Sabbath

Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, Palestine

(c) deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity. Photo taken March 2007

No post today - enjoy the Sabbath.

Gallery @ CGCB -New Exhibit- "Consider the Lilies"

Are you tired of old man winter? The freezing temperature and bland landscape? If so, come check out the colorful botanical's painted by Cathy Gannaway, watercolor artist, at the Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar in Living Word Community Church. Get to know Cathy a little more and read her story featured in, "The Heart Behind the Art" gallery companion booklet. I have it for you below as well. Enjoy!

In Her Own Words ~ Cathy Gannaway

I have always loved watercolor painting. When I lived on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, there were many wonderful watercolorists painting pictures of wild fowl. In fact, the Ward Foundation had a national painting and carving show each year in my hometown of Salisbury, Maryland. I was a huge fan and dreamed of being able to purchase one of those paintings for my home.
As for me painting, I never even considered it until one day one of my children asked me to copy a painting for her book report. She had her child’s watercolor set out so I grabbed a Q-tip and started to paint. Well, the picture I did looked exactly like the one in the book! We were all amazed….it seemed that I had talent!
I bought supplies and started painting. I entered a picture in a local art competition and, to my surprise, won plus sold the painting! Lessons with a local professional wildlife artist were next and I was on my way.
Not long after that I was diagnosed with breast cancer and endured surgery and six months of chemotherapy. Painting was my source of joy during that time and looking back I believe God let me discover my hidden talent to help me through that rough and scary passage in my life.
I painted and showed a lot while I lived in Maryland, but after moving to York and taking the job of Children’s Ministry Director I had less time. However, as I became more and more fanatical about gardening, painting botanicals were really an extension of my garden. Painting is such a joy for me…it is an inner drive to take what I see and put it on paper. God has used this marvelous hobby to help me relax, unwind and enjoy Him as I listen to worship music as I paint.

For more info about Cathy’s work~
Email: cgannaway@lwccyork.com
Phone: 717.755.5478

This exhibit, "Consider the Lilies" runs from Sunday, January 18 to Sunday, February 22. Be sure to pick up a copy of "The Heart Behind the Art" for more about this artist and information regarding the gallery and arts ministry of LWCC.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Created To Worship

As I registered Vertical Creativity for a table at the Snowflake Gala at Mulberry Arts Studio (Feb 8, from 2-6 PM), I have gotten to know Elaine via email. (Elaine is the amazing event coordinator for the Gala.) She has a website that I'd like to bring to your attention, it's called Created to Worship. I invite you to enter the site and read about what God has called her to do as she seeks His heart.

I'm excited because I get to meet Elaine tomorrow, face to face, at a "Meet & Greet" for arts ministry leaders of the surrounding area. Artists Junction International is sponsoring this little gathering. From what I understand, it's the first time they've done anything like this. It will be a time to get to know others who are living out a similar calling, integrating the arts with spirituality, we'll spend time in prayer for one another and provide a web of support for each other. I'm honored to have been invited.

God is moving among us and is using the arts and creativity as a way to connect to His people. I'd ask you to pray for the arts ministry at Living Word, for Vertical Creativity and the other arts ministries who desire to live out the calling set before them.

And, I just want to thank YOU for the support you offer me and Vertical Creativity. I feel so blessed to be among such amazing people, readers, and friends. I'm blessed to be on staff at a church that sees the value of the arts and beauty. I also am grateful to Deb and her husband, of Artists Junction International, for discerning God's voice in bringing together people for this "Meet & Greet" tomorrow. I believe they hope it will become a monthly gathering.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

Studio

Even though the above photo is a rather cluttered space, I'm jealous because I have no space to create (formally). "Aw, deAnn, would you like some cheese to go with that whine?" Well, yes I would - thank you. Extra sharp white cheddar from New York State would be lovely.

Not sure about you, but in our home, every square centimeter is valuable living space. We have no room for me to have a dedicated "art studio." I've entertained the thought to move both my teenage boys into one bedroom so I could have the other one all for me. Selfish, huh? Fear not, I'm not that mean! I considered making the dining room into my make shift studio. Who eats at a dining table these days, I mean really. (Oops, we do).

Still to this day, I have no dedicated space for dabbling in the creative things I enjoy: stained glass, jewelry design, painting with acrylics to name a few. And because I am 100% anti-clutter, there is no way I could handle turning my dining room into a messy art studio. The solution? ... (if you come up with one, let me know!)

How fabulous would it be to convert an old barn into a big studio and offer the space for several artists to use when ever we like? Anyone have a big old barn? Oh, wait, we do! My husband and I have talked for six years about revamping our barn. In order to make it habitable space we'd have to install siding and insulation, replace all the windows, re-do the electric, and put new downspouts = all equalling the cost of...a new house. Hence the reason we've talked about it for six years. I think that is the most frustrating part - I actually DO have the SPACE, it's just unusable. One day...one day...until then, I make do by laying a drop cloth on my carpet in my bedroom and spread out all my paint tubes and brushes then have at it.

How about you? What would your dream studio look like? Maybe you already have one, in which case - I don't like you. Kidding, of course. I'm inspired when I'm in other people's art studios. Several of my friends have wonderful spaces and they create wonderful pieces. Just being in some one's art studio leaves me aching to create something, anything.

On this creative journey, sometimes there are bumps in the road. Not having a creative space to create is a bump in my road. But one I will overcome, because I feel God calling me to dive deep into the creative wonders that lie unknown in my soul. Because I know He's driving my creativity - I trust He'll provide the means necessary to create. I mean, God didn't have an art studio when He created the galaxy.

Grace & peace on the journey~deAnn

Ponder This...

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for the work has been put in every heart." ~ Rumi

Let that sink in a little...allow the binding chains to fall from your mind and ask yourself, "what has God created me for?" If you aren't sure, as Him to reveal it to you.

What's holding you back or slowing you down from living into that which He has for you? Ask Him for courage to "live into the skin".

Amazing discoveries are waiting for you...

grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn


For more inspirational art quotes and and information about fine artists - go to Art Quotes.

Writing for Women

Our writing group for women, Reflective Souls, is gearing up for 2009 with the January gathering next Tuesday, 1/13. No you don't have to have cool parchment paper or an old fashioned ink pen like in the image above, but you do need a desire to reflect and allow writing to come from that place. Carol Shafer leads this group and she's awesome. Bring your writing pad and favorite writing utensil and expect a relaxing time with other women in a creative atmosphere. For more information, please head over to the Reflective Souls Arts Community blog.

Grace & peace on the writing journey ~ deAnn

Photography Arts Community

For all you photography lovers out there, check out the Photography Arts Community blog. I'm proud to announce that Kevin Henderson will be heading up this community. So expect some cool things to crop up in the near future. Many of you for Christmas received a new camera, specialized lens, or cold hard cash just waiting to be used for that camera you've been drooling over. So, stay tuned into the Photo Arts Community for info on future gatherings and field trips.

In case you aren't aware of this, a very easy way to keep up to date, is to enter your email address in the box on the right sidebar on the Photography blog. Each time a post is uploaded, that post will appear in your "inbox." That way you will never miss a photo outing.

BTW, did any of you capture the beautiful ice that coated everything this morning?? If you did, submit your photos to Kevin via email. He will post them on the Photography blog.

Hope you can don your camera and join us soon on a photo field trip or gathering. Check the Photography blog for more information about this Arts Community of Living Word Community Church.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

O'Donohue Day

For Celebration
by John O'Donohue

Now is the time to free the heart,
Let all intentions and worries stop,
Free the joy inside the self,
Awaken to the wonder of your life.

Open your eyes and see the friends
Whose hearts recognize your face as kin,
Those whose kindness watchful and near,
Encourages you to life everything here.

See the gift the years have given,
Things your effort could never earn,
The health to enjoy who you want to be
And the mind to mirror mystery.

Creative Procrastinator

Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." ~Walt Disney

Talking is something I do well. Starting and doing...well, let's just say sometimes I'd rather just talk than begin. Pastor Brian had a post on his blog the other day about procrastination. I just laughed because that described me! "Hello, my name is deAnn and I'm a procrastinator."

I'm also a creative person. Can "creativity" and "procrastination" co-exist? Sure they can, it's just really messy. Ask me, I'm always referring their wars. But, I despise my awesome ability to procrastinate. It robs my creativity. God gave me gifts and talents and often I choose to "put off" using and enjoying them.

Those who are created in God's image (that covers about - everyone!) actually developed, used and enjoyed their creative gifts and talents to their maximum, I'd imagine this world would be a different place.

But one huge question is, "why do we procrastinate?" What's going on inside us, in our minds and our hearts, that causes this "wasting of time?" Maybe it's a list of priorities that doesn't put value developing and enjoying your creativity, so it never makes it to the top ten. Maybe it's a case of avoidance. Or fear of failure. Or worst yet - fear of success.

Walt Disney was not a procrastinator. I don't believe he struggled much with fear either. And I believe that developing and enjoying his gifts and talents WERE on his top ten list. Aren't you glad they were...otherwise there would be no Disney World. No Mickey Mouse or Cinderella. So many generations would be severely impacted had Walt Disney kept on talking and avoided the "doing." But he didn't.

Walt Disney stopped talking and began doing. This is what I want to do as well. I sense amazing things bubbling up inside me that require surrender, dedication and devotion. Talents and abilities that are from God that I keep held at bay. What could God accomplish in and through me if I were to take Mr. Disney's powerful words of advice and quit talking and begin doing.

May you listen to the One who knows you best, accept the talents and gifts He's granted you and move out into this world with confidence. Make a difference! Create beauty from things broken! God has your back. And your front, and side, and underneath, and above, and...

Grace & peace on the journey ~ deAnn

Enjoy The Ride

"Life is truly a ride. We're all strapped in and no one can stop it. When the doctor slaps your behind the day you arrived, he's ripping your ticket and away you go. As you make each passage from youth to adulthood to maturity, sometimes you put your arms up and scream, sometimes you just hang onto the bar in front of you. But the ride is the thing. I think the most you can hope for at the end of life is that your hair is messed, you're out of breath and you didn't throw up." ~ Unknown

I have to admit, I'm not a huge fan of roller coasters. I don't avoid them. Well, I avoid some, like the Sidewinder at Hershey - I always come off that thing with a wicked headache. I like the Great Bear and Lightening Racer. I will never step foot on the Storm Runner. So, guess you can say I'm semi-adventurous when it comes to coasters.

I'd also say I'm semi-adventurous when it comes to life. But it wasn't always that way, "semi" rarely described my manner as a young adult. I recall a couple of times when, just after getting my drivers license, I decided to, say...drive south to see where it takes me. At the time, I lived in Sacramento so driving south meant San Francisco or the surrounding bay area. I set off on my adventure, armed with only my camera and $20 in cash. Of course, there were no cell phones or GPS back then. I didn't even tell my family where I was going. I'm shocked that I am alive today. Imagine the crazy things that could have gone terribly wrong.

Anyhow, I had some of the most amazing adventures on these spontaneous outings. One particular trip landed me in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. The day was cool and I arrived just after the morning fog had burned away, leaving behind a sky bluer than blue. I parked my diesel 1981 VW Rabbit and strolled aimlessly around the docks, taking in the scene with all my senses; the constant squawking of hungry seagulls, the pungent smell of the fresh catch, the stickiness of the salt air on my skin and in my hair, all the vibrant colors of the fishing boats, and lastly, tasting that hot cup of perfectly brewed coffee. I stood there on the end of that pier, my senses fully loaded and I was in harmony with...my life.

Adventures awaken something dormant in us. That day I felt something unfamiliar, yet so comfortable, emerge. The rarely seen or felt side of me that says "swim against the current" and "enjoy this life because it's here for you to take pleasure in."

But I was only seventeen. So much life has taken place since then and I'm a different person now. I have responsibilities and important things to take care of. I don't have time for such childish adventures!!! Sure I say that, but deep in my soul, there is an inexplicable longing to explore, to go on an exciting adventure, to be child-like and free! In Luke and Matthew, Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." I think of my day on Pier 39 in San Francisco ~ I felt free like a child. The gift of that day just waited for me... to wake up that morning and make the wild decision to drive 90 miles and arrive at an unfamiliar place. In a strange way, I received a taste of the kingdom of God that amazing day.

What is holding you back from, "receiving the kingdom like a little child?"
What is holding you back from pursuing the gift that awaits your arrival?
What is holding you back from the creative adventure that longs to begin?

As for me, I want to stop the death grip on the bar, throw my hands into the air, laugh out loud, get knots in my hair and enjoy the adventure, enjoy this ride called life! And maybe, one day, even enjoy the Storm Runner.

Grace & peace on the journey~ deAnn

(c) 2009 deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity.

Sabbath Day

No official post today.

Enjoy the peace this Sabbath day brings as God's sweet presence surrounds you.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Inklings - January Edition

The January edition of Inklings is hot off the press!

This publication celebrates the art of written expression - composed by people from the Living Word Community Church family.

You can get your hands on a copy by stopping by CGCB (Common Grounds Coffee Bar) at LWCC. The next edition will arrive in April. To submit written pieces to be considered for this publication, please email deAnn.

Happy writing! ~ deAnn

The Power of Song

One morning as I traveled the back roads between Dallastown and Jacobus on the way to meet a friend for coffee, I listened to a favorite CD when the lyrics of one song caught my attention. I hit track #9 again to listen intently from the beginning. Prompted by the gifted song writer, vivid images filled my mind.

On a Sunday, just days from turning nineteen, I found myself in a place I did not wish to be...in a hospital wing filled with the smell of death. In a small room with a solitary bed laid my beloved step dad, Jim. On his right, sat his mom, my grama. On his left, quietly sat my mom. I stood, awkwardly, near the foot of his bed. Silence gripped the room. Poisoned with cancer, we waited for death to take him forever captive.

I don't know why I felt I needed to be there that day. He was admitted on Friday because my mom and the visiting nurse could no longer care for Jim at our home. Even though unconscious it was obvious he was in severe pain. The cancer was having its way with his flesh. My mom, as skinny as a rail after three months of living in hell, needed a break. She and my grama took a walk out side. I promised to stay with Jim and let them know of any changes. As they left the room and headed for the clean sweet air, I stood there alone looking over a man who I loved so dearly. Slowly, I moved in closer. I wondered why was he hanging on like this? All the doctors couldn’t believe he was still living. Then I remembered a conversation I overheard right after he was diagnosed, three months earlier. He promised my mom he'd never leave her. I think he believed that. As did she.

Tears fell over my cheeks as I gazed at his beautiful, but sunken in, face. His eyes opened but focused aimlessly on the ceiling tiles. Moving even closer I could see the grimace on his face caused by the pain that was ravaging his body. Holding on to keep his promise, silly man. I took his hand in mine and leaned close to his left ear. With everything I had, I whispered these words through constant sobbing, "Rest, please rest. I will take good care of mom, Kris and Nick. I promise you." I could almost feel him relax as if those were the words he needed to hear before embarking on the journey before him.

A few moments later, my mom and grama entered the room. They took their normal places on either side of him, I stood close to my mom. Then it began. His breathing became irregular. The tension in the room could be felt so clearly. His chest quickly rose tall as his eye widened. Mom and grama stood up, knowing what was happening. Then his chest slowly fell, as his body exhaled for the last time. A peace came across his face and could be seen in his body as well. The excruciating pain was gone. But so was he.

After a brief moment of ear-piercing silence the room then filled with uncontrollable cries of agony. I've never seen my mom like that before. It’s a memory I wish I could erase. I don't remember much after that. But I do recall walking out of the hospital that afternoon, feeling as if we were abandoning Jim. It was early December and the sun was setting low in the semi-clouded sky. It was a stunning display of vivid colors: orange, purple, and blue. Standing still in the parking lot, I took in deeply the last days light and reflected on the beauty in the sky as a devastating sadness covered me. Mom asked me what I was doing. I turned to her and said, "Mom, Jim's painting the sky for you. Isn't it pretty?" She and my grama stopped and turned to the West. All three of us stood silently in the parking lot, watching the day come to an end through our tear filled eyes and with shattered hearts.

Jim was a very talented artist - oils were his preference - he enjoyed painting sunsets and other nature scenes. His final masterpiece was spectacular.

It's funny how words, even words from a song, can spark such deep memories. The lyrics stated, "Love is watching someone die." Powerful words, and so true.

(Musical Artist: Death Cab for Cutie; Album: Plans; Song: What Sarah Said)


(c) 2009 deAnn Roe of Vertical Creativity.