Created en Imago Dei

2008-03-18T09:48:00.000-04:00

I. Purpose of art
"Typically, the work I've done is very personal," said Lowly."I feel a real connection with whomever or whatever I am painting."Tim Lowly as been described as an “unaplogetic Christian with a social conscience” because of his heart for oppressed people groups. This sensitivity hit Lowly’s heart with the birth of his daughter, Temma. "When Temma was born my whole faith world was turned upside down," says Sherrie Lowly (Chicago Reader).

Tim Lowly
We live in an unmistakably secular age, yet Tim Lowly's works radiate a naive, almost atavistic faith and present the ordinary physical world as mysteriously extraordinary. text)

II. Subject Matter
A. Daughter, Temma
-story of her birth and influence on his life and work (love and meaning to life
B.

-Temma, Lowly’s daughter, is a frequent subject in his paintings. Conrad Baker, a fellow artist and teacher in Grand Rapids, MI had a statement to put forth after observing Lowly’s work. He said, “The artist and viewer must train their eyes to see the meanings in the world”.

-"The essential quality of God is love," Sherrie says. "Temma loves to be touched. She could sit on your lap all day and be content, although she would have seizures occasionally." Tim adds that Temma has helped him see the line between his own selfishness and the selflessness of ideal love. "I long for my child to know who I am," he says, "but the quest for being known and receiving something in return is not the essence of love."

-“But an hour later and ready to leave the museum, my friends found me staring meditatively at a 9-by-4 foot monochromatic drawing by Chicago artist Timothy Grubbs Lowly. Entitled Carry Me, the haunting work depicts his severely disfigured and incapacitated daughter, Temma, who is held up to our bird’s-eye view by 6 women. (See figure) The accompanying text explains that the artist conceived the drawing in witness of his daughter, wondering what it might mean to be a human being physically and psychically “ultramarginalized.” In the end, he envisages Temma as the self-sufficing answer, one that precedes and dismisses the question, and he imagines her voice: “Carry me, this is who I am, broken in mind, broken in body” [2]. And as observers of the drawing, we are asked to examine our own view and experience of Temma, while the women who carry her await our response.” -Dr. Kate Scannell, M.D.

Carry Me, 2002; by Timothy Grubbs Lowly.
Drawing on toned panel 108 x 48 inches.
Collection of Andreas Waldburg-Wolfegg.
Reproduced by permission of the artist
and Laguna Art Museum.

http://virtualmentor.ama-assn.org/2006/04/mhum1-0604.html

Temma on Earth, 1999, 8' x 12', acrylic gesso with pigment on panel, Frye Art Museum, Seattle

Temma on Earth: Harper’s Magazine (June, 2000) http://www.harpers.org/archive/2000/06/0065670
Lowly says, "There's something very intriguing about what happens when you take a person who in the view of much of our culture is a nonperson and depict her in a
fashion traditionally reserved for the gods." (http://www.timlowly.com/resources/tglcamper.html)

From an exhibition catalogue essay by John Brunetti:
"Temma on Earth is a poetic expression of internal travels viewed through external landscapes. It is a mural-sized painting that reveals Lowly's ability to elicit emotional tension out of the subtlest visual contradictions. In doing so, he transforms personal family experiences into universal, human metaphors. Reacting against convention, Lowly doesn't pose his daughter in a traditional landscape composition of a person standing against the horizon. Rather, he graphically depicts Temma as seen from the aerial perspective of a satellite image. Lit by an even, overcast light, she calmly rests on her side in an unkempt plot of land. She is surrounded by an expanse of dried earth and foliage, drained of vivid color. Her peaceful expression seems at odds with the harshness of her surroundings. Though the heavy folds of her sweatshirt emphasize her horizontal contact with the ground, something else begins to occur. Despite her palpable inertia, she seems to have brokenfree of the earth's gravity. Traditional roles of land and sky have been reversed. The bleached, dried ground becomes luminously celestial as gravel is transformed into surrogate stars and tufts of isolated grass resemble mysterious galaxies. Physically one with the ground yet seeming to journey far away, weighted down while being lighter than air, Temma's image speaks to her ability to transcend her real life disabilities." http://www.flickr.com/photos/timlowly/2075255866/

July's Image Artist of the Month: Tim Lowly
Tim Lowly is a Chicago-based painter whose lyrical realism and quiet spirituality have given his work a national reputation. While he has painted myriad subjects, from everyday life on American city streets to village life in South Korea, one series of Lowly’s paintings have etched themselves on the minds of his many admirers -- his portraits of his daughter. Temma is multiply impaired -- she has a seizure disorder and cortical blindness -- and the paintings make us look at the things we train ourselves to avoid seeing: the problems of the body, and the problem of inexplicable suffering of innocents. But as we look more closely, the portraits call even our notions about suffering into question. Though tender, the images are also startlingly realistic. They don't flinch from Temma's condition, but rather than lamenting her, they do a sort of visual theodicy, giving us glimpses of meaning in something we tend to think of as being only senseless and painful. Lowly’s vision, while meditative in style, reminds us that compassion is not the same as pity -- rather, compassion is learning to “suffer with” another and to receive, in turn, something inexplicable and grace-filled from the one who suffers.

Visit the Image Artist of the Month page for Tim Lowly.
To see more paintings, click here.

Temma on earth:
Temma on Earth is a poetic expression of internal travels viewed through external landscapes. It is a mural-sized painting that reveals Lowly's ability to elicit emotional tension out of the subtlest visual contradictions. In doing so, he transforms personal family experiences into universal, human metaphors. Reacting against convention, Lowly doesn't pose his daughter in a traditional landscape composition of a person standing against the horizon. Rather, he graphically depicts Temma as seen from the aerial perspective of a satellite image. Lit by an even, overcast light, she calmly rests on her side in an unkempt plot of land. She is surrounded by an expanse of dried earth and foliage, drained of vivid color. Her peaceful expression seems at odds with the harshness of her surroundings. Though the heavy folds of her sweatshirt emphasize her horizontal contact with the ground, something else begins to occur. Despite her palpable inertia, she seems to have brokenfree of the earth's gravity. Traditional roles of land and sky have been reversed. The bleached, dried ground becomes luminously celestial as gravel is transformed into surrogate stars and tufts of isolated grass resemble mysterious galaxies. Physically one with the ground yet seeming to journey far away, weighted down while being lighter than air, Temma's image speaks to her ability to transcend her real life disabilities.

2008-03-17T21:09:00.000-04:00

Chelsea Mecaskey
Art 382: Chapter Seven response

In dealing with modern thought, Turner reports that art is the very foremost in response. He also says that one reason why art can annoy Christians is because artists tend to “…be sensitive to the changing times…” (Turner, 93). Turner’s acknowledgment of art’s interaction with the culture and also how it should interact with “the times” as he called it really made me think.As a Christian I am called to follow after Christ and pattern my life after His life (Mark 8:34). Yet I have felt torn between this calling and the fact that as an artist I need to respond to the culture by which I am surrounded.
For years this had seemed like an impossibility to me, because although I have grown up loving art and creating art, in my middle school years I began to see stereotypes that surrounded art, and I was afraid. These stereotypes exist both in the church and in the rest of the world. The Church’s stereotypes affected me most, because as I was becoming blinded by other people’s opinions and ignoring the fact that God created art. I used to look through the Bible and remind myself that people had used art to honor God through things like designing and crafting the temple or the earlier tabernacle, or areas where music and dance were mentioned as worship. But I was still afraid of what people would think of me if I chose to pursue art.
Yet, God finally brought me to a place where I accepted that I want to add something to this fallen world, and I could only accept how God made me- loving art. Some of Turner’s words stood out to me especially as I attempt to go about doing this. The words (on pages 94 and 102) that really stuck with me were that “…we have to listen to what is already being said before we contribute...” and “...the Bible encourages us to know the times we live in and to choose our communication accordingly...”. This is encouraging a thoughtful consideration of responses to the times in which I live, and that’s important to me, because when I am really inspired about something, it’s too easy for me to rush right into an action or response. People of the world are not stupid- some of them are exceptionally intelligent, and they can see straight through any front or farce I may put on to cover lack of effort or interest.
One of Turner’s statements that really hit my goal was when he said that, “The artists who ultimately gain respect have an imagination that id big enough to embrace trends but also, ultimately, to transcend them” (101). This quote really inspired me, because for years I have been afraid of my own abilities. I know I am capable of more than I know, but so often I’m too afraid to try. I very much identify with the quote from Marianne Williamson that I first heard watching Akeelah and the Bee a year or so ago.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”
1 John 4:18 was a passage that also stood out to me (“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”). I began to see that if I truly love God, I won’t be afraid. His love for me is perfect, and He knows mine is not, but yet He still continues to love me.

2008-03-11T21:53:00.000-04:00

Chelsea Mecaskey

SWK 320: Journal- March 11, 2008

Tonight has left me challenged, surprised, bewildered and heartbroken. It was such a blessing to have Rob come and speak to us tonight and to share his passion for Christ. His story was so powerful that I can hardly express in words how much it has moved me. From the beginning his story holds pain. And yet it also holds a joy that is unsurpassed.

So many questions have arisen in my mind over the evening that I must take them down. How could anyone hurt this man? And how can he remain so peaceful and forgiving despite the oppression he continues to undergo? God is so good to sustain him and present him as a witness. Hearing how his parents initially reacted to his coming out hurts so much. Although my relationship with my parents is certainly not perfect, they support my decisions, because they know I’m trying to follow God. But to step out in life without parents’ approval or support would be such an extremely trusting experience. Rob’s story challenges my faith.

There are some things I question about how he came to where he is now- it’s the questioner in me, but I realize how that doesn’t really matter. The only gay people I’ve known before were an elderly couple who used to live on my street at home before they moved to VA last year. I always thought of them as good old friends, and it wasn’t until I was about sixteen or seventeen years old that I learned that they were gay. Initially I was utterly disgusted. My background is in a conservative Christian family/upbringing. It was not until I came to university that I have (recently) realized that I can question what I was taught as a child. But there are some things that have been sown deep, and things that I have also established for myself as truth through reading God’s word.

So after holding feelings of disgust towards people of homosexual orientation, I’m finally starting to see how wrong that attitude is. Homosexuals are people- they’re human beings created in the image of God. Talking with Rob was a new and different experience for me that defied any of my expectations or preconceptions. First of all, he is a fellow believer, a brother in Christ. And his love and forgiveness were very apparent in his dialogue with us. He shared such painful things from his past and very personal things in his present. When I walked into the room and noticed him as I sat down, I didn’t remember we had a guest, but I automatically respected the distinguished-looking gentleman in the corner. As he spoke my respect grew because of his courage and willingness to openly share about his life. The struggles he shared with us were so very deep, and his suggestions on how to handle interactions with gays were very helpful too. And I know from his responses that some of our questions challenged him, and I will struggle with some of his words as well.

Right now I still see homosexuality as a sin, but after hearing Rob’s faith, I want to search and learn the truth. Rob is obviously a Christian. His faith is apparent in his life. It is so obvious that it is visible in his words and interactions. And something I remember is that Christians are still humans. We’re still sinners- we’re just sinners who have a hope of salvation rather than a dread of eternal death. And although I am questioning, I will not condemn Robert. I cannot do that. Matthew 7:1 tells me, “Judge not or you too will be judged.” (NIV). And Christians can only be identified by either their judgment or their love. After all, I John 4:8 tells us that “…God is love”. Rob was such a different person- this experience has reminded me so many things about people with whom I interact every day. Speaking with Rob is making me think and consider closely what I say before a syllable leaves my lips.

Thank you, Dr. Harner, for inviting him, and please, please, PLEASE, thank him for coming and sharing. I know we’ve expressed it somewhat, but I will not forget that he was not afraid. It has been a true inspiration to me. I will be in prayer for him and Scott. God is so good to make things known and to allow for prayer!

अह_Narnia

2008-02-29T00:11:00.002-05:00

WoW! All I can really say right now it wow. SO often I feel extraordinarily overwhelmed with life. I get frustrated when I don't life up to my expectations. Yes- I'm too hard on myself, but sometimes I don't know what to do about it. Today has been wonderful and beautiful. God is so amazing! I have no idea how I would get through life with out Him! He provides all I need and so so so much more.

2008-02-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

Lithography: 1^st Etch

Clean margins of stone with “Ancolite”, (if dirty)
Rosin and talc stone
Mix etch 16 drops of nitric acid with 1 ounce gum Arabic
1. - 8 drops ½ ounce
½ solution on margin of stone, move etch over the face of the stone with hands (2-3 min.)
Other portion on stone, rub with hands (2-3 min.)
Sponge off gum rub with hands, fan dry

Lithography: 2^nd Etch

Regum stone and buff with cheesecloth- fan dry
Wash out image with lithotene using paper towel
Rub image with asphaltum ink/asphaltum slurry and fan dry
Wash off asphaltum with water and paper towels
Sponge- rollup
Sponge/Talc same as first etch & buff with cheesecloth

TO PRINT

1. The scraper bar must be smaller than the stone, bigger than the image.

2. Center the stone on the press. Mark the press bed with tape, where the stone is on the bed.

3. Cover the image with newsprint & tympan (grease side up!)

4. Check pressure on scraper bar/stone. Lower large handle above press so the scraper bar engages tympan and stone. Crank wheel to lower scraper bar to stone, once touching, lift the arm and turn the wheel another ¼ turn tighter or so. It doesn’t take much pressure.

5. Wash off image with paper towels and lithotine.

6. Cover image with asphultum or an ink/lithotine slurry for the printing base—FAN DRY.

7. Wash off print base with paper towel and water.

8. Sponge and roll-up quickly.

9. Print first two proofs on newsprint.

Something better than a dream

2008-01-26T21:33:00.000-05:00

I think I need to refocus my life. It's going to be a constant process and continual revision. God is SO GOOD! Even in the pain and suffering of life, I know He loves me. In his book Making Sense out of Suffering, Peter Kreeft says, “Love may cause pain to its object, but only if that object needs alteration to become fully loveable.” (117) and “Even Jesus ‘learned obedience through suffering…’ (143). Because although I know I have questioned and still wonder sometimes when things hurt more than I think I can bear, God has been faithful. I know He loves me despite everything, and Bible verses like John 3:16 and these quotes help to remind me.

I know some of you are hurting terribly out there. Some of you I know and I pray for you earnestly and specifically whenever you are placed on my heart. But be of good courage! Christ said that He has "overcome the world..." (John 16:33). So if you're at all like me and get discouraged, overwhelmed, tired, frustrated, hurt, or just plain worn out, remember.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

My love and prayers to you,
your sister in Christ-
For HIS body connects all who believe and trust in Him!

ट्रुथ ऎंड Love

2008-01-09T08:19:00.000-05:00

My class for this term is a philosophy class. And my professor is excellent. Until recently I hadn't realized what a privilege it is to be a student of Taylor University. They only hire the best. And I've seen this especially in the art department- that lovely building which is almost my true home at school. Two years ago- fall 2006, when I was in a major I detested doing things for which I had no passion, I dreamed and dreamed, but didn't act. When something finally hit me in the head- hmmm.... wonder how hard God decided to do it- I changed majors. At first I was terrified, and sometimes that fear still hits me, but I KNOW God is with me, and He loves me. Through my professors and the books I've read even today, God keeps revealing His love. Last semester a professor continually told my class that God lusts after us. This is somthing that has stuck with me. God wants me terribly. And He wants my all so badly that He was willing to sacrifice His life- spill out His blood- that I might become His bride for eternity. What more could ANYONE want? It's a beautiful romance, but it's the truth.

A first outpouring of the mind...

2008-01-04T17:24:00.001-05:00

There are times when life seems meaningless. Whether out of selfish disappointment- which is really the only reason I can see to feel this way- be it a letdown, a failure, or something else. It’s probably very odd to some people that I am writing this now, because I would be considered young, as I have not yet seen my twentieth birthday. So many people feel worthless at a younger age than I. I know some people who have grown up feeling hindered or less than they really are. This semester in my Bible class we have already covered the enormity of man’s worth. God created man and gave him being and value. It was God who first breathed into man the breath of life. To know this is one things, but to really KNOW this changes a person’s life.
Life is a fight. So often I feel like it’s me against the world, but that’s not how things really stand. Because I have hope, I am connected with other people. There is an invisible bond that connects us all together. And this connection is nothing like a blood connection, and yet it is. Families are naturally connected together through blood. A close proximity of living can also add to a family’s strength. These same things that build a family are the forces that destroy families. But the family through which I am connected spiritually is stronger than this. There is a force that connects us together and keeps us from eternal estrangement.
A spiritual force that is bigger than imagination, because He is the Father of imagination- a love that is big enough to engulf the universe and even long for each human soul. This wonderful, terrible, magnificent force is my Heavenly Father, the Lord of all. And to me, the knowledge that He lusts after my soul and pursues me is the best thing I could ever know. He loves me so much that He has won my love back. And now I wonder how I could ever repay such love that would do and has done anything and everything for me. The greatest sacrifice that I could ever ask of a friend or family member is their life. But I could never think of asking someone I love to die for me! And still this Great God I know has already died for me.
Unlike any mortal relation, this awesome God of mine is bigger than death. It makes me laugh when I think of how God conquered death. He lives! Nothing would even dream of holding Him back- would a piece of bread think of preventing the master baker from frosting a cake? I think not!
Well, I must conclude my musings for now, but I relish the opportunity to pour out the contents of my mind into something that can be preserved perhaps a bit longer. J