“We always make the fatal mistake of thinking that it is what we do that matters, when really what matters is what we let God do to us. God sent the angel to Mary, not to ask her to do something, but to let something be done. Since God is a better artisan than you, the more you abandon yourself to him, the happier he can make you.” Archbishop Fulton Sheen (Seven Words of Jesus and Mary)

Every GENUINE art form in its own way is a path to the inmost reality of man and of the world. It is therefore a wholly valid approach to the realm of faith, which gives human experience its ultimate meaning. That is why the Gospel fullness of truth was bound from the beginning to stir the interest of artists, who by their very nature are alert to every "epiphany" of the inner beauty of things.

http://www.catholicliturgy.com/index.cfm/FuseAction/documentText/Index/2/SubIndex/20/ContentIndex/78/Start/72

This definition in the dictionary is what I feel they mean by being genuine.
free from pretense, affectation, or hypocrisy; sincere: a genuine person.

God's mirror, examination of conscience

I thought this woman's thoughts were interesting. It's about being real, examining your inner motives, being honest, and not posturing before God or others. About true intimacy.

No more lies

When I view this video I see the woman as sad because people are putting forth images that are of trivial things or not honest or are a distraction from true connection or intimacy, and she doesn't even have the words for the sadness. But the tear itself that she cries is the true art. And God sees. But forgiving the falsity and bringing it to God to transform the pain can bring healing and connection that way. Because where there is love, there is true connection. Forgiveness is an act of love and mercy that reflects the Father's love. And even if she doesn't have the words to speak it, and can only cry it out, God knows. He knows before you speak or paint or illustrate or explain. Just come to Him and Be in His Presence and let all that is false burn away knowing that He knows the real you, he knows other people's real self too, the part we don't see, and that He only comes to forgive and to save and not to condemn, and he knows what to remove that is obstructing who you are in Him.

Art, Window to the Soul ....

If you were just interested in learning to look at art, we could stop here. If this is to be a prayer experience, we need to go further. To begin, think about how we detect the presence of the artist in the artwork. First of all, we note the expression that lives on in the piece. Art is essentially a container which embodies the expressions of its creator. We also say the artist has spoken to us through the work. In addition, we talk of the artist having a characteristic style, which enables us to immediately recognize a Monet or a Renoir for example.

As creations of God, each of these three aspects of art can apply to us: God's expression lives in us, we are containers who embody the spirit of our Lord; God speaks through us; and we can say God has a characteristic mark or signature, which we are able to recognize - as Jesus tells us: "My sheep hear my voice." Each of these realities enables us to find God in each other.

To find God in art, we are joining these two premises together. God speaks through the artist, who speaks through the art. We are already accustomed to understanding this connection as we discover God in written words, especially scripture, but other sources as well. We listen for God in sermons, in hymns and music, in ritual and dance, and we listen for God in the visual arts. This Presence is detected easily where goodness and love are expressed. Elements of hope and beauty (as in Henri Matisse's "The Tree of Life"), justice (as in Mike and Doug Starns' "Lack of Compassion") and mystery (as in Mark Tobey's "Edge of August") also reveal God to us. God may be sensed as the source of life and energy (as in Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night"). Additionally, suffering and darkness (as in Pablo Picasso's "Guernica") may bring images of Christ to our minds.

As you look, be aware of this hidden voice of the Spirit in all of its varied manifestations. You might gain new insights or a broader view of your faith. You will certainly have many opportunities to increase your awareness of the inner realities of your fellow human beings as you listen to their stories from their viewpoint and know their joy, hopes and sufferings. Art allows for a special kind of window into the private, emotional world of another person. It is difficult to be truly intimate with others and not find God, since it is in the center of our being that God lives.

From Drawing to God, Art as Prayer, Prayer as Art, by Jeri Gerding

Jeri Gerding is a Roman Catholic adult mental health counselor, is a graduate of Northern Illinois University, and received a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois-Urbana.

God's expression lives in us, we are containers who embody the spirit of our Lord; God speaks through us; and we can say God has a characteristic mark or signature, which we are able to recognize - as Jesus tells us: "My sheep hear my voice." Each of these realities enables us to find God in each other.



Information on the Real Presence: (It has everything to do with all of the above) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6SH93arrIE

Quote from GOD OF SURPRISES, by Gerard W. Hughes: "Hidden in our moods and feelings, thoughts and daydreams, experiences and hopes is our inner life. Father Hughes says: “God is in all things, so there is no particle in creation and no experience of yours in which God is not with you.” The author provides ways to clear the inner chaos and find the treasure within."

Pablo Picasso Quotes:

It is not what the artist does that counts. But what he is. Cézanne would never have interested me if he had lived and thought like Jacques-Émile Blanche, even if the apple he had painted had been ten times more beautiful. What interests us is the anxiety of Cézanne, the teaching of Cézanne, the anguish of Van Gogh, in short the inner drama of the man. The rest is false.

Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?

Are we to paint what's on the face, what's inside the face, or what's behind it?

Creativity flourishes when we have a sense of safety and self-acceptance. Your artist like a small child is happiest when feeling a sense of security. ~ Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way

"Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You’re a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist. And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that. Unconditional self acceptance is the core of a peaceful mind." — St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622), Patron Saint of Journalists

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