Do You Know the Artist? – Canada Adventure Day 2
posted by on 08/22/08
On our second day visiting the Van Essen family in Ontario, Canada, our hospitable hosts took us to see the Gallery on the Lake and enjoy viewing a wide array of magnificent nature artwork.
During our visit I had the opportunity to chat with one artist, Marc Gagnon, who for several years had been the President of the Canadian Society of Painters in Water Colour. As we discussed art, he made an emphatic statement that went something like this:
"You cannot fully appreciate
a work of art until you
get to know the artist."
This struck me as being quite profound. I believe it is true on a much deeper level than what was perhaps originally intended.
As we enjoyed several hikes through the great outdoors during the remainder of the day, the fingerprint of the Master Artist was quite evident on His creation. Everywhere we went there were reflections of His beauty, order, and creativity. But these reflections were only visible to those who had eyes to see them.
You cannot fully appreciate creation
until you get to know the Creator.
"The invisible things of [God] from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" (Romans 1:20).
Amen, amen, Robert! Art has a purpose, for those of us who are Christians, and that is to reflect the beauty and greatness of our Creator.
As a side note, I’ve been really grateful for how photography has helped me appreciate God’s creation more. 
Blessings to you all! My mom really enjoys reading your family’s posts.
Hello Elliot! You’re definitely right about photography. There’s nothing quite like capturing the wonders of creation on camera! I would enjoy seeing some of your photography sometime.
Very well said, Robert! That WAS a very fun and full day.