Your creative mission.

As my husband and I contemplate 24 colorful, shiny eggs in the bedroom, we sit and discuss the activity for our youth class Easter lesson, which just happens to include utilizing those little plastic eggs. The lesson of Easter is discussed every year, with particular emphasis during this extraordinary holiday. The story is always a miraculous one: Christ died for our sins, and 3 days later, he rose again. In the same way he died and lived again, we teach those who come to know the Lord that you die as one of the world and become alive again in Christ. As we were discussing the rest of the lesson, my husband said something very interesting in regards to our talents, or our gifts: "Every fisherman has his own custom ores."

Now for the past few months I have been telling my youth class not only to appreciate the cross, but the fish. I often draw a cross up on the board and say, "It's not just about this." I follow that by drawing the popular Christian fish, which I have dubbed the 'Jesus fishy,' and conclude it with, "It's also about this." This is where it tends to get interesting. As Christians, we know that we have the ability to influence people both in a positive and a negative way. One can just as easily go to the mall with friends and start swearing comfortably in front of each other (and in front of everyone around them, for that matter) as they can offer assistance to someone that they see who might be struggling with something. But of course, the world always tends to get in the way. The truth is, fishermen care more about the easily accessible riches in the sand on the beach than the fish in the water, which they need to bring in. But we're fishermen, fishing is what we're supposed to do. And we're not doing it.

When the Lord ascended to heaven, his last words to the disciples were to "...go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19.) This is what the Lord has commanded, but how many of us are succeeding in the mission He has sent us on? Is this not our purpose? Now, I'm willing to admit that most of us find this mission easier said than done for fear of rejection, so we usually find ourselves foolishly and timidly taking what we selfishly think is the easier route of living by judging rather than living by testimony. But the desciple James also wrote, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22.)

But then you're too afraid to speak to the public, you say? The artists have forgotten about Thomas Kinkaid and Warner Sallman. Musicians have forgotten about Jeremy Camp, Rebecca St. James and Toby Mac. Teachers have forgotten about Billy Graham and Beth Moore. If you have a gift, then you can use it for your mission. The apostle Peter wrote, "Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

As artists, it is important to not only satisfy ourselves. This is your opportunity to offer something great, to testify with the beautiful gift the Lord has given you. Have you thought about your testimony? Have you considered what your mission is as a follower of Christ? What can you give to others as the Lord gave his life for you? This is your custom ore; this is how you, with your lovely gift, can reach a world that follows the prince of the earth. Time is short, and as time passes more and more quickly, just as it was prophesied, so many of the signs of the end times are being confirmed very quickly. If you are willing, make this attempt with your gift. If you have truly opened your heart and invited Him in, you will enjoy working for the Lord.

Join us in the fantastic project: the Soldiers' March!
http://shouyume.deviantart.com/journal/23477576/

An ARTicle on Collectibility.

As an artist, one of my favorite things to achieve through my art is a reaction. Oh, how I crave the attention to my pieces, as my audience studies the details of my work that I so meticulously perfected to create an effective concept or technique... or both. If you're an artist, then you know what I'm talking about. As artists, not only do we enjoy working on a piece that's satisfying and appealing to look at, but unless you're abnormally uninterested in a reaction, you probably show off your work to receive that reaction, as well. It's especially true if you're subscribing here after reading my ad from any one of my online art galleries. If we post our artwork, then it's most likely (and normal) that we do it to receive some kind of insatiable reaction.

Insatiable... now there's a word artists can agree upon. We're insatiable, and even more so, perfectionists. Each piece must be better thank the last. Each technique must become perfected, each concept must be more powerful. It often gets to the point where we look at the pieces of famous artists (particularly those in the genre that we follow) and become frustrated with our own work. "Why can't it be as good as this other artist's work? Why am I not as popular?" These questions plague everyone. Everyone, regardless if they have denied this, has become tormented by these questions at some time or another. If these questions have not affected them, then it becomes apparent through the lack of improvement in their pieces and they are usually dismissed as individuals who create art simply because it's just a passing phase or a means for entertainment.

I have read on the journals of many online artists the same story of anguish on the severity of ignorance or negative reaction that meets their artwork. It has even gone so far as the artists themselves submitting some kind of journal entry or even art piece describing some kind of reason to defend their art. "I draw what I want! Don't tell me what to draw! Art is art no matter what! Art is my escape--don't take it away from me!" These pieces scream in unison, gaining the support of literally thousands, possibly millions, of artists experiencing the same kind of response to this part of their own lives. In truth, why do artists need to defend themselves?

Let me start with an explanation of my own experience. Growing up, I always loved art. Even as a child I would make original characters and stories and even design fashions. When I was a teenager, the world of Japanese animation consumed me. From that moment on, no matter what I drew, it could not be anything but Japanese style characters. As time passed, it came to the point where I wouldn't even draw anything but my own original characters.

It took me literally years to realize that by limiting myself to the same reel of characters, I was also limiting my ability to not only improve my skills, but to broaden my talent so that every piece I created was something to be truly admired. I want to share this with you because, like me, there is a possibility that you still struggle with the frustration of wondering if you will ever be like the artists who's pieces you gape at for hours, trying to make out the techniques in each piece because of the intricacy of it all.

More and more I realize that it's not just about creating characters that would be ideal in your mind, which probably wouldn't hold the same meaning to someone else who naturally has a different mindset. More and more I notice that a figure standing on some random background has no meaning. Those two things, when considered simultaneously, impacted one thought into my mind: my art isn't meaningful to me if it cannot be meaningful to others.

Usually, if it's not some kind of fanart or a piece of intricately exquisite art, a person will not give the desired attention to a piece that you may hope for. This can be discouraging, I quite agree. This is when artists usually tend to become defensive of their art, even aggressive to others simply because they don't know how to respond to a negative reaction. I've seen a few before who placed such importance on their personal galleries that they insisted that their art was the only thing they had that was important to them, or that no one cared about their talent but them. This is more than likely an exaggerated and untrue statement, thrown into the headline of the subject at the heat of the moment. At the same time, those who are passionate about art also tend to show their bias towards the skill.

But what are we doing to share our art with others?

Let me elaborate on this question. This is in no way proposing that we're not showing our art to people. "Look what I drew, mom!" This is probably normal of most artists. If it's something we're proud of, then it's something we will most likely show off to our relatives and friends, and maybe even submit our artwork for review to be possibly displayed on a more public level. Rather, as artists, particularly the ones who are creative in making stories and characters, we usually have little to do with what happens outside of the world of our creation. My own original character, Kichiro, a priest with magical powers who has been chosen to protect the world, has little to do with the world outside of the novel I wrote. As artists, we are more often than not forgetting of the power we have to give others a visual of a world that they can delve into and enjoy for themselves; moreover, one that nearly anyone can appreciate because it's so diverse in the target audience. So what are we doing to satisfy those needs other than satisfying ourselves? If once again, you feel that you should not be hounded by such words, then at this point, it may be wise to realize that there is no reason to stress over receiving no reaction as you are creating your art only to satisfy your own needs of entertainment. However, if you're looking to create the art that you dream of creating, I offer these ideas to contemplate.

If it's not a popular known story, let the picture tell the story.
"A picture's worth a thousand words." That's the popular saying, but what most people fail to mention is that this is not always the case. If you're looking to create something effective, sadly, a standing individual or two is not always going to invoke much talk. A reference sheet and no more is probably what it would be considered, at best, unless the piece is glamor photography. Unless you're willing to depict an entire scene for your audience to contemplate over, what world are you offering your audience to relate to?

Don't let him seem too good to be true.
If your character seems to be perfectly ideal to you, it's probably not going to appeal to anyone else but yourself. This is not just the case of a "Mary Sue" character, as such ideal and unrealistic characters have been labeled by pop culture these days. Whether written or drawn, a character and the other elements playing into the scene of the picture to demonstrate its personality should strike the audience's imagination in a way that they can relate to a character and interact his or her world at a realistic level, even if the world is a fantasy world.

NEVER compromise yourself.
This is probably the most important factor in creating your art. Regardless of the style, the medium or the concept, one should never ever place their values aside simply in desperation of a reaction to their artwork. When an artist pushes the envelope and disregards their values due to their impatience for a reaction, the artist will then have lost the meaning for their art and quite possibly any support they may have held, whether or not they realize it. Doing so also poses as a dire threat to the good morals that an individual has held.

Know why you do what you do.
Enjoying your talent for design is one thing. Wanting a particular reaction is another, and surprisingly far more yielding. A cause is followed by an effect, so make sure you know your cause. Again, if you're only looking to satisfy your needs, then you should be aware that the only audience you require is yourself; however, if this is the first time that you are aware of the need for a cause and have not yet realized what the purpose of your artwork is, then it's time to define the purpose.

To create pieces with your own characters is fun, and it's a blessing to have this wonderful God-given talent and this kind of outlet. These are the ideas that I have realized after years of making the mistake of being biased toward my art and my little fantasy stories. I urge each of you to make the most of your art; make it valuable not only to yourself, but to others as well. Make each piece a collectible gem that passes on not only beauty, but also wisdom. For just as Paul stated, "We each have different gifts, according to the grace given us." (Romans 12:6a.) I feel that it's safe to say that we should use our valued gifts to give valuable gifts, as well. I encourage you to try employing these concepts, and in a month or two, evaluate your work and compare to see how the change in your newer art may be as enriching as it is beautiful to others and to yourself.

Food for thought

My first topic is a subject that strikes everyone's interest; there should be absolutely no exception. Desire is a difficult trait to have. It causes selfishness, quarrels, greed, and the inability to satisfy oneself.

Last week, we planned a highly detailed surprise party for my aunt's 50th birthday. The reason for the details was that we were designing the theme to be an Italian restaurant, complete with menus, kitchen staff, server, and chef, all accordingly dressed in matching uniforms of black pants and white shirts. The chef was even dressed in an authentic jacket and toge. Using my mom's fine china, our servers delivered savory dishes and decadent desserts, even stopping to top off water glasses and bringing out our finest bottles of sparkling grape juice. The party was a success, and it was a blast to run, in fact.

During moments like these, I often stop and reflect about what is most important to people. I don't mean "my family and friends." Rather, what kind of legacy do we desire? After all, that's what most people are looking to acquire, regardless of the means. Recently, I look at the blogs of so many friends and I notice more and more frequently how they write about the 'steps' that they are currently taking in life and where these steps will lead them.,which sounds rather like the glorious speeches made during a high school graduation ceremony. What my main concern is, is how will I be able to take it with me? We all die, and after a good... oh, 70 years of desiring things like bigger houses, fancy careers and money, what are we going to do with all of it?

More often than I used to, I often stop and think of what it might be like to have such things: a nice, big house, my dream career, and sufficient money to purchase more things to fill that nice house. Here's how it would probably go: After a long day at the office, trying to design magazines for things that I had no interest in and sitting through meetings discussing the upcoming assignments for even more jobs of designing advertisements and layouts of products that I'm not interested in, I come home to my husband, who's watching the television or playing some video game in the living room. My chihuahuas come barking and prancing about, wagging their tails. My husband greets me, and we talk of the days events. I have a nice house full of gorgeous furniture, quite the look of a picture in a home making magazine. With the exception of the little black fuzzies all over the carpet from my husband's socks, and the pile of junk mail laying on the coffee table that's covered with water rings because both of us have been too tired to clean due to our demanding jobs. The entertainment center direly needs dusting. I go to the kitchen and there are crumbs on the counter and soup stains on the kitchen table from this morning's meal preparations. On the weekend I go out with my friends and see a fabulous new flatscreen television; but what's the point in buying it if we have a perfectly good dusty tv set sitting at home? Moreover, what will we do with our perfectly good tv set sitting at home once we've installed the bigger better tv?

Nowadays, if your house is messy and doesn't look like it has the potential for being a charming little home, you opt to disregard it and look for a new house. Nowadays, if you see that your best friend has a job that's making more money and you see her constantly in glamorous clothes, you want a better job than the one you have now where you go to work in khaki slacks and tennis shoes because you're too lazy to spruce yourself up. Bigger, better things equals a happier life. These are the 'steps' you take in life, and they continue because you will never be satisfied with what you have.

I have a relative who tours the globe with a famous band. I've seen how this relative seems to feel after these 'glamorous' tours with the stars. I don't want that job, either. Is the money worth it? Probably not. What satisfaction is there in going home to your sweet and loving.... appliances?

As for a life of partying, after getting drunk with your friends, up next comes that totally gnarly adventure of the next day's hangover, and then being sick for days. All this partying is constant, until you and your friends run out of things to talk about, only to find that you're bored with this life, spending your money trying to find other, hopefully more exciting adventures to have that lead only to even worse repercussions.... so much for 'living a little.'

How do these fancy things better us as individuals? They may be nice to have; I'm already planning a trip to the mall this week for a new pair of nice heels to add to my wardrobe. But clothes don't make the person. The career doesn't make the person. Opening your fancy home to your friends for tea and showing off your nice material things does not make a person.

"We're here today in rememberance of Jane Smith. To everyone, she was a woman who had a very nice living room suit. She was always so loving and attentive to her fine china. We will also remember her as a stunning career woman, who always made lots of money and worked long hours."

What kind of memory do we want? As I contemplate more and more on the absurdity of the need to sate such desires, it makes me wonder more and more.... what kind of legacy is it that I want?

My conclusion is that a memory of warmth and happiness, surrounded by friends, helping others, is of much more value than a memory of a warm and happy luxury sedan. The sedan will get old and dirty; the happy time of friends and family still make you laugh and smile just as much as that same shining moment. Everyone wants to be remembered somehow, and I think it's safe to say that they probably won't remember you for your Coach handbag.

When Jesus was speaking to thousands of people who had gathered, he told the story of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21.) The rich fool built large barns and stored lots of food and goods. It was this rich fool who said "eat, drink and be merry." Jesus went on to explain in the parable that God said to him "You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you! Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?!"

Moreover, what will those who get what you have prepared for yourself receive? During this time, my life is happening, as well as everyone else's. At any moment, I could be taken. What fine things will serve me? How will those who inherit my things remember me? Will it be by my nice coffee table?

I don't want my life to measure up to a gourmet pot and pan set. I don't want to be remembered by a luxury comforter, or my shoe collection. The superficiality of measuring your worth by the amount of material things you possess is spreading like a disease throughout the entire world. What good is my success as a career person, if the memory of those who knew me in any way is just an image of a mannequin and not much else?

A much more valuable legacy, and one that people are trying much harder to ignore, is that of the love and kindness that you showed for others. So many people are trying to satisfy their own situations so quickly that life passes them by before they know it, and they have nothing to show for it but their Colonials. Where did the rest of the memories go?

JFK said "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." I feel that the same applies to your own world; that is, the people who are important to you. If you don't think that those experiences matter, you may need to reconsider.

This is not to say that you need to give up all of your possessions and live a poor life. This is not to say that you have to neglect yourself. But if you're evaluating your life by the material things you have, you may be wasting your time more than you believe. If you're willing, try this experiment: whatever free time you have, plan it so that you can do something good for someone else. It doesn't have to be volunteering at the local soup kitchen, or making a donation. It can be something as fun as planning a special surprise party for a friend or family member, or taking out a saddened friend on a specially planned themed outing. Or, you could do something related to your talents and skills; for example, create a piece of artwork and donate it to a special cause that you support. Try this, and continue doing so for at least a month or two. In the end, take some time to think about the feeling it gives you and compare with your daily life that is centered upon your needs and desires. Does it feel more satisfying than the time you take on yourself? How do you feel that you can grow as a person by doing such things?

When Peter, the apostle of Christ Jesus, wrote one of his letters, he made sure to give these instructions: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in various forms" (1 Peter 4:10.) Paul, another desciple and author of much of the new testament, also said "Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others" (1 Corinthians 10:24.)

My friends, do not weigh yourself by your accomplishments in regards to all of the material things you have acquired. Each and every one of you is worth much more than that. If you concentrate too much on yourself, this only feeds your selfishness, and this will continue to consume you to the point of no satisfaction. Allow your value and spiritual wealth to increase; build a legacy that people will be proud to remember you by. This is the potential that you have, and this is something that will be much more special to those who knew and loved you. If anything, just as John Tesh said, "what an incredible life [you] will have tried to live."

Gathering ingredients

Usually I have no need for blogging, as I am located on several different networking sites from MySpace and Facebook to deviantART. However, I'm hoping that this particular blog can be more 'me,' in the aspect of the random reflections I may have. We all have them, of course. It is my hope that this blog is a bit different from the normal "what's happening in my life" as I already have plenty of blogs and online journals to keep up with on that subject. Intstead, I would rather offer something special, whether it be entertaining, insightful, or inspirational. If I succeed as such, then keeping yet another blog will be well worth the effort.

At the moment, I'm 'gathering ingredients,' if you will, to set up shop here. I plan to make some quality kibble.