ACRYLIC PAINTING with Brian Simons
The role of the artist in society is often that of a benefactor. His job is not to fit in and be comfy and have a nice life. He is called to a nobler task and higher ideal. He is called to impact his culture and the civilization in a meaningful and up lifting way that leaves a lasting benefit to his fellow man.
However desirable and attractive the comforts of life may seem, the artist must look beyond and concern himself not only with the task of creating art, but to also take responsibility for the impact he has on the lives of those around him. He must have vision and insight and employ them in the service of humanity.
The world unfortunately does not welcome the artist and as history has shown, seldom acknowledges and values its artists as it should, until a generation or two has passed. So the artist must get used to being uncomfortable and not fitting in, and learn to content himself with his lot and honor the "new life stirring within him" He must learn to see his struggle as a great privilege and know that whether acknowledged or not, it is a valid contribution to life.
I recall the words of Bahá'u'lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith:
"...Through the movement of Our Pen of glory We have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Ordainer, breathed a new life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this world-wide regeneration....".
He also said this Day is very great and will witness the coming of age of the entire human race as humanity moves from turbulent adolescence to maturity.
We just need to look around us to witness the truth of these words as we see humanity struggling to shed its old ways, traditions and long held truths. The artist's job in this context is to first allow this new life stirring within to awaken, and his vision of the world to be renewed. By allowing this transformation to occur, he begins to lay new track in an uncharted frontier where pain and discomfort give way to a new vision and a new life.
This artist, of which we speak, is within each of us and would emerge if we learn to get out of our own way. By allowing these changes, we do a great service to ourselves and humanity. We are all teachers and learners. We teach others without trying, and whether freely or kicking and screaming, we are forced to learn and face the lessons life offers. To everyone we encounter in our lives, we are teaching something and what is it that we teach? We also learn something as well!
Now, at the beginning of this new century, it might be timely to consider once again what our choice will be. Will we concern ourselves solely with our own gain and foolishly attempt to secure for ourselves the transient comforts of a fleeting life? Or will we choose to joyously and courageously rise to the challenge of the artist, to the challenge of the benefactor, and assist in the birthing of this "new life" within ourselves and the world?
I leave this discussion with another quotation from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, and invite you to share your thoughts and "philosophy" with me.
"O SON OF MAN!
Thou art my dominion and My dominion perisheth not, wherefore fearest thou thy perishing? Thou are My light and My light shall never be extinguished, why dost thou dread extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the realm of glory."
If you wish to share any thoughts of want to learn more about the Baha'i Faith, please contact me at: briansimons@hotmail.com or visit the official Bahá’í website. -Brian Simons
However desirable and attractive the comforts of life may seem, the artist must look beyond and concern himself not only with the task of creating art, but to also take responsibility for the impact he has on the lives of those around him. He must have vision and insight and employ them in the service of humanity.
The world unfortunately does not welcome the artist and as history has shown, seldom acknowledges and values its artists as it should, until a generation or two has passed. So the artist must get used to being uncomfortable and not fitting in, and learn to content himself with his lot and honor the "new life stirring within him" He must learn to see his struggle as a great privilege and know that whether acknowledged or not, it is a valid contribution to life.
I recall the words of Bahá'u'lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í Faith:
"...Through the movement of Our Pen of glory We have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Ordainer, breathed a new life into every human frame, and instilled into every word a fresh potency. All created things proclaim the evidences of this world-wide regeneration....".
He also said this Day is very great and will witness the coming of age of the entire human race as humanity moves from turbulent adolescence to maturity.
We just need to look around us to witness the truth of these words as we see humanity struggling to shed its old ways, traditions and long held truths. The artist's job in this context is to first allow this new life stirring within to awaken, and his vision of the world to be renewed. By allowing this transformation to occur, he begins to lay new track in an uncharted frontier where pain and discomfort give way to a new vision and a new life.
This artist, of which we speak, is within each of us and would emerge if we learn to get out of our own way. By allowing these changes, we do a great service to ourselves and humanity. We are all teachers and learners. We teach others without trying, and whether freely or kicking and screaming, we are forced to learn and face the lessons life offers. To everyone we encounter in our lives, we are teaching something and what is it that we teach? We also learn something as well!
Now, at the beginning of this new century, it might be timely to consider once again what our choice will be. Will we concern ourselves solely with our own gain and foolishly attempt to secure for ourselves the transient comforts of a fleeting life? Or will we choose to joyously and courageously rise to the challenge of the artist, to the challenge of the benefactor, and assist in the birthing of this "new life" within ourselves and the world?
I leave this discussion with another quotation from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, and invite you to share your thoughts and "philosophy" with me.
"O SON OF MAN!
Thou art my dominion and My dominion perisheth not, wherefore fearest thou thy perishing? Thou are My light and My light shall never be extinguished, why dost thou dread extinction? Thou art My glory and My glory fadeth not; thou art My robe and My robe shall never be outworn. Abide then in thy love for Me, that thou mayest find Me in the realm of glory."
If you wish to share any thoughts of want to learn more about the Baha'i Faith, please contact me at: briansimons@hotmail.com or visit the official Bahá’í website. -Brian Simons
"Shrine Painting" 16x20" acrylic/canvas
PHILOSOPHY
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