So, this week I did something I’ve never done. If you follow this blog, you know that a little over a year ago I took up drawing both as a spiritual practice and as a means of mental health therapy.
Since I first started putting marks on paper, I’ve enjoyed the experience and have fallen in love with visual art as a result of venturing out and steadfastly uncovering a different part of myself.
While creativity itself is not new to me—I’ve written stories and essays and played music—I’ve not really spent much time drawing or pursuing visual or studio arts.
So what did I do that I’ve never done before?
Glad you asked…
After learning that the area visual arts organization was hosting an arts exhibit featuring local artists, I decided to enter three of my drawings in the exhibit!
The Richardsons Civic Arts Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing and supporting visual art events to encourage the pursuit of creative excellence.
I wouldn’t have been able to do this without Terri’s encouragement and help finding the right frames. When I asked her whether I should show a couple of my drawings she immediately and enthusiastically said “Yes!”
My art teacher, Jay, has also played a significant role in building my confidence in my art. It’s a confidence I didn’t realize I’d lost until I started drawing. You see, I have childhood memories of me drawing all the time. But, something happened and I gave it up. I’d completely forgotten this piece of my past.
In either 8th or 9th grade, I had an art teacher whose severe criticism of my work devastated me. I can’t tell you what the work was or what her words were. That’s all still a little vague. I’m still in the process of unearthing this memory. What’s worse is that I don’t believe that this teacher was our regular art instructor, but a substitute. Imagine giving someone that kind of power over your life?
That was then; this is now.
I’m not worried about drawing in the lines or fitting in anyone’s conceptual box. I allowed one person’s words to determine my future.
If you’re wondering if this is a painful realization, it is. Especially considering that I am experiencing it with every letter I type. Talk about catharsis…
Terri went by the first day that the pictures were hung for display. She snapped some photos and captured some video of the exhibit. There are a menagerie of styles and mediums featured in the exhibition including oils, pastels, watercolor, and photography. I’m the only artist using graphite as my medium. The art is beautiful and amazing. I’m honored to take part on the exhibit.
In addition to the video above, Terri and I managed to take a couple of photos of the exhibit at Richardson’s Huffhines Recreation Center.
I’m incredibly excited about deciding to do this. It means overcoming a lot and honestly, trusting the Lord to heal hidden wounds. It also reminds me that we need people in our lives who are in our court and stand by our side. These elements are the essence of faith and recovery.
My encouragement to you is to dig deep and pursue what God has designed you to do uniquely like no other. There are billions of people roaming the Earth. There’s only one you.
This week—do something you’ve never done.
Blessings,
Rainer Bantau
The Devotional Guy™
#bgbg2#BibleGateway
The Devotional Guy™ 
Yay, Rainer! It’s wonderful how your love of art came back into the picture. Shame on the substitute art teacher who discouraged you.
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Wonderful. This is so encouraging and enlightening. The way the Lord has drawn out (excuse the pun) your gifting which had been crushed through such wounding words. I can empathise to a certain degree as I recall being humiliated in art class when the teacher held up my work as the worst and said it was boring, unimaginative and not creative. For years I would say I wasn’t artistic or creative but although my gift isn’t art, I am creative because God’s Spirit lives in me. I just express it in different ways. God’s healing hand is on you and He is restoring you. Keep going. Blessings,
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There aren’t any prizes, however our artwork is for sale. Which is pretty cool. Mainly it affords each artist some exposure and valuable experience.
Yes. It is a tough lesson.
Thanks for reading and engaging with your comments.
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That’s pretty cool. Are there prizes or anything? I learned the same as you when it comes to others comments and criticism. It’s a tough lesson.
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Congratulations! I’m so happy you embraced this opportunity!
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Congratulation Rainer! Thank you for sharing how the experience of submitting your work to this exhibit as well as writing this post has played a part in the healing process. I had a similar experience with my middle grades language arts teacher. No matter how hard I worked on a writing piece it never met her standards. After having her for 3 consecutive years, I concluded I just wasn’t a good writer. What a surprise it was when I got to college and my English professors loved my writing. The head of the department stopped me one day and asked me to consider changing my major to English. I didn’t. However, that brief conversation was such a confidence booster. I honestly wouldn’t be writing today if it wasn’t for the words of life that dear woman spoke to me that day. To be fair to my middle grades teacher, I believe the intent behind her consistent criticism was to push me to a higher standard of writing. Hindsight is 50/50. Unfortunately, heavy criticism with minimal praise has never been effective with me.
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Thanks, Alan. I’m pretty excited about it. Mostly, because of actually doing it. It’s far easier to stay at home and not stretch myself. I appreciate you.
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Congratulations Rainer! 👍😁
I have a soft spot for art and particularly drawing, when an opportunity comes along to see a display somewhere I take it.
My art was mostly with words, I used to write short stories and poetry, but stopped for many years. My blog is a relaunch of sorts of my love for writing.
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