Serving God Through Art

Meet artist/missionary Gretchen M. Smith and enjoy a guided tour of 60 new paintings and mixed media works of art accompanied by live music at Advent Lutheran Church in Suntree. Free to public. Family friendly art, children welcome. Sunday May 30, 6PM. Call 321-960-3676 or send an e-mail to brevardguard@hotmail.com for more information.

(PRWEB) May 23, 2004 --Artist Statement By Gretchen Smith

There are no lengthy descriptions next to my paintings for a reason. Each painting has a voice of its own. God can communicate through anything including art There is a specific message in each piece of work and it is just for you to discover. If I could ask one thing of you it would be for you to take the time to contemplate my art and ask what message God has for you.

Following are some questions to ask yourself to stimulate your mind and help you in your journey when viewing my art.

1. When I first look at the piece of art what type of emotion does it invoke in me. Is it a feeling of peace, anger, frustration, intrigue, thoughtfulness or something else?

2. What do the colors and light remind me of? Are they bold and strong or calm and soothing? Are they royal or do they represent everyday life? Is there light and triumph or darkness and reflective colors? Most importantly, what do these colors mean to me? Do they remind me of a particular place, vacation, individual or event?

3. What do the textures in the artwork bring to mind? Is it soft, smooth, rough, tattered, edgy, or grainy? When I see these textures what types of things do they remind me of. For example, the woods, a river, the feathers of an angel, a babys bottom, a car crash, etc.

4. What do the lines and shapes bring to mind? Are they sturdy and strong or flowing and gentle? Are there many shapes or few? Where do they lead and why? Are they intertwined or mixed together for a reason or do they stand independent of each other?

5. Finally and most importantly when you consider all of these things together what Biblical verses, stories, or concepts come to mind. Reflect upon why God may have wanted you to think of those particular Biblically based thoughts today. Is there something that you have been struggling with that it applies to or perhaps it brings comfort to you. Maybe it challenges you in an area that you wish to grow.

I truly hope that this process has stimulated you mind and helped you to discover a message that would help you grow closer to God. If so then I have accomplished my mission.

If you would like more information or a personal tour of my work you may contact me, Gretchen M. Smith, directly at 321-960-3676 or at brevardguard@hotmail.com.