| Spaces
The more I paint, the more I become aware of spaces.
Painting with the Hebrew letters has changed the way I think about brush strokes totally. It has increased my awareness of the space between the letters, between the strokes. As you read this, your eyes focus on the letters and combine them into words, and then those words combine in to phrases and sentences. From the black letters a sense of meaning is derived. The white space around the letters is sort of taken for granted. But, another way to look at it is the space surrounding each letter defines it. It is the unity of the black letters and white space that creates the unity and harmony of meaning.
When we look at a page in a Bible , the whole page is actually a part of the text, not just the words. That's why Torahs , Bibles and other sacred books are considered holy.
Of course, the letters could be any color and the background could be likewise. However, if they are both the same color, totally harmonious, then the meaning of the worlds cannot be deciphered by the human eye.
It is quite possible to create meaning that cannot be deciphered working in simple HTML. One can assign the same color value to the background space and font (letters). On a web page the words and background would all have the same color, but actually the words would have meaning that could easily be seen by anyone viewing the source HTML. Can you read this? YOU FOUND IT! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'RE REALLY CLEVER! No, not this. The space that seems to be blank just before it! There are actually words there. The letters are colored white, just like the background space. You can find out what it says by right clicking with your mouse and going to view source, then scrolling down to find the words: Can you read this , as above. What follows is a message just for you!
It is fascinating that to see the code we need to right click and go to "view source". If only life were that simple and we could "click" and view our Source. Unfortunately, our Creator is no more visible to our eyes that the HTML coding of the page we are currently reading. The more we study, walk with the Lord, pray and wait on "that still small voice", the more aware of the presence of the Source in our lives.
I find that as I become more aware of spaces, I realize how much I am not aware of them! As I walk through my home, a very familiar place, I take the spaces for granted. I think of the hallway as empty (except for all the artwork on the walls!) , but they are not empty. Scientists tell us there is air in those spaces. I'm not consciously aware of it, except possibly for temperature, or if there is a breeze or draft, of maybe a scent in it. Generally, to me, the space seems simply empty or void.
Throughout my life, I have focused on the words, "Let there be Light..." It has begun to seem that the void, the darkness on the deep may be just as important. Without it we would not discern any light. Plus, it becomes a factor in creation as immediately as the Light.
When Christians and Jews light candles and hang festive lights at this time of year, we do so to remember, to commemorate, dedicate and celebrate. No one lights a candle at noon. We need the space and time of darkness to better see the light.
Spaces point to separation. Without separation there seems to be no creation. When the Creator speaks the universe into being, Light is separated from the void, the heavens above from the heavens below, Day from Night…
As I paint, I am aware of the different shades and values of the strokes (letters) and how this will interect with the spaces that surround them. Granted, there is a bit of Pointillist theory in this. The awareness of these tiny spaces has helped me become aware to other tiny spaces.
Spaces in conversations, spaces between conversations or communications, spaces between people, how close we are physically willing to be with each other, from strangers shopping to friends greeting each other. Choice is about what we choose to do – and also what we chose not to do.
The Book of Proverbs has a lot to say about what to do – and also what not to do. We can be blessed by what we do not do as much as what we actually do. For instance, when I'm dieting what I don't eat is as important as what I do. In difficult situations, what I don't say can be just as important as what I do not say. What I paint, stroke by stroke is just as important as what I do not paint.
In this new year, may you be a blessing and be blessed by what you do and also by what you do not do.
December 26, 2005 |
