Imitators of Creation
by Betty Blevins

 
        It was time for art class in the first grade. The class was instructed to draw something important to them. Little Jimmy set right to work, as did most of the pupils.
        The teacher went around looking at each students work. She asked Jimmy what he was drawing. He responded, “This is a picture of God.”
        The teacher said, “But Jimmy, no one knows what God looks like.”
        Jimmy said, “They will when I get through.”

People often compliment artists by saying, “You are so creative.” They mean well, but they miss the point. To create is, by definition, to make something from nothing. Only God can do that.

As artists we are all imitator's of God's creation. Whether it be nature, or people, or structures, or abstracts, it remains an idea we have borrowed from that which God made. All any of us do is take what He has created and record it, shape it, define it, or paint it in the way we think is best.

The challenge before us is to interpret what we see in a way that communicates the reality or the dream of Creation. At times that may be beautiful; at other times it may be thought-provoking. But it will always reflect the soul of the imitator...the artist.

So ask yourself, “What can I imitate with this painting?” Can I emphasize the shapes, or the colors, or the values, or the expressions, or some other captivating aspect of God's creation.

Decide it; do it. Happy imitating!