Art and Soul: A Spiritual Approach to Crafts Written by Patrice Fagnant-MacArthur
Cindy Lutz Kornet is a talented artist and craftsperson whose work encompasses many media. With "Art and Soul: A Spiritual Approach to Crafts," she shares her philosophy on how art can transform life and touch our souls. The quote that dominates back cover of "Art and Soul" succinctly captures her perspective: "Creation is itself but a longing, a kind of Prayer to Almighty."An experienced art educator, Kornet believes that "everyone is creative by nature and is limited only by lack of experience, self-doubt or a lack of confidence due to other's criticism." In "Art and Soul," Kornet works to strip away some of those inhibitions that keep us from being true creative spirits we were meant to be. She believes that art can teach us much about life. For example, in creative process, we may make a "mistake." Kornet encourages her students to go back and see how project can be revised in order to make use of "mistake" and take project to a new level. This technique may also be used when we face problems in life. Such challenges can begin to be seen as opportunities. Art can also be used in healing process. Art offers an opportunity to express pain or grief that may otherwise just fester inside. The creative process offers both an emotional release and a finished project that can be used to remember a special person or time period.
| | Mom's JoyWritten by Demetria Zinga
“Mom, what am I going to do?” I moaned as I shared with my mother my woes of hour. I was working a full time job and my heart was aching to be home with my daughter instead. This was a pretty difficult decision for me, especially since my job was providing a source of financial security for me and my family. Without it, we would definitely be in a rut to make ends meet. Very calmly she replied “Did you seek Lord about it?” “Yes!” I cried, “and, well…I’m just not sure that He’d have me leave my family in a financial rut just so I could stay home with my daughter. What do you think?” The smile in her voice when she spoke eased my mind, and I knew immediately what I should do. Months later I had quit my job and was home with my daughter, raising her and being there to see her most precious moments and milestones. The Lord had protected our financial well being and had blessed my husband with a raise at his job. But before long, I was calling Mom again. “Mom?” I began slowly. Mom waited. “Well…” I hesitated, “I love being in school right now and everything, but…” and there I continued my woes of hour as Mom patiently and attentively listened to every word I spoke. And once again, she not only listened, but spoke words of truth to me that I knew only God could have given her to share with me for that very moment.I have never seen her falter. In face of adversity and moments of desperation, I have seen her call out to our Heavenly Father, and with such faith and trust in Him that it literally moves me. In midst of her troubled situations I have observed peace of God which resides upon her life and joy of Lord that radiantly shines from within.
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