One of my favorite places to go to just be and breathe is the Sandzen Gallery in Lindsborg Ks. They have quality work and are well-curated. It’s hard to believe it is in such a small town. I go there to drink it all in and for a moment feel connected to other creatives in some way. It is rejuvenating.
It’s not unusual for me to go in to see a show more than once if I can. The first time through is usually a quick scan. Any returns are usually slowed down on the pieces that I want to spend a little time with. Last weekend I went in and spent some time looking at Zac Barnes art from Lawrence Ks. He has several beautiful works up but the one that pulled me in was a landscape painting of a country road that you see above.
This painting looks so much like a road that I once lived on. As I sat with it memories good and bad trickled in. It was like an entrance or a window opened. Often, I am inspired to paint, draw, or do something else visually creative after visiting a museum. On this day I was inspired to write. Poems flowed that haven’t for some time. Poetry, for me, is a language of beauty that I haven’t been able to connect with well for a while. When I tried it felt forced and awkward. I just hadn’t been able to connect with that part of me. Honestly, I wondered if it was gone altogether.
That day was a gift. Fortunately, no one was there to see me being teary. Again, I saw that creators should create whatever is in their hearts to create. We have no idea who it will touch or how.
This isn’t just for creators though, but for anyone. This goes back to whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31 & Col 3:17). Do the good things that are in your heart to do. You don’t know how it will affect others. It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, or what you think your qualifications are. The world needs it.
If you have a moment and so feel inclined, I would love it if you would share something that you have wanted to do in the comments.
You can see more of Zac Barnes work here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zakbarnesartist/?hl=en
Melicia Evans 