Human Wisdom: a Handmaiden, Not a Mistress

We’ve been working through 1 Corinthians in our evening sermon series at my Church. I’m thinking back through a previous passage I preached on, and ran across this quote by Calvin. It is really excellent, and so I thought I’d put it up here. The natural arts and all the sciences by which wisdom is…

But is It Worthwhile?: Art as Investment

So, contemporary art might be meaningful, and it might last, but is it worth the price tag?  Of course, this isn’t an easy answer.  A great deal of contemporary artwork is just plain awful, and so I’d say, “No, don’t spend any amount of money on this, especially not what they are asking.”   Basically, a…

But Does It Last?:The Case for Beeswax

Without a doubt, the number one thing I am asked by viewers is, “Will this thing fall apart?”  The Western art tradition has largely grounded itself in the vehicle of oil painting, and most viewers are simply used to the thought that while oil lasts, other things might not.   For this reason, I’m not upset…

But What Does It Mean?:A Guide to the Perplexed

Tomorrow, six of my pieces will be shown at Belhaven University at an alumni exhibition.  These pieces are small, roughly 12″x12″, and are already framed.  As I prepare to talk about my work, I think that a question many people may ask is, “Well this looks nice, but what does it mean?”   It seems to…

Algorithm Art

Probably the most fascinating concept I’ve seen in the contemporary art scene, ARTSY is facilitating the auctioning of algorithms as art.  While algorithms have certainly been sold, previously, for utilitarian purposes, this is the first auction, in my knowledge, for algorithms to be possessed simply for their aesthetic or conceptual quality.  What does this mean…

The Van Gogh That Breaks My Heart

The Van Gogh That Breaks My Heart Vincent van Gogh aspired to become a Calvinist pastor, like his dad. He pursued ministry in the Dutch Reformed Church until he hit a roadblock by failing his academic training, and then experienced what personal failure often breeds: disillusionment. He became disenchanted with pastoral ministry…