Inspiration at the University       Andy Liimatta

I was asked to remember what was good,
I was asked to remember what was good,
I was asked to remember what was good,
Or at least that’s how I remember the question.
When I picked up my brush, and I took out my lens,
The instructor said to look within,
To create from some inner philosophy,
For what lurks beneath my artistry,
I was asked to remember what was good,

I was asked to speak of those who hate,
I was asked to speak of those who hate,
I was asked to speak of those who hate,
Or at least that’s how I remember the question,
When I pick up my brush, and I took out my lens,
The instructor said to look within,
To create from some inner philosophy,
For what lurks beneath my artistry,
I was asked to speak of those who hate,

I was asked to tell my deepest hurts,
I was asked to tell my deepest hurts,
I was asked to tell my deepest hurts,
Or at least that’s how I remember the question,
When I pick up my brush, and took out my lens,
The instructor said to look within,
To create from some inner philosophy
For what lurks beneath my artistry,
I was asked to tell my deepest hurts.

I was asked to sing my songs of praise,
I was asked to sing my songs of praise,
I was asked to sing my songs of praise,
Or at least that’s how I remember the question,
When I pick up my brush, and took out my lens
The instructor said to look within,
To create from some inner philosophy
For what lurks beneath my artistry,
I was asked to sing my songs of praise.

Story #1 – My friend Alex is a great artist.  He was turned off from a degree in art, because of the pressure he was put under from professors to develop a way of explaining his art, some philosophy – some “thing” that united it and explained it to the viewer (and the professor).

Story #2 – I always enjoy it when I am able to view the Senior Art Exhibition at Northern Michigan University.  At the end of a semester each student has their work exhibited.  Their art can be a real window into what inspires them.  Along with their personal information and information on what they made, there is well honed apologia* for what they made.   Yesterday as I took in the exhibition, I noted that a couple artists centered on friendships in the ski community; one was introspective on his ethnic identity, one shared about deep inner wounds, one made a really cool chair from birchwood, two other artists had themes of wonderful childhood experiences of summers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, another artist exposed the hypocrisy he experienced in the church.  It is a privilege to see a bit of the world through these artist’s lives, in what they have created.

below is an interesting work, an animation of handwriting is projected onto a mirror. Several different introspective questions and statements appear over several minutes.

Story #3 – For her senior exhibit, my friend Teisha who worked in pottery, cast seven sets of plates and cups.  Each setting was unique to one day of the creation story.  Her graduation was a long time ago, and much of the pottery has chips and cracks.  But I still think of her heart of worship as she cast the days of creation.  The Christian artist creates within a context of worship.  They tell of all the things they see through the lens of the hope that lives within them.

*apologia- a formal written defense of one’s opinions or conduct. 

Questions: Would you want to write a philosophy of your art? What would it be? (in two sentences)

What medium do you work in when you create? What medium would you enjoy learning?

What is the last piece of art you saw that inspired you or caused you to reflect on life?