As an author, I’m clearly inspired by the art of writing, but I don’t know how many authors consider writing an art and how many consider it a craft. I honestly view it as both. It’s part art, which I define as divine inspiration from our Creator to create. I believe it’s woven into us when God places us in our mother’s womb. It doesn’t automatically come out wonderful. I didn’t sell my first novel. It took time, practice and lots of patience to learn to trust the instincts God had given me.
Next is craft, which I define as skills and techniques you use to tell a story. This includes learning about point of view, characterization, theme, description, etc. Learning craft never ends. No writer ever knows it all. There are always ways to improve, whether it be in workshops, craft books or reading novels voraciously. Always continue to learn.
“We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.” ~ Ernest Hemingway
When you combine art and craft you get a strong, unique, and compelling story.
Of course, story isn’t the only form of art. Paintings, sculptures and embroidered tapestry are just a few of the breathtaking art I saw in the Vatican. I looked at Michelangelo’s painting of Sistine Chapel in awe. You can see the love and passion in it. Just amazing.
There are so many artistic expressions, I couldn’t delve into them all here today, but so many more exist such as photography, music, calligraphy, quilting and woodworking…
I leave you with this stirring quote that makes me ponder the vastness of God’s love and the expression of His Creation, along with the gift of creating instilled into us.
“The discipline of creation, be it to paint, compose, write, is an effort towards wholeness. ” ~ Madeleine L’Engle
Questions for you: What is your favorite expression of art? Do you have a favorite painting, or song, or book?
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Very interesting, Dani. I use great art and music to inspire me when I write. It’s like feeding off of others’ creativity.
Hi Lynn,
Glad you found the post interesting. That’s a wonderful way to be inspired.
As a writer and crafter, I consider myself an artist (of words, right?). I dabble in what many consider the arts (painting, pottery, drawing) and enjoy the musical arts. Definitely many people are gifted by God with special abilities and skills which they can use and develop further, hopefully to glorify God. What was your question? LOL. (scrolls back up and rereads question again) I don’t have a favorite art-type, but I LOVE visiting big museums to see the famous works of well-known artists.
I love visiting museums too. Living not too far out of DC, I have the blessing of visiting the National Gallery of Art. So inspiring. Thanks so much for taking time to stop by.
Being a photographer, I’m naturally a little biased towards the visual, but as someone with an English degree, I also value the beauty and necessity of the written word.
As for favorites, I can never narrow things to just one so here goes:
Painting–the French Impressionists and the Pre-Raphaelites; Music–the Baroque Period (think Bach and Vivaldi); Book(s)–18th & 19th Century English Literature, along with Lord of the Rings and To Kill a Mockingbird. I knew I couldn’t narrow it down!
Loved reading your favorites. I love painting and literature you do. So fun seeing things in common 🙂
Your post was interesting. I agree good writing is indeed art.
Art for me is designing gardens and enjoying others peoples gifts of expression.
Wow! Designing gardens is so amazing. I love seeing them but have only managed to keep 3 plants alive 😳
I do love the quotes you shared by two of my favourite authors!Created by our Creator makes us all artistic in some way, I believe. And so agree that there are so many ways to be artistic! I know many who say they are not ‘creative’ yet can craft an amazing casserole, or a flower arrangement, or a corner display in their home, or a folder of organized documents, or a travel plan…so many things to create in our abundant world! I photograph landscapes and write, however I do love so many other expressions of art although I may not personally do them, yet.