“A storyteller’s mission is not to paint their reader a picture of an ocean, but to soak them and force their breath be held as a wave topples over their head. Storytelling is an art of immersion. It sees fruition through the audible laughter of a reader dazed by a novel, and the shedding of an actual tear as the pain of loss is experienced by brilliantly crafted words giving life to a story. When you lift your feet onto the couch for safety, you can no longer be associated as a mere audience member perceiving the details of that book. In your participation, you have embodied the life of that author’s frightened protagonist and made what was once fiction an experience and reality deeper than any back-cover could have given you warning.” – Facebook post I wrote earlier this week.
Writing stories has been in my heart a lot recently. As typing plays such a large part of my daily life through blogging, editing various works and contributing to projects, I have found an increased importance in my life to being proactive about setting aside time to engage myself in simple story-telling. Before my words became anything more, writing was a means of self-expression and so I always strive to appreciate writing, first and foremost, as an art. Now don’t get me wrong, I find enjoyment in professionally writing for others that the world might be a more-easily-read place, but my goal with this blog is to emphasize the importance of separating tasks and agendas from the irreplaceable power of raw artistic communication.
Admittedly, I am by no means a musician and if I ever start lifting a paint brush to a canvas, please stop my hand before it ever touches the paper – it will be less embarrassing for both of us. But despite my less-than-impressive talents in those (and many more) areas, I believe this same principle I use in writing remains relevant to any and every other form of creativity. If you play piano three times a week for your local church, set aside time to play for the simple joy of running your fingers across those keys. If you work graphic design, let your assertiveness be unpressured by taking time to create for the mere experience. If you are a professional photographer, take pictures that you only allow yourself to view.
Creativity is empowering. It is life-giving. When we read that we were created “in the image of God,” we can appreciate the purposefulness behind artistic expression. See the grass; trees; sky and even the form of your body – each of these are creations of your incredibly artistic Father. And so the next time that you find yourself delving into the joys of creative expression, know that there is a proud Daddy smiling that you should follow His footsteps.
Beautiful feet 