If you get hungry and just so happen to be in the area, please stop in and take a look. My art is in the gallery in the back behind the big glass french doors.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
I have a new showing at The Brickhouse Tavern In Davidson, NC
I am proud to have sold a couple pieces from the Brickhouse Tavern (http://brickhousetavern.com/) in Davidson, NC. Just yesterday I spent a couple hours installing new art.
If you get hungry and just so happen to be in the area, please stop in and take a look. My art is in the gallery in the back behind the big glass french doors.
If you get hungry and just so happen to be in the area, please stop in and take a look. My art is in the gallery in the back behind the big glass french doors.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
The Development of Christian Art inside the church walls.
I’m learning a bit about why somethings are, the way they are.
What I mean, is that for many years I have looked at Michelangelo as inspiration in the creation of larger than life art both figuratively , culturally, spiritually and literally (as in size and place). The issue recently revealed to me is this:
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
So when you see the Sistine chapel and many other churches for that matter it is hard to imagine that these icons or illustrations weren’t used at all for worship. That they merely served their in illustrating a bible story and it ended there. What if I being who I am today create art of some kind that I mean to only honor God… Lets say I am commissioned by a church to do a particular kind of piece that hangs within its walls. What if it is actually used down the road somewhere or time for actual worship, as though there were something within the painting of spirit… A god. Would I be responsible for the sins of someone else? Am I sinning because someone else worships my art like the old pagan days of statue worship?
I learned how the Catholic church justified this during the Iconoclast movement in the seventh and eighth centuries a.d. (iconoclasts were those who opposed icons and sought to violently destroy them as heresies. Iconophiles were those who believed icons should exist.)
In my research in the Library, I found this official explanation from the church, made by the Council of Trullan in 692 AD.
I find this very interesting. Mainly because the desire was to be able to show the world Christ, all the while the world at the time was illiterate and even when they were in the church services they couldn’t understand the Latin or ancient Greek being spoken.
Now we live in a day and age when literacy is the majority in our culture. So are images still justifiable? With what reason can I continue to do what I do? To Glorify God of course, but one can not glorify in disobedience to the one they are glorifying. Maybe the explanation is as simple as: “I am making images that no one can or will worship.”
Here is an experts opinion on the matter:
“The honor shown the image passes over to the archetype.” He also illustrates the concept by saying, “If I point to a statue of Caesar and ask you ‘Who is that?’, your answer would properly be, ‘It is Caesar.’ When you say such you do not mean that the stone itself is Caesar, but rather, the name and honor you ascribe to the statue passes over to the original, the archetype, Caesar himself.” So it is with an Icon.
None the less there is still controversy. What can we say, we are dealing with humanity aren’t we?
“In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, only flat or bas-relief images are used. The Greeks, having a long, pagan tradition of statuary, found the sensual quality of three-dimensional representations did more to glorify the human aspect of the flesh rather than the divine nature of the spirit and so prohibitions were created against statuary. The Romans, on the other hand, did not adopt these prohibitions and so there is still statuary among the Roman Catholics to this day. Because the Greeks rejected statuary, the Byzantine style of iconography was developed in which figures were stylized in a manner that emphasized their holiness rather than their humanity. Symbolism allowed the icon to present highly complex material in a very simple way, making it possible to educate even the illiterate in theology. The interiors of Orthodox Churches are often completely covered in icons.”
So what I take from this conversation with history and Bible is that images not believed to be idols of worship are probably ok, since sin comes from the heart. A heart chosing oneself or another over god. After all that has been said it is really simply summed up in the 1st commandment: “Do not have any other gods before me.” (Ex. 20:2)
What I mean, is that for many years I have looked at Michelangelo as inspiration in the creation of larger than life art both figuratively , culturally, spiritually and literally (as in size and place). The issue recently revealed to me is this:
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject me, 6 but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
So when you see the Sistine chapel and many other churches for that matter it is hard to imagine that these icons or illustrations weren’t used at all for worship. That they merely served their in illustrating a bible story and it ended there. What if I being who I am today create art of some kind that I mean to only honor God… Lets say I am commissioned by a church to do a particular kind of piece that hangs within its walls. What if it is actually used down the road somewhere or time for actual worship, as though there were something within the painting of spirit… A god. Would I be responsible for the sins of someone else? Am I sinning because someone else worships my art like the old pagan days of statue worship?
I learned how the Catholic church justified this during the Iconoclast movement in the seventh and eighth centuries a.d. (iconoclasts were those who opposed icons and sought to violently destroy them as heresies. Iconophiles were those who believed icons should exist.)
In my research in the Library, I found this official explanation from the church, made by the Council of Trullan in 692 AD.
Canon 82
“In some pictures of the venerable icons, a lamb is painted to which the Precursor points his finger, which is received as a type of grace, indicating beforehand through the Law, our true Lamb, Christ our God. Embracing therefore the ancient types and shadows as symbols of the truth, and patterns given to the church , we prefer "grace and truth," receiving it as the fulfilment of the Law. In order therefore thatthat which is perfectmay be delineated to the eyes of all, at least in coloured expression, we decree that the figure in human form of the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, Christ our God, be henceforth exhibited in images, instead of the ancient lamb, so that all may understand by means of it the depths of the humiliation of the Word of God, and that we may recall to our memory his conversation in the flesh, his passion and salutary death, and his redemption which was wrought for the whole world.”
I find this very interesting. Mainly because the desire was to be able to show the world Christ, all the while the world at the time was illiterate and even when they were in the church services they couldn’t understand the Latin or ancient Greek being spoken.
Now we live in a day and age when literacy is the majority in our culture. So are images still justifiable? With what reason can I continue to do what I do? To Glorify God of course, but one can not glorify in disobedience to the one they are glorifying. Maybe the explanation is as simple as: “I am making images that no one can or will worship.”
Here is an experts opinion on the matter:
“The honor shown the image passes over to the archetype.” He also illustrates the concept by saying, “If I point to a statue of Caesar and ask you ‘Who is that?’, your answer would properly be, ‘It is Caesar.’ When you say such you do not mean that the stone itself is Caesar, but rather, the name and honor you ascribe to the statue passes over to the original, the archetype, Caesar himself.” So it is with an Icon.
None the less there is still controversy. What can we say, we are dealing with humanity aren’t we?
“In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, only flat or bas-relief images are used. The Greeks, having a long, pagan tradition of statuary, found the sensual quality of three-dimensional representations did more to glorify the human aspect of the flesh rather than the divine nature of the spirit and so prohibitions were created against statuary. The Romans, on the other hand, did not adopt these prohibitions and so there is still statuary among the Roman Catholics to this day. Because the Greeks rejected statuary, the Byzantine style of iconography was developed in which figures were stylized in a manner that emphasized their holiness rather than their humanity. Symbolism allowed the icon to present highly complex material in a very simple way, making it possible to educate even the illiterate in theology. The interiors of Orthodox Churches are often completely covered in icons.”
So what I take from this conversation with history and Bible is that images not believed to be idols of worship are probably ok, since sin comes from the heart. A heart chosing oneself or another over god. After all that has been said it is really simply summed up in the 1st commandment: “Do not have any other gods before me.” (Ex. 20:2)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
The shows are officially up and hanging
Life over the last month has been hectic, but now I’m past it and able to appreciate the results.
The show “Paper, Rock, Scissors” is up at its three locations and I am proud to have been a part.
You can visit the shows on your own time if you’re interested during business hours at the three locations previously mentioned in an earlier blog. Basically, Winthrop University, The loading dock Gallery on Main street in Rock Hill, and At Charlotte Country day school on the corner of Fairview and Carmel road in Charlotte.
Thank you to everyone who supported me in this. Thanks to Cara for letting me borrow your suv so frequently, Thanks to mom and dad for the van that day, And thank you to Mrs. Shinn for the chocolate covered fruit! I really appreciate everything!
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read these blogs too!
Have a great day!
Stephen
The show “Paper, Rock, Scissors” is up at its three locations and I am proud to have been a part.
You can visit the shows on your own time if you’re interested during business hours at the three locations previously mentioned in an earlier blog. Basically, Winthrop University, The loading dock Gallery on Main street in Rock Hill, and At Charlotte Country day school on the corner of Fairview and Carmel road in Charlotte.
Thank you to everyone who supported me in this. Thanks to Cara for letting me borrow your suv so frequently, Thanks to mom and dad for the van that day, And thank you to Mrs. Shinn for the chocolate covered fruit! I really appreciate everything!
Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read these blogs too!
Have a great day!
Stephen
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Put up a show yesterday evening
The best show I will be a part of this semester is going to have an opening on Friday November 20th, 2009 at the Charlotte country day school’s gallery. The opening will include refreshments and will take place from 3:30pm until 5:30pm. Keep rush hour in mind if you plan on coming towards the later part of the day. Maybe you could plan some time at the mall (south park is only a couple miles down the road or less) until rush hour passes.
Charlotte Country day school’s address is below:
1440 Carmel Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 943-4500
The other MFA students will be exhibiting a variety of works in both paint and sculpture of many kinds. I am proud to be a part of such a great group of artists. It would be an honor to see any of you there.
Thank you!
Stephen
Charlotte Country day school’s address is below:
1440 Carmel Rd
Charlotte, NC 28226
(704) 943-4500
The other MFA students will be exhibiting a variety of works in both paint and sculpture of many kinds. I am proud to be a part of such a great group of artists. It would be an honor to see any of you there.
Thank you!
Stephen
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
New progress. A new mission.
So I finished… so I think I finished my two pieces I started for graduate school. I’ll go ahead and post the on my flickr for you to look at (www.flickr.com/people/stephenlursen/).
The first I have already talked about. It is called "Flesh and Spirit". You can read about it in a previous blog.
The second painting,"Flight Through the Door" has changed dramatically today after hours of painting. I am changing the title to "A Violent Escape". I repainted it and now it is more violent and dark. The reason it references an escape or a door previously, is because there is a door that the orange goes through to get out of the painting. THe door has actually been painted over with smoke and dust that was stirred up in the commotion of the battle to bet through it… To get out and escape the event in the painting itself.
I was given the idea to pick the most significant parts of each painting and do multiple pieces that are smaller, just focusing on how I can best paint that one part of the piece. That’s my next mission.
Have any thoughts on my paintings? I would love to hear them.
Thanks,
Stephen
The first I have already talked about. It is called "Flesh and Spirit". You can read about it in a previous blog.
The second painting,"Flight Through the Door" has changed dramatically today after hours of painting. I am changing the title to "A Violent Escape". I repainted it and now it is more violent and dark. The reason it references an escape or a door previously, is because there is a door that the orange goes through to get out of the painting. THe door has actually been painted over with smoke and dust that was stirred up in the commotion of the battle to bet through it… To get out and escape the event in the painting itself.
I was given the idea to pick the most significant parts of each painting and do multiple pieces that are smaller, just focusing on how I can best paint that one part of the piece. That’s my next mission.
Have any thoughts on my paintings? I would love to hear them.
Thanks,
Stephen
Getting everything organized for the shows this month
Trying to post the ad on my blog is way too difficult for me…
I’m wondering what I’m missing.
I’m sure I’ll get it.
… well 15 minutes has passed and I haven’t been able to post it visually. It is a .pdf file so maybe that’s why.
The blog below references 1/3 rd of our show at the bottom half of the article.
http://www.galleryup.com/blog/
info below:
Loading Dock Gallery @ Rock Hill. November 12th to Dec. 7th, 2009. Opening reception Nov. 12, 6pm. (refreshments)
Charlotte Country Day School @ Charlotte. Nov. 13 – Dec. 13, 2009. Opening reception Nov. 20, 3:30pm (refreshments)
McLaurin 3rd floor student gallery (at Winthrop University in Rock Hill). Nov. 23 – Dec. 7, 2009. Opening Reception Nov. 23, 6:30pm (refreshments)
I’m wondering what I’m missing.
I’m sure I’ll get it.… well 15 minutes has passed and I haven’t been able to post it visually. It is a .pdf file so maybe that’s why.
The blog below references 1/3 rd of our show at the bottom half of the article.
http://www.galleryup.com/blog/
info below:
Loading Dock Gallery @ Rock Hill. November 12th to Dec. 7th, 2009. Opening reception Nov. 12, 6pm. (refreshments)
Charlotte Country Day School @ Charlotte. Nov. 13 – Dec. 13, 2009. Opening reception Nov. 20, 3:30pm (refreshments)
McLaurin 3rd floor student gallery (at Winthrop University in Rock Hill). Nov. 23 – Dec. 7, 2009. Opening Reception Nov. 23, 6:30pm (refreshments)
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
"Flesh and Spirit"
I would like to first introduce you to my flickr page. you can search for me by name or just go to www.flickr.com/photos/Stephenlursen.
I have been working on many projects this fall, and have only been able to finish one piece.
My first finished piece is called "Flesh and Spirit". It is an oil on acrylic on canvas painting 8 feet tall by 4 feet wide. It is a metaphor for the struggle between flesh and spirit within me. Months passed as I painted layer upon layer and actually changed much myself. The struggle within me could nearly always be simplified into these two sides. The Flesh is symbolized by the lower area, the flesh colored abstracted heart. I tried to paint it in a way that looked as if blood were being pumped through the veins. Spirit is symbolized by the water washing down upon the flesh and overcoming it. The flesh isn’t taking it lying down, it fights back with volcanic eruptions of passion and emotion. But as the Spirit continues to wash away the weaknesses of flesh, only the good will eventually be left. a flesh that is unrecognizable will be left and that is a good thing. The glowing light in the background symbolizes the source of “light”, the source of life, knowledge, understanding… Yes to clarify I am talking about Jesus Christ through His Word in the Bible. Yeah, maybe sounds old, maybe “been there heard that”, but in my life, I can’t live without Him.
I have been working on many projects this fall, and have only been able to finish one piece.
My first finished piece is called "Flesh and Spirit". It is an oil on acrylic on canvas painting 8 feet tall by 4 feet wide. It is a metaphor for the struggle between flesh and spirit within me. Months passed as I painted layer upon layer and actually changed much myself. The struggle within me could nearly always be simplified into these two sides. The Flesh is symbolized by the lower area, the flesh colored abstracted heart. I tried to paint it in a way that looked as if blood were being pumped through the veins. Spirit is symbolized by the water washing down upon the flesh and overcoming it. The flesh isn’t taking it lying down, it fights back with volcanic eruptions of passion and emotion. But as the Spirit continues to wash away the weaknesses of flesh, only the good will eventually be left. a flesh that is unrecognizable will be left and that is a good thing. The glowing light in the background symbolizes the source of “light”, the source of life, knowledge, understanding… Yes to clarify I am talking about Jesus Christ through His Word in the Bible. Yeah, maybe sounds old, maybe “been there heard that”, but in my life, I can’t live without Him.
Monday, November 2, 2009
It has been a while
I am excited to be back and writing.
This semester at Winthrop has been a tough one so far, but I am enjoying it and trying to get as much out of it as I can. I have been working on numerous pieces so far.
I will be photographing them tomorrow and posting the pictures tomorrow evening.
The first is 8′ wide by 4′ tall, the second is the same in dimension, I have been working on my starbucks commission which is 8 ‘ by 3.5′ still pretty large for me. I also have a commission for a client in Lake Wylie that is 4′ tall by 3′ wide. I painted today at church before and after the services and am going to layer more and more on but probably give this piece to my Fiancee.
I have so much going on, and I am so thankful.
I can’t wait to post all the images here for you to see.
Thank you for reading and hope to talk to you soon!
Stephen Lursen
This semester at Winthrop has been a tough one so far, but I am enjoying it and trying to get as much out of it as I can. I have been working on numerous pieces so far.
I will be photographing them tomorrow and posting the pictures tomorrow evening.
The first is 8′ wide by 4′ tall, the second is the same in dimension, I have been working on my starbucks commission which is 8 ‘ by 3.5′ still pretty large for me. I also have a commission for a client in Lake Wylie that is 4′ tall by 3′ wide. I painted today at church before and after the services and am going to layer more and more on but probably give this piece to my Fiancee.
I have so much going on, and I am so thankful.
I can’t wait to post all the images here for you to see.
Thank you for reading and hope to talk to you soon!
Stephen Lursen
Sunday, August 16, 2009
1st day at Winthrop University, intro to MFA
I arrived at around 2pm on Fri. the 14th, and I found the school to be incredibly welcoming, but far different from the fresh and new construction of UNC Charlotte I have come to know so well. There are about 7 new MFA grads starting this fall (myself included) and I have met about 6 more grads who have already begun their adventure along with the faculty as well. I know I am going to grow so much because I am one of the youngest by far and therefor the least experienced. But I am there I guess and that’s what matters.
My mind has already been racing about one idea. The most obvious benefits of going to grad school for art are 1. become a better artist and 2. increase my art value.
But from where does art value come? Or, rather, where does the art value exist? If I make the best painting ever, what makes it the best? I am not asking a retorical question, rather hoping for some type of a response. I have some idea of a list of sources of the value for a single piece of work.
Tell me which you think is most important in determining its $ value if you would be so kind.
1. Aesthetic (how pretty it is)
2. Artist’s name (who painted it)
3. Ownership (who owns the artist’s other work. Are they famous?)
4. Associations (With whom is the artist associated? Famous artist? Famous museum? Great school?)
5. Credentials (What major work has the artist accomplished? Biggest mural in the world? The Sistine Chapel?)
6. Quality of final product (Did the artist use pure gold leaf or the finest materials instead of cheaper supplies?)
7. Subject matter (Is the painting presented powerful or moving?)
I honestly would like to know. Can I get some opinions?
Most appreciatively,
Stephen
My mind has already been racing about one idea. The most obvious benefits of going to grad school for art are 1. become a better artist and 2. increase my art value.
But from where does art value come? Or, rather, where does the art value exist? If I make the best painting ever, what makes it the best? I am not asking a retorical question, rather hoping for some type of a response. I have some idea of a list of sources of the value for a single piece of work.
Tell me which you think is most important in determining its $ value if you would be so kind.
1. Aesthetic (how pretty it is)
2. Artist’s name (who painted it)
3. Ownership (who owns the artist’s other work. Are they famous?)
4. Associations (With whom is the artist associated? Famous artist? Famous museum? Great school?)
5. Credentials (What major work has the artist accomplished? Biggest mural in the world? The Sistine Chapel?)
6. Quality of final product (Did the artist use pure gold leaf or the finest materials instead of cheaper supplies?)
7. Subject matter (Is the painting presented powerful or moving?)
I honestly would like to know. Can I get some opinions?
Most appreciatively,
Stephen
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Life is good.
“Time keeps going, so I will to!” That’s what my friend said yesterday. Progress is necessary, at least for me it is anyway.
I just put up a painting (below) on a client’s wall yesterday and was filled with that satisfaction that comes from a accomplishing something really respectable. ”I’m proud!” It is actually the best painting I have finished so far in my opinion.
So now I have two more commissions to work on. Starbucks Coffee company is commissioning me to make a painting for a store in Charlotte. My aunt who is an interior designer has also gotten me a commission for a family who lives in Lake Wylie, SC. I am going to try to knock these out before school starts in a couple weeks…. We’ll see… I’ll post the preliminary sketches when they get approved.
A co-worker today also asked me to think about doing art for his band. The idea is that I make the pieces and they sell at his shows. I keep a majority and they get the rest. A kind of mutually beneficial business deal I think. I’ll definitely do the band’s art once the other two sales are out of the way.
Well I hope your day is great. Hope to talk to you soon.
Stephen
I just put up a painting (below) on a client’s wall yesterday and was filled with that satisfaction that comes from a accomplishing something really respectable. ”I’m proud!” It is actually the best painting I have finished so far in my opinion.
So now I have two more commissions to work on. Starbucks Coffee company is commissioning me to make a painting for a store in Charlotte. My aunt who is an interior designer has also gotten me a commission for a family who lives in Lake Wylie, SC. I am going to try to knock these out before school starts in a couple weeks…. We’ll see… I’ll post the preliminary sketches when they get approved.
A co-worker today also asked me to think about doing art for his band. The idea is that I make the pieces and they sell at his shows. I keep a majority and they get the rest. A kind of mutually beneficial business deal I think. I’ll definitely do the band’s art once the other two sales are out of the way.
Well I hope your day is great. Hope to talk to you soon.
Stephen
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The idea of a blog has been brought to my attention by my friend Josh. He said that it would be a good idea to keep a record of each project I work on.
Well… A little history about me is…
I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2007 with my B.A. in Art with a concentration in painting. I have sold approximately 14 pieces over the last year and a half. I enjoy using oil paints the most, but I have used everything from pencil, watercolor, stain, gold leaf and acrylic media as well.
One of my more proud sales include a sale only a few months ago to Starbucks corporate. I completed a commission of an 8′ wide x 3′ tall painting. The piece is now hanging in the Lake Norman Starbucks on West Catawba Ave. (exit 28 off I-77)
Business seems to be increasing with never ending opportunities. I am thankful and excited about my future in art. If you are ever interested in information regarding a piece for sale or an idea of a piece you would like for me to complete custom for you, please don’t hesitate to write.
You can reach me directly at Stephenlursen@gmail.com
Thank you!
Stephen
Well… A little history about me is…
I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2007 with my B.A. in Art with a concentration in painting. I have sold approximately 14 pieces over the last year and a half. I enjoy using oil paints the most, but I have used everything from pencil, watercolor, stain, gold leaf and acrylic media as well.
One of my more proud sales include a sale only a few months ago to Starbucks corporate. I completed a commission of an 8′ wide x 3′ tall painting. The piece is now hanging in the Lake Norman Starbucks on West Catawba Ave. (exit 28 off I-77)
Business seems to be increasing with never ending opportunities. I am thankful and excited about my future in art. If you are ever interested in information regarding a piece for sale or an idea of a piece you would like for me to complete custom for you, please don’t hesitate to write.
You can reach me directly at Stephenlursen@gmail.com
Thank you!
Stephen
Day one. Getting started.
The idea of a blog has been brought to my attention by my friend Josh. He said that it would be a good idea to keep a record of each project I work on.
Well… A little history about me is…
I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2007 with my B.A. in Art with a concentration in painting. I have sold approximately 14 pieces over the last year and a half. I enjoy using oil paints the most, but I have used everything from pencil, watercolor, stain, gold leaf and acrylic media as well.
One of my more proud sales include a sale only a few months ago to Starbucks corporate. I completed a commission of an 8′ wide x 3′ tall painting. The piece is now hanging in the Lake Norman Starbucks on West Catawba Ave. (exit 28 off I-77)
Business seems to be increasing with never ending opportunities. I am thankful and excited about my future in art. If you are ever interested in information regarding a piece for sale or an idea of a piece you would like for me to complete custom for you, please don’t hesitate to write.
You can reach me directly at Stephenlursen@gmail.com
Well… A little history about me is…
I graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2007 with my B.A. in Art with a concentration in painting. I have sold approximately 14 pieces over the last year and a half. I enjoy using oil paints the most, but I have used everything from pencil, watercolor, stain, gold leaf and acrylic media as well.
One of my more proud sales include a sale only a few months ago to Starbucks corporate. I completed a commission of an 8′ wide x 3′ tall painting. The piece is now hanging in the Lake Norman Starbucks on West Catawba Ave. (exit 28 off I-77)
Business seems to be increasing with never ending opportunities. I am thankful and excited about my future in art. If you are ever interested in information regarding a piece for sale or an idea of a piece you would like for me to complete custom for you, please don’t hesitate to write.
You can reach me directly at Stephenlursen@gmail.com
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