The Agony and the Ecstasy

My dad received some old Charlton Heston movies for Christmas. Last night I watched "The Agony and the Ecstasy" with my sister and brother.  A movie about Michelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel.  I pulled up some pictures from the movie and from the actual chapel.  


It was neat to watch a movie about an artist and the dynamics he went through to create one of the most important pieces of his life.  As an artist myself in some ways I could relate to him.  


It was fascinating to see Charlton as Michelangelo talking with the Pope about his take on God reaching out to Adam. "The act of creation is an act of love... I'm thankful for his gift to me."  What he painted in "The Creation of Adam" was how he saw God.  And the Pope's reaction to Michelangelo as an artist. The pope felt Michelangelo was doing more good for the world than he had as the pope.  I believe Artists have a special calling and ability to communicate truths in a poignant way that reaches and touches deep into the soul, as Michelangelo has done with his masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel.


Art is the language of the soul.  To be an artist is to be vulnerable.  You put your heart and your soul out there for others to see.  Our artwork is truly a part of us.

Charlton Heston as Michelangelo, he did a superb job!

Michelangelo's "God"

The Creation of Adam

I don't know who the lady is, but she's lovely

I could relate to Michelangelo's desire to do his best.  His desire for excellence.  I also believe that an Artist sees and feels the world differently than others.  I am an artist and I think I feel things deeper and harder than others do.  I am a sensitive person, a sensitive artist.  Many times I see it as a weakness but God has been teaching me through others encouragement the strength it is to be sensitive.  I know one of the ways I experience God is through my emotions, my heart.  And one way I share my heart is through my Art.  

For me too, at times, it is Agony and at times, in His presence it is Ecstasy.