Elsheimer - The creative call: an artists response to the way of the Spirit

S o many times I've heard someone admire another's talent and longingly say, I used to be able to do that! My follow-up question is always, Why did you stop? People come up with a myriad of answers to that question but often they come to the sad realization that they never really had to stop. I frequently catch a glimpse of the sense of fulfillment they once enjoyednow long gone, but not forgotten.

The unfortunate truth is that once we have found our way in the so-called real world, even if we become successful in a chosen profession, many of us discover we've lost something of ourselves. We lose the simple pleasure that we once cherished of being who God created us to be and doing what God created us to do. We may even feel our gifts are lost forever. But are they?

In The Creative Call, Janice Elsheimer lays out steps to reawakening the artist inside us. This practical guide helps us examine the circumstances that led to the abandoning of our precious talents in the first place and offers us the keys to unlocking the unique treasure we still have buried deep within.

As Janice points out, a number of stumbling blocks may have hindered the development of our artistic selves. We may have encountered unbelief in the benefits of our special gifting. Too many times, after someone has enjoyed viewing my own artwork, I've been told, You know, my child (or niece, nephew, friend, or whoever it may be) showed a talent for art, but then they finally wised up and got a 'real job.' This comment is like fingernails on a blackboard to me! Unfortunately, many people have this misconception. Somewhere along the way, people equated certain talents, especially the arts, with laziness or foolishness. But in truth, artistic and creative thinkers have helped shape our society! It is this truth that is important to hold on to as we develop our art.

Another stumbling block is our own fear. Many of us may have felt that we just weren't good enough to be an artist. But I ask, Not good enough for whom? I learned a long time ago that no matter how good you are there will always be somebody better. So I stopped worrying about how good I was compared to others and simply concentrated on becoming the best that I could be. We become good at our gift by using our talentsby exercising our creative muscles and developing skills, confidence, and an understanding of our craft.

Chapter by chapter, with thought-provoking words and exercises, Janice lifts the veil that blinds our thoughts towards our gifts. Most of us will be able to see ourselves somewhere within the pages of this book. We will then have the chance to overcome the lies that have kept us from believing that we can enjoy the wonderment of creating with the talent we possess.

Wonderful journeys begin with the first step. Janice helps us begin to pull off the weights that hinder our talents and learn to seek the Holy Spirits guidance to regain a belief in pursuing our gifts. As our trust level develops, she encourages us to go on to the next stepjust do it! Step by step we make our way toward the threshold of a newly resurrected talent. This journey is not so much about where we are going, but what we're doing to get there.

Nothing will take the place of working at our craft. That is why its important not to become frustrated when our skill level doesn't match our expectations. It takes time to reacquaint ourselves with our reawakened talent. Instead of expecting perfection, we should expect to make mistakes and learn from themto use them as a part of our personal growth process. To my knowledge, no masterpiece was ever created during the first attempts to grow familiar with a particular medium. If we learn to enjoy the developmental process and not be afraid to make mistakes, eventually we'll learn the truth of the craft. True excitement comes when we realize that the more we exercise our gift the more joy and satisfaction we feel and the more skilled we become. Its all a part of the journey. So, we might as well enjoy it!