"Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, then think about these things". Philippians 4:9
Wonderfully made
I had quite an interesting experience whilst preparing for this entry.
I had mailed another photographer for permission to use one of his images on the blog, and he had responded warmly, granting that permission, and replying that he'd found the blog to be 'very sensual'. His words both cheered and provoked me - whilst I understood, I think, what he means, I also realized how such a conclusion is a two edged sword -
how many people back away, particularly Christians, from a page like this, purely because it can be surmised to be something 'sensual' and little more?
The first question that came to my mind was 'is that all that is here', or, to put it in a wider context, is that something which really defines my own work as a Christian and an artist? It's a crucial question, because if all one does can be defined as only sensual (and not include at least a reaching for the sensuous), then that's highly worrying.
Sensuality is truly restrictive in its nature and it aims. It orbits a single, sole occupation with the gratification of the senses purely for the sake of it, and is lewd, unchaste, worldly (in an entirely unspiritual fashion), selfishly indulgent, gross, and essentially brutish. It is exactly the type of deformity Paul speaks about when he commands us to kill earthward inclinations of passion, fornication and impurity - desires which amount to idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
Perhaps there are some who would deem any attempt to bring faith and art together in the fashion I am seeking here, especially because that attempt revolves around the glory of the human form, as nothing more than a selling out to such impurity, and therefore no good can come of it, but I do not think that is the true end point of what's involved here.
What I think my photographer friend meant in his comment is that there is much which is 'sensuous' about my blog and my artistic aims, and that would certainly be true.
Employing an aesthetic and creative approach to Christian art should mean that more tasteful and, hopefully, enriching qualities 'leach' into the immediate sensuality of work portraying the nude. Yes, there is some sensual response, but there is no reason why the qualities used to construct an image cannot then lead to the viewer 'seeing' far more in the light, form, tone and texture which dances there, whispering, perhaps, of the grace both in the form and behind it.
The use of art in this fashion has long been shown to open the esthetic -bathing our often dark world with the joy and richness of chaste charm, delicate moments which raise us to look beyond just seeing the immediate to yearn for a deeper harmony.
Of course, there's no guarantee that such a gift will infuse an image, and that is no doubt why many would prefer to keep away from this subject, but in spite of our corruption, we have not totally forgotten the call to a splendor that is earthy and heavenly at the same moment, which allows us to, if all but briefly, glimpse something of the garden once again. That brief 'catching' of such a fragrance certainly makes the engagement in such work significant.
Now comes the hard part.
Does my work fit in that category?
Well, I suppose the manner in which it is received is perhaps one of the best gauges I have of how others respond. 'Sensual' is not a word that comes up that often in the comments I receive. Many of the 'labels' that do arise seem to fit the 'sensuous' category quite well, so that's certainly encouraging.
I can say that my entire introduction and ensuing engagement with the genre has proved to be something something unexpected, startling and, in some respects, miraculous, so that also leads me to believe there is more going on here then just the sensual.
Nudity is certainly something we find used everyday to yank us into the immediate and the demeaning, but it does not have to be used in that fashion.
I hope that something of what I say, or write, or photograph, will help to show that clear distinction, and allow some to truly reflect on what is truly good, valuable and pure.
