One Of Life's Purposes

If you haven't seen the Carl Block life of Christ visual art show at the BYU Utah Museum of Art, this is a must see and perhaps a once in a lifetime experience. The Dutch artist was an incredible academic painter of the human figure. I believe he depicted Christ more accurately than most artists who have dared to attempt such a sacred and difficult task. Many artists have painted the Savior to have an effeminate look. Was He kind, loving, your most loyal friend? Yes He was. There is really nothing unmanly about such qualities in a man, but the Son of God was not effeminate.

I am a Mormon and I am a professional artist. Among the members of my faith, many gifted artists are developing their talents professionally. I believe all of God's children were born with inherent qualities which can develop as gifts later in their lives. God blessed His children with a diversity of spiritual gifts and talents. It is up to us individually to develop them. I used to struggle with the concept of making a living painting and balancing my God-given talent with the desire to raise children and be a good father. Sometimes it seemed that making the necessary sacrifices to develop my art career conflicted with being a good Mormon dad. The flip side of this struggle is the acknowledgment of where my talent to paint came from and if it did come from God, do I not have the responsibility to develop my talent? I believe the answer is, YES. I also believe that everything has it's own time and season. I also know from experience that in being a father, husband and grandfather and the opportunity to serve your family in this capacity, there is no greater joy, because it is following the example of the Savior. Serving others is true joy. I can use my talent to serve others, by painting things which bring joy in their lives. When those who appreciate my work express that a painting or a mural I created makes them feel good, it brings me joy. I like painting murals. It brings me joy when I can share my gift with the public.

Today, I know without doubt that I was born to be an artist. I know there is a great purpose in developing my gifts for the blessing of others. The struggle to balance my life is not as difficult to me mentally and emotionally as it was before. Part of it is because my children are almost all raised and part of it is because I have come to know inside, without guilt, I was born to paint and I am currently able to provide for my family quite well, doing what I love. It also helps to have a creative and fully supportive spouse who encourages me. I am very blessed.

It would have been a shame if Carl Block had listened to his critics about the life and struggles of an artist and had chosen another profession. The greatest work of his entire career as a Master artist is illustrated in the current BYU show. His work certainly glorifies God. It would have been a shame had they never been created. Go to; http://carlbloch.byu.edu/