Preface to Eden – Part 2
It is my belief that the highest thing an artist can aspire to is to be a mirror of what God, the Great Artist and Creator has made.
Fortunately ( and amazingly considering the shear number of humans ) God gives everyone a unique set of gifts which enables them to observe a particular facet of life and present it in a language that is suited to the audience God has placed them among. What I have to say will resonate with some people more than others.
Another artist might present commentary on the same subject matter that speaks the truth in a different way to yet another group of people. In this way the approaches to any given subject are as numerous as the individuals involved. I think it worth noting that we are a long way from exhausting all the possibilities of figurative painting.
I think it unfortunate the attention paid to the “latest and newest” especially when it involves throwing out the window everything that has gone before. We have much to learn from seeing where we’ve been and building on the shoulders of the great artists of the past. Simple truth is a beautiful thing and I think much more worthy of our time than the shocking and vulgar which masquerades as “art”.
It has been my experience that anything really valuable takes a lot of hard work, experience and dues paying to fully unwrap and appreciate. I am encouraged by the many young artists I have met in recent years that are returning to sound fundamental approaches and it is my hope that they will return art to the place in society that it can and should be which is an observer and commentator of truth.
What it comes down to in the end is the artist who by putting a humble representation of God’s handiwork in a frame says in effect “ Look ! Isn’t what God has made beautiful, praiseworthy and good?”
It’s these things that remind us of why we’re here and the future in eternity with Him that is ours for the choosing. Until then we look for what we can find that will remind us of what’s to come.
To experience Michael’s art for yourself, or to order prints, call Peter Orsati in Bend, Oregon at 541-306-1174.
