When I think of the chalice + bread, it's easier for me to understand the power of a symbol. Though I know that these substances I intake are simply bread + juice or crackers + wine, I also believe in a mystical relationship between myself, these substances, and Christ. Though these are just small tidbits, I am reminded of something infinitely greater than myself, of grace and love, of repentance, and of Jesus' sacrifice for me. So when Williams talks about "transubstantiation," this thought process helps me understand how it can connect to art...
Like the chalice + bread, art can somehow meet our needs. Christ can be present in art, speak through art, move through art, and celebrate the art which comes from His own creations.
Here are some images of materials I love to use, things which serve as symbols for the way I crave + need + cherish art.
Williams says, "human beings are those creatures who uniquely have the capacity and responsibility to uncover for one another the nature of the world in which sameness and otherness constantly flow into each other, and in which there is no final reading of a 'surface'..." (pages 82-83).
What I think he means by this is that we are not only able to reveal truth to one another, but we are called to do so. When "sameness and otherness" meet, we find the body of Christ with its individual and uniquely crafted facets working in unison. So despite whatever I create with whatever materials, I might fulfill my role as an artist if I portray some truth that humans hearts can connect to.
What I think he means by this is that we are not only able to reveal truth to one another, but we are called to do so. When "sameness and otherness" meet, we find the body of Christ with its individual and uniquely crafted facets working in unison. So despite whatever I create with whatever materials, I might fulfill my role as an artist if I portray some truth that humans hearts can connect to.
After all, "Art is an uncovering of what is uniquely human" (82).
As we create, we are blessed with the incredible freedom to make choices, to play, and to sing a song straight out of our hands and hearts that would otherwise find no words. Maybe we are meant to find some truth in the world (something beautiful or raw or real), and create the connection between that thing and our own hearts + souls.
ps. Here's the definition of ontology:
- a branch of metaphysics concerned with the nature and relations of being
- a particular theory about the nature of being or the kinds of things that have existence
Sources:
Grace and Necessity: Reflections on Art and Love by Rowan Williams
Merriam Webster Online Dictionary
Personal Images (taken on my iPhone)
I think your use of personal experience in this really makes the book make more sense. I also feel as if I know you as a person better, specifically because of your images. Why do you think we so often focus on artists as those who are called to reveal the truth to others? What do you think that has to say about art, and what art truly is? I loved your connection of transubstantiation to working with materials with our hands. That is a new way of looking at things. I wouldn't have made that connection, but I really like it.
ReplyDelete"We are not only able to reveal truth to one another, but we are called to do so." – Beautifully stated. I think we, as Christian artist, are called not only to express truth through our art, but also through the way we live our lives. I know when I listen to certain songs or view certain pieces of art I can can feel that connection between it and my heart and soul. I think that is one of the greatest feelings because it is a way of knowing that there is something beyond just the first glance; that maybe we have to look deeper than the surface to find truth.
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I love about Grace and Necessity is that Williams keeps his thoughts directed and contained while still allowing and encouraging us readers to dig deeper and experience the freedom that he recognizes in us. Additionally, the transubstantiation bit is interesting because it ties in with chapter 1 so well. It's a celebration, not only of the physical elements themselves, but also of the thought process they engender.
- Jonathan
The pictures you share in this are very fun. You are very reserved in class so the first image throws me off a bit! I like your introductory paragraph. The idea of creating work that others resonate with or that connects to the heart of others I think does seem to be a part of that sameness and otherness. We are all unique individuals, but we are also all in almost identical human bodies etc....
ReplyDeleteYour blog post has a very nice personal flavor to it. I like how you make a point to accentuate the thoughts you are gleaning from the text. Nice work with that. The only suggestion I would have is to perhaps see if you can pull in an outside resource (author, artist, thinker) that echos some of the sentiments you are talking about here in order to widen the conversation. I enjoyed reading your post.
Okay, well I'm slightly frustrated at the moment because I commented on this a couple days ago but apparently it didn't show up?
ReplyDeleteI love how you used the definition of transubstantiation and applied it to your work. That's a great way of looking at it, it's how I've always looked at it, and it's been a sort of justification for me to pursue this as my major.
Does the amount of truth we can uncover or reveal depend on our skill level? Or do you think an artist as long as they are being true to themselves and the practice can make truth without having to be gifted?