Inspired to Create by Creation

As I write this blog I am sitting outside. I hear the symphony of natrure as the leaves rustle in the wind and the birds chirp on this bright sunny day. There is a manmade orchestra simultaneously occuring as the noise of cars mix with the beautiful melodies of modern classical music by Jon Mclaughlin's "Mood Mix" (a great choice to inspire creativity). It is a combined orchestra of percussion, winds, and keys. The senses are ignited with the mix of sounds, the feel of the wind, and the smells in the air.

While at coffee with a friend, talking about the next Creative Collective night, we began talking about Genesis 1, the theme of the last Creative Collective Night. As she has spent time in Genesis 1 the theme of water keeps coming to her. When I spent time preparing for the. night, the light stuck out for me. As we talked that night, the expanse stood out to another. All of this brought me back to the streets of Barcelona and the inspired art of Antoni Gaudi. Which ultimately takes the eye of the beholder back to his inspiration, God's Creation. "Originality consists of returning to the origin. Thus, originality means returning, through one's resources, to the simplicity of the early solutions." - Antoni Gaudi. The orgin he is talking about is nature, God's creation. I remember hearing this quote and reflecting on the depth of these simple words as they repeated over and over in my mind. My creations are simply a mirror of Creation, by the Creator. Inspired by His creation, whether it's a story told, or a painting painted, or a song written about love, the purest most perfect version is the original, created by God who began story "In the Beginning God Created" - Genesis 1. He created color, by which we can now observe in natural form or in art to capture an image, He is love, in all of it's purity and goodness with no brokenness. Not every artist is creating with the creator in mind, but it is beautiful when we collaborate with the Creator in creativity, knowing that He is the first artist, His canvas was created in perfection.

Gaudi also states "The creation continues incessantly through the media of man. But man does not create... he discovers." As we create, what can we learn? Or even, as we observe creation, what can we discover? I can talk about countless stories of times I created and discovered so much about Jesus and through that creating, my relationship with Him grew. The time of discovery is beautiful and powerful. As Christians, how can we connect with God the creator and reflect Him as image bearers?

So here are some pieces to observe from Gaudi. Each piece beautiful on it's own, but filled with dynamic meaning when the inspiration is revealed. The orgin story of creation simply reflected through this artistry, now on display for miillions of people. It's incredible to think about the ripple effect of what giving the glory back to the original, creation, to the Creator, might have on the eyes who peer the art today.

What do you see in the art? How do you his originality reflecting the orgin? Please comment and share.

"Tomorrow we will do beautiful things."- Gaudi. What beautiful thing is on your heart today to glorify God the Creator.