Vertical Creativity

A Perspective on Perspective

2011-09-19T00:01:00.001-04:00

This is incredible and I'd love to try it sometime.

INCREDIBLE 3D DRAWING MACHINE from David Battistella on Vimeo.

On Human Being: Doing and Brewing

2011-09-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

U kive

Sweet Peach

2011-08-30T13:51:00.001-04:00

I saw this HAD to share it with you. GENIUS and CREATIVE. I found this simple yet interesting way of hanging snapshots – check out this cool website called Sweet Peach. They have lots of neat ideas. May you be greatly inspired!

grace & peace,

deAnn

Back to Reality

2011-08-02T14:00:00.001-04:00

Ah, vacation. A time to escape the reality of work, housekeeping, laundry, bill paying, errands, grocery shopping and beyond. A time to either slow down or speed up, depending on what your vacation entails. Our vacation to a remote, no cell reception, cottage deep in the woods on the north side of Raystown Lake was a nice combination of both paces.

While exploring the single track on the Allegrippis trail system on our mountain bikes, I stopped at a little meadow of wildflowers. The sun was warm and bright, a soft breeze gently rocked the various flowers as if in tune to a melody I could not hear. I whipped out my iPhone, got low to the ground and began getting a closer look at these seemingly worshipful colorful beauties. The friend I was with said to me, “always a photographer, huh?” I replied that there is always something to see, not just look at, but see.

Even weeds are a thing of beauty if seen through the mindset of appreciating God’s wonderful creation.These innocent, yet wild, Queen Anne’s Lace and Black-eyed Susan’s looked so pretty together, dancing in sync with one another. How could I NOT stop to capture the moment with my camera??

I’m constantly reminded that when I slow down my rushed itinerary, even my vacation itinerary, God shows me Himself in the little things. In places where I don’t expect to see Him, really. In the simplicity of a narrow trail meandering through the woods, in time enjoyed with good friends, and even in impossible weeds.

Life is so full of God and His love for us. We must take time to slow and see it. Otherwise, the sorrow and darkness that our fallen world offers can kill our hope of something better beyond the present. There is beauty in the broken.

Grace & Peace,

deAnn

Wooden Heart Lyrics

2011-07-08T10:11:00.000-04:00

I've had such a huge response to Listeners video, Wooden Heart, that I thought I'd give you the lyrics as it's somewhat hard to hear the words through the singer's passion. Still, I'm drawn in every time I watch it or listen to it on my iPod. Yes, I downloaded the entire album.

The lyrics = a heart-felt poem. Words and emotions ripped right from my own heart are echoed here as well. Which is why I'm so moved by this piece.

WOODEN HEART (sea of mist called skaidan)
We’re all born to broken people on their most honest day of living
and since that first breath... We’ll need grace that we’ve never given
I've been haunted by standard red devils and white ghosts
and it's not only when these eyes are closed
these lies are ropes that I tie down in my stomach,
but they hold this ship together tossed like leaves in this weather
and my dreams are sails that I point towards my true north,
stretched thin over my rib bones, and pray that it gets better
but it won’t won’t, at least I don’t believe it will...
so I've built a wooden heart inside this iron ship,
to sail these blood red seas and find your coasts.
don’t let these waves wash away your hopes
this war-ship is sinking, and I still believe in anchors
pulling fist fulls of rotten wood from my heart, I still believe in saviors
but I know that we are all made out of shipwrecks, every single board
washed and bound like crooked teeth on these rocky shores
so come on and let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

I am the barely living son of a woman and man who barely made it
but we’re making it taped together on borrowed crutches and new starts
we all have the same holes in our hearts...
everything falls apart at the exact same time
that it all comes together perfectly for the next step
but my fear is this prison... that I keep locked below the main deck
I keep a key under my pillow, it’s quiet and it’s hidden
and my hopes are weapons that I’m still learning how to use right
but they’re heavy and I’m awkward...always running out of fight
so I’ve carved a wooden heart, put it in this sinking ship
hoping it would help me float for just a few more weeks
because I am made out of shipwrecks, every twisted beam
lost and found like you and me scattered out on the sea
so come on let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, just some tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

My throat it still tastes like house fire and salt water
I wear this tide like loose skin, rock me to sea
if we hold on tight we’ll hold each other together
and not just be some fools rushing to die in our sleep
all these machines will rust I promise, but we'll still be electric
shocking each other back to life
Your hand in mine, my fingers in your veins connected
our bones grown together inside
our hands entwined, your fingers in my veins braided
our spines grown stronger in time
because are church is made out of shipwrecks
from every hull these rocks have claimed
but we pick ourselves up, and try and grow better through the change
so come on yall and let’s wash each other with tears of joy and tears of grief
and fold our lives like crashing waves and run up on this beach
come on and sew us together, were just tattered rags stained forever
we only have what we remember

Wooden Heart

2011-07-06T09:34:00.002-04:00

Listener "Wooden Heart" from Nathan Corrona on Vimeo.

this is amazing...

(in)courage

2011-07-05T11:32:00.001-04:00

Hey ladies – if you like to write and be encouraged along the writer’s journey, you should check out (in)courage – click their logo above. What a cool web community for women writers.

I hope summer is allowing you time to write, to express that which is on your heart. I know, it’s hard to find time with all the demands of our lives, but when I make a “date” with my writers voice I’m always left feeling blessed.

May you (and me) make a “date” and not stand ourselves up. God will meet you on the page.

grace & peace ~ deAnn

Dear Photograph

2011-06-20T12:58:00.001-04:00

I came across a very cool website, Dear Photograph, that will stir your imagination and creativity, I’m sure of it! As I prepare to head West this week to visit my grams in the town I grew up in, I may attempt something like this. My grams has lived in the same house my whole life and I have photos of me hunting Easter eggs in her postage-stamp-sized back yard. I want to find one of those photos, take it with me, and try this creative idea while I’m there, in her back yard decades later.

I hope you find inspiration from this website, Dear Photograph, just as I have.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Transformative Creativity

2011-06-16T19:42:00.001-04:00

Each of us is created in the image of God, the Master Creator and Artist. Therefore, we too, have the ability to create beauty that brings Glory to Him. That is the real purpose of art.

Art is an expression of the human heart. Creating can be a form of heartfelt prayer and worship, a time where you encounter the Creator Himself and transformation in occurs in the heart of the artist.

Not only does God speak to our hearts through our own creative endeavors, He uses what we create to speak to others who encounter and interact with it.

It’s amazing, beautiful, and mysterious.

grace & peace,

deAnn Roe

“A Journey of Love”

2011-04-05T12:46:00.001-04:00

Easter is drawing close. It's the season for reflection on the Passion of Christ. The April exhibit at LWCC is titled, "A Journey of Love" featuring moments of Jesus' last couple of days on His created planet. From the Passover Meal to Resurrection, follow His journey of love... His love for you.

There is an order to viewing and experiencing this exhibit. Please pick up a copy of The Heart Behind the Art (gallery booklet) as it has more to His story than the exhibit can hold. You can also read it online. If you click here, you will see the moments of HIs life featured in this exhibit.

May this season be one of blessing as you contemplate the deep love our Savior has for you.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

My Hysterical Havah and Silly Evan

2011-03-26T19:45:00.000-04:00

Missions Inspired Creativity

2011-03-18T13:15:00.001-04:00

Yay John! Great article in the York Daily Record. You are using your God given creative gift for good and for His glory. :0)

Grace & peace, deAnn

Musician Ryan Farish

2011-03-17T14:11:00.001-04:00

“I take a lot of satisfaction in basically being able to say it wasn’t the music, it wasn’t me, it’s God. It’s such a huge, tremendous honor - beyond all honor - to be able to do anything that someone enjoys and be able to point to God for the glory.” ~ Ryan Farish

I’ve had Ryan’s album, “From the Sky,” for several months. It’s mostly instrumental with a few haunting female vocals in the background of a few songs. The music is uplifting and inspiring. And I just found out a few days ago, after reading this article, that he’s a devoted Christian and uses his glorious gift as a way to bring glory to the One who created him.

I am reminded of this quote by author Barbara Kingsolver, “Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” Ryan has found that which God has bestowed to him, a unique creative voice, and he’s offering it to the world in His name.

Reflect on that quote… as an artist, what is it that you have to say? Are you saying it through your artwork? Can you consider that God gave you a voice for a purpose, for His purpose? How can it be used? What does it look like to think of your creative journey as an offering…to Him?

Many blessings as you seek God through your creativity,

deAnn

Wednesday Pages

2011-03-07T12:50:00.001-05:00

Hello writers and poets,

Spring is on its way, can you feel a re-birth coming? The soggy monotone landscape will soon burst forth with God’s most brilliant colors ever. Are you ready? I sure am. I also feel a creative re-birth within me. Ideas cropping up in my mind like the tulips in my backyard, pushing away winter to reach for spring. I hope you are sensing your own creative re-birth as well. If not, come to Pages this week, (Wednesday) and we’ll see if we can’t get some inspiration flowing!!

Here’s the scoop:

Wednesday, March 9^th

7:00-8:30 PM

Coffee Bar room E & F

Bring notebook or laptop and desire to write!

If you will, let me know if you can make it so I’m adequately prepared. :0)

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Oh the Joy!!!

2011-03-02T09:08:00.002-05:00

Grace Over Karma

2011-02-23T19:31:00.002-05:00

I just read an interesting interview on The Poached Egg website. It’s with Bono of U2 and the title is Grace Over Karma. It’s worth the read, whether or not you are a fan of U2. Bono’s view on religion is refreshing and the way he sees Jesus as The Messiah is simple and quite lovely. I hope you take the time to read over the interview.

Here is an article from The Poached Egg called Grace Over Bono, which is a good follow up read to this interview. You may want to check it out as well.

Grace & peace,
deAnn

Rejoice in Simple Delights

2011-02-19T15:40:00.001-05:00

“There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that in not intended to make us rejoice.”

John Calvin

The World of Creative Arts

2011-01-17T13:51:00.000-05:00

Your Work Matters to God: explore vocation, calling & career

This year, Living Word’s Leadership Summit will have a creative focus, literally. Dr. Steve Garber is the keynote speaker and he works with many artists in helping them discern what it means to develop and practice their “craft” from a biblical worldview. One of the workshops that he’ll be offering is titled: The World of Creative Arts.

I’d like to encourage you to make way in your calendar to attend The Summit on February 5, 2011. Click the links for more information and to register online. It’s only $15 per person or $20 for a married couple.

God has gifted the artists with special creative talents. As Christians, we know our gift is from Him and we desire to live fully into them. But what does that really look like? How does one go about doing that? How can we lift up God as we create art? I really hope you can attend this event!

If you have any questions, just let me know.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

The Social Network Christmas

2010-12-15T17:31:00.001-05:00

The Rapids

2010-11-18T14:56:00.000-05:00

There is a river of creativity running through all things, all relationships, all beings, all corners and centers of this universe. We are here to join it, to get wet, to jump in, to ride the rapids, wild and sacred as they may be. – Matthew Fox

Creating in the Valleys of Life

2010-11-03T18:55:00.001-04:00

At the studio, October 20, I shared that earlier that day I had seen a Pulmonologist due to a chest CT scan that came back funky. The lymph nodes in my chest region are enlarged and they spotted two other "densities" that are U.F.O.'s (unidentified floating objects, haha). The lung doctor referred me to a Cardiothoracic surgeon, to whom I meet with tomorrow morning, Thursday 11/4, for a surgical consult. They want to remove one of my ugly lymph nodes, test it and, hopefully, rule out lymphoma or metastasis (a cancer that begins else where in the body and metastasizes in the lymph nodes.) I hope they rule them out too! The lung doctor is leaning towards a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, but because I'm young (at 40, yay!) and have a young family, they want to be aggressive and catch anything really bad before it's too late. I'm good with that. I guess.

I'm feeling pretty good now, emotionally, thanks to the gazillion prayers offered up on my behalf by amazing friends. But those of you who attended the studio last month saw a very scared and heartbroken side of me. Thank you for your grace and compassion that evening. The news was just so recent, having been to the doctor earlier in the day. I wanted to cancel the studio but for the whole week prior God had inspired me with a particular idea. If I cancelled the studio, I would have cancelled what God had put on my heart for that evening. So, with every ounce of strength left in me, I proceeded with the studio. Not without blubbering and tears, however. :0)

The idea was to prayerfully listen to the song by Casting Crowns, "Your Love is Extravagant," and then move into a creative project continuing in a prayerful spirit. We were to paint or draw whatever came to mind or heart. Just spend time with God before the "canvas" or sketchbook and see what happens. This idea God had for me the week prior was genius, as He knew I would have a difficult doctors appointment on the same day as the studio and that I needed to fulfill His idea - it was to help me see Him amidst this challenging news of my health.

About 12 people attended the studio. Some drew with ball point pens, others with charcoal or pencils or markers. Others used watercolors or acrylics. I painted on a small 8"x6" canvas with acrylic shades of black, purple, white, gold, and silver. None of us set out to create a particular piece, instead, we listened to that still small voice and created out of a place of prayer before our Creator. It was a very sweet hour.

Big uncontrollable tears fell from my eyes as we listed to the lyrics:

Your love is extravagant. Your friendship, it is intimate.

I find I'm moving to the rhythm of Your grace.

Your fragrance is intoxicating in our secret place.

Your love is extravagant.

Spread wide in the arms of Christ,

Is a love that covers sin.

No Great love have I ever known.

You consider me Your friend.

Capture my heart again.

As soon as the song was over and I began to put paint on to canvas, using only my fingers, a peace came over me and I was suddenly energized. I had no idea what I was painting, I had no subject in mind. I just paid attention to the colors and how soft the paint felt between my fingertips and the canvas. The lyrics replayed in my head over and over and a form began to take shape. I just went with it as I surrendered my creativity to the Creator.

After about 45 minutes, it was time to close the studio gathering. We briefly shared what that experience was like and even shared our created pieces. It was really moving to hear and see how God spoke to each of us through our open hearts and creative spirits.

The piece I created is certainly no Monet. It will never be sold in a gallery or hang in a museum. But to me, it speaks of the way God holds me close especially in the valleys of life and I’m reminded of the extravagant ways that Jesus loves me.

My painting…

I was so blessed by the time to play with paints with a heart centered in prayer. I connect with God in very intimate ways through my creativity. And He knew I needed to draw near to Him that night, and still to this day. As I prepare to talk with the surgeon about how he’s going to remove a lymph node from a very tricky place near my heart and lungs, I continue to snuggle into the wings of Christ. Then, as we receive the pathology report noting a final diagnosis, be it sarcoidosis, lymphoma or other cancer, I will still be singing, “No greater love have I ever known. For you consider me Your friend.”

Capture my heart again…

Grace & peace ~

deAnn

Click here to hear the song.

Fear of Doing

2010-11-02T12:30:00.001-04:00

Donald Miller just posted this on his blog. It’s a short read, but a good one…check it out.

Grace & peace,

deAnn

Plein Air Painting in Easton

2010-10-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

Yeah, call me a geek…but because my last three cars have been Subaru's, I get the Subaru magazine, DRIVE. The October issue has a neat little story about Painting En Plein Air – there is a festival in Easton, MD in July which is specifically for en plein air artists. I’d love to attend next year. In my Subaru, of course. haha!

I hope you enjoy this article.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn

The Names of Jesus Art Exhibit

2010-10-12T11:07:00.001-04:00

The exhibit it up and, I must say, it’s very nice. You can read the gallery booklet online, The Heart Behind the Art. For more info and photos of the exhibit, click here.

Grace & peace,

deAnn Roe

Encounter & Gallery Opening

2010-09-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

An evening of worship at Living Word’s encounter followed by the gallery opening of the next exhibit, The Names of Jesus, in The Gallery @ Common Grounds Coffee Bar. This exhibit is a collaboration of artists from The Studio – the artist’s community. We even have an “artist from afar” participating in this exhibit: Lionel Phillips who follows [The Arts @ Living Word] blog as a resident of New Zealand. He’d love to attend The Studio, but geography is getting in the way!

Encounter is Friday, October 8, 7:00-8:30 pm in the main auditorium. Then follow up the powerful time of worship by joining us in the coffee bar for coffee and tea. Light desserts will be available. View the new exhibit and read about the artists who created the work by picking up a copy of The Heart Behind the Art, the gallery companion booklet, which you’ll find on the ledge in the coffee bar lobby. It will also be found online by checking back to this blog.

The Names of Jesus exhibit runs Friday, October 8 to Sunday, November 14, 2010.

Grace & peace ~ deAnn