- Tina
- Feb 23
- 4 min read
I was honored to lead an art workshop this past Saturday morning at The Boma Barn in Diamond, OH entitled, "Divine Beauty"
8 beautiful souls carved out 3 hours for themselves to be immersed in some fun art techniques that I use in my own art to create depth and communicate a message that speaks life and beauty.
I was absolutely amazed and humbled by their passion to discover, to find wonder, openness and vulnerability as we had this time together.
Why "Divine Beauty"?
When we look at these 2 buildings, what do we observe? I'll tell you my thoughts and it's something that has been on my heart for awhile.
In our culture, our creative pursuits have become streamlined, easy, accessible and truly ugly. What is being brought forth from the hearts of some current creatives and some from the recent past is a lazy, soul-less product born of convenience and comfort. There is little risk or faith seen in much of it.
Too Harsh? This is merely an observation of our current environment that was once created with intention to inspire and invigorate. Even in ancient civilizations, it was vital to engage in the creation of buildings, spaces, art, and even the intricate details of functional elements like downspouts, all of which received significant attention.
I believe the contrast is striking between what took decades, even centuries to construct and what we often see now in newer construction.
The great building above points to something more, someone greater and showcases the glory of a great Creator. Especially for a church, one would think this is a priority. You can look at some of these structures and see the heart behind it, the sacrifice required to create it, and the fact that it stands today is a testimony all it's own. It embodies the expression of an intention and effort from a period when worship was integral to the creative process, and those involved were aware they were realizing a vision, constructing a monumental symbol of a significant purpose. It was and stands as an ode to the ONE who began it all.
I stood at the South rim of the Grand Canyon once. I, when I think about it, can still feel what that was like. A sense of awe. I walked into St. John the Baptist Basilica in Georgia and all 5 senses were struck with the beauty that drew my eyes upward. I've had friends visit castles in Scotland, churches in Rome, and I remember walking in the Coptic area of Cairo and marveling over the detail of a single tile. I "knew" someone created that with deep intention and purpose.
Now, I'll point out that I know that people are the church, not the building so let's not get off track and I am aware that I am pinpointing a piece of something that may require more research to explain, but...
Art, architecture, attention to detail is about the excellence in serving in anything we do or create. This is my point AND...
This perspective was our mindset as we set out to create in this workshop. I may write a bit more in depth pieces about this subject another time, but for now let's talk about this amazing 3 hours, in a reclaimed barn with scripture written on the rafters and beams...unseen, but felt as even this venue was created for moments like this.
We started by aiming to create something that transcends us, yet remains personal to our own journey.
Everyone was asked to bring, if they wanted, an image of something that they find uniquely beautiful and has a personal meaning to them and how their vision will be inspired by it.
I also provided several options that were personal to me.
We began by creating order out of chaos as I call it by taking all the materials provided and building a foundation that would support their vision. They trusted the process with the perspective given in the beginning of the workshop, focusing on "Divine Beauty" and created beautiful, not just pretty, not lazy, not without thought and intention, but created deeply meaningful pieces of art.
Well Done!
3 of these sweet guests shared their work with me and I share it with you here.
In a world where the "color of the year" by a well known paint manufacturer is just a shade of white, it seems quite obvious that more we move away from God and His creativity we see less lasting creativity and color.
These guests understood the assignment in our little circle of influence this day.
Willing to go outside of the comfort, willing to battle through, to find something deeper, and consider something "more".
They made a mark, a new mark, and in a small way, maybe are inspired to create from a deeper perspective.
Someone once shared with me "Tina, stop cranking out work and STOP just making pretty things" MT I am grateful to this day for that advice.
Thank You so much for being present and going beyond the surface with me in this workshop, in my art, and in life.
Blessings to You,
Tina Lawver is a fine artist creating and working in her home studio in the Atwood Lake Region in rural Ohio. Her love for creating art began over 36 years ago when she started painting just for herself as a healing practice as a young Mom. She discovered that when she was in the act of creating, that her body, mind, and spirit became calm and peaceful. She was encouraged as she learned and grew as a self-taught artist. Her excitement for learning increased as she reached out to others who knew more than she did and finally taking online classes in order to increase her skill and vision.
Tina currently creates original paintings for home and public spaces through a thriving studio practice, commissions, creating for the art festival season each year, and for galleries.
You can experience her work through her website, at shows, and an upcoming gallery opening.
(more info coming soon!)
Tina Lawver - Artist
