All art as revelation

I am being very encouraged By something I read while in Pakistan. I brought along Edith Stein's "The Science of the Cross" She was a Jewish woman who converted to Roman Catholic Christianity, became a Carmelite nun (like Mother Theresa), and was martyred by the Nazi's. She was an accomplished philosopher and this book is a fine study on work of St. John of the Cross.

Anyway she is speaking of art as Holy Realism. This is what happens when the artist follows Him, or whose receptivity is in light of 'heavenly' or holy values rather than 'worldly' or materialistic ones. The impression creates in the artist the urge to create their art which occurs as image within structure. Therefore all art is also symbol.

Here is the kicker for me:

"It is a symbol: that is, it comes from that infinite fullness of meaning into which every bit of human knowledge is projected to grasp something positive and speak of it. It does so in such a manner, in fact, that it mysteriously suggests the whole fullness of meaning, which for all human knowledge is inexhaustible. Understood this way, all genuine art is revelation and all artistic creation is sacred service."

When artistic creation is attuned to the infinite life and the unfailing self-gift of love which is God, is becomes an unveiling of Holy mystery.

As a struggling artist with a deep struggle of faith right now, these are words to live on for know.

trouble connecting

I am sorry. I'm making little films, but have no way to connect to upload them. I am safe and my hosts are gracious and I am enjoying the Pakistani food. I hope to have a better update soon. This is from my blackberry.