William Blake

Paul quoted from William Blake this weekend at church. He read part of "To the accuser of this world". He was encouraging us to discover our Identity in Christ, to understand it is deeper than our DNA. He then said something particularly interesting: "Jesus is the perfect icon of the invisible God. Our identity in Christ is rooted more in something that happens within us than something that happens to us." Anyhow all those thoughts are kindof blowing my mind still.

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So I start reading about this Blake guy and I see he is a mystic, a poet and an artist. He was largely unknown in his lifetime. He lived in poverty and did his thing. I wonder if he doubted? Even once he was "discovered" popular art critics at that time never would have predicted over 100 years later he would be called "one of the greatest artists Brittain has ever produced." I google imaged Blake to see his Infant Joy picture and immediately remember my sketch A Flower. (I'm 99.9% sure I had never seen Blake's picture before today.) I remember sketching the blue cord over the drawing wondering why that came out as I drew, yet understanding it was some kind of blue blood umbilicus covering roots and weaving over the story and extending in three directions before stretching into the heavens. Blake's picture is all about the birth of light and joy---and so is mine.

On a more meta level, the comparison of these two images leaves me grateful: I'm glad I have never waited to be a better artist, silversmith, etc. before daring to express my visions. It leaves me feeling a sense of community...a little less nutso, etc. It encourages me to keep going, even when I'm frustrated by what comes out on paper vs. whatever is in my head. It encourages me to be bold and own my visions. It reminds me I do not have to share them now...maybe they need to sleep awhile and someone, someday will need them. Sometimes I will share my inspiration immediately when I know it will be received.