Promoting peace and harmony from an Abrahamic perspective

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What is Art?

Art is a diverse concept encompassing various human activities such as visual arts, music, literature, dance, and theater. It serves as a medium for expression, allowing individuals to convey thoughts and emotions beyond ordinary language. Art takes many forms and reflects the artist's perspective and cultural background, inviting subjective interpretations from viewers.

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Why is Art Important?

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Art is crucial for shaping cultural identity and preserving history, enabling communities to share stories and values. It challenges societal norms, promotes critical thinking, and can inspire social change. Art also aids personal expression and emotional exploration, contributing to mental well-being. In education, it fosters creativity and empathy. Economically, the art sector supports job creation and stimulates local economies, making art a fundamental aspect of human experience.

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How Does Art Help Us?

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Art allows individuals to share thoughts and feelings, encouraging creativity and connection. It preserves culture and teaches history, reflecting societal changes. Art therapy provides a safe space for emotional expression and healing. Additionally, art fosters community through public engagements, enhancing a sense of belonging.

 

How Can Art Cause Us Harm?

Art can sometimes reinforce harmful stereotypes or negative norms, marginalizing certain groups. The commercialization of art may strip it of authenticity, focusing on profit over impact. Some artworks can evoke distressing emotions, particularly those depicting violence or trauma. Furthermore, the competitive nature of the art world can create elitism, pressuring artists to conform to trends and potentially harming their mental health and creativity.

 

How does Art impact our Well-being?

 

• Physical Well-Being:

  • Engaging in art enhances motor skills and coordination.

  • Art therapy aids rehabilitation by promoting movement and dexterity.

  • Exposure to art encourages physical activities like walking and exploring.

  • Appreciation of art can inspire outdoor activity, benefiting physical health.

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• Emotional Well-Being:

  • Art evokes a wide range of emotions, facilitating catharsis and healing.

  • Creating art serves as an outlet for difficult emotions.

  • Participating in art activities fosters community and social connections.

  • Enhanced social interactions can alleviate loneliness and isolation.

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• Mental Well-Being:

  • Creating art stimulates cognitive functions and problem-solving skills.

  • Art enhances focus and provides a mental escape from stress.

  • It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • Art appreciation fosters mindfulness and presence, reducing stress levels.

  • Learning about art stimulates curiosity and lifelong learning.

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• Spiritual Well-Being:

  • Art explores beliefs, values, and existential questions.

  • Many cultures use art in religious and spiritual practices.

  • Creating or experiencing art facilitates introspection and self-discovery.

  • Art can serve as a form of meditation, promoting peace and fulfilment.

  • Engaging with art helps articulate spiritual journeys and beliefs.

 

How Can Art Impact Our Relationships?

 

• Emotional Expression and Understanding:

  • Art allows for the conveyance of complex emotions that are hard to express verbally.

  • Shared artistic experiences can deepen understanding and empathy between individuals.

  • Art serves as a catalyst for difficult conversations, enhancing emotional connections.

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• Shared Experiences and Community Building:

  • Art creates shared experiences that are essential for building relationships.

  • Participating in artistic activities fosters a sense of belonging and community.

  • Collaborative art projects promote teamwork and inclusivity among diverse groups.

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• Art as a Reflection of Culture and Identity:

  • Engaging with culturally representative art strengthens identity and pride.

  • Art can bridge different cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation.

  • Exposure to diverse art challenges stereotypes and encourages dialogue.

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• Therapeutic Effects of Art:

  • Art therapy helps individuals process emotions and cope with trauma.

  • Improved emotional health through art can lead to better relationships.

  • Family art-making activities enhance communication and reduce stress.

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What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about Art?

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Jewish Scripture, particularly the Tanakh, offers a rich tapestry of insights regarding art and creativity. The Book of Exodus, for instance, details the divine instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasising the importance of skilled craftsmanship and artistry in creating sacred spaces. Artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab are specifically named and celebrated for their exceptional skills in metalwork, weaving, and woodworking, suggesting that the act of creating art is not merely a human endeavor but a Divine Calling. Furthermore, the Psalms often reflect the beauty of nature and the human experience, serving as poetic expressions of worship and reverence towards God. The emphasis on beauty and craftsmanship in religious artifacts and the intricate designs of synagogues also highlight the value placed on art within the Jewish tradition. Thus, Jewish Scripture teaches that art is a means of connecting with the Divine, expressing faith, and enhancing communal worship.

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In the teachings of Christ, art is often intertwined with the concepts of beauty, truth, and the expression of the Divine. The parables and teachings of Jesus illustrate profound truths that can inspire artistic expression. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan highlights themes of compassion and kindness, which can be interpreted through various artistic mediums, including painting, literature, and music. Christ's emphasis on seeing the beauty in creation, as seen in his teachings about the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, invites believers to appreciate and reflect on the artistry present in the world around them. The early Christian community also embraced art, as evidenced by the rich tradition of iconography and church architecture that emerged in the centuries following Christ’s life. These artistic expressions served not only as a means of worship but also as a way to communicate theological truths and the narrative of salvation. Therefore, Christ’s teachings suggest that art is a powerful tool for expressing faith, conveying moral lessons, and celebrating the beauty of God's creation.

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The Quran presents a nuanced perspective on art, emphasising the importance of intention and the representation of God's creation. While the text does not provide explicit guidelines for artistic expression, it encourages believers to observe and reflect upon the beauty of the world, which can inspire various forms of art. The Quran frequently references nature, such as the heavens, the earth, and the intricate details of living creatures, highlighting the Divine artistry in creation. This appreciation for beauty is echoed in Islamic art, which often manifests in calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesques, serving both aesthetic and spiritual purposes. The avoidance of depicting living beings in certain contexts stems from a desire to focus on the Divine rather than the created, reinforcing the idea that art should elevate the spirit and lead to contemplation of God. Moreover, the concept of ihsan, or excellence, in all endeavors, including artistic pursuits, underscores the belief that art should reflect the highest standards of beauty and morality. Thus, the Quran teaches that art is a means of glorifying God, fostering community, and reflecting the beauty inherent in creation.

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How can we become more Artistic?

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1. Explore Different Mediums

Try various art forms like painting, drawing, or digital art to discover what resonates with you.

 

2. Establish a Routine

Dedicate regular time to your art practice to improve your skills and creativity.

 

3. Study the Masters

Learn from renowned artists by analysing their techniques and styles to inspire your own work.

 

4. Keep an Inspiration Journal

Document ideas and sketches to nurture your creativity and serve as a reference for future projects.

 

5. Seek Feedback and Collaboration

Share your work with others for constructive feedback and collaborate to explore new ideas.

 

6. Embrace Mistakes

View errors as learning opportunities and allow yourself to create without the pressure of perfection.

 

7. Set Goals and Challenges

Establish clear artistic goals to stay motivated and challenge yourself to try new styles.

 

8. Practice Mindfulness and Observation

Enhance your observational skills by being present and noticing details in your surroundings.

 

9. Create a Dedicated Art Space

Designate a space for your artistic activities to foster creativity and focus.

 

10. Stay Open to Change

Embrace the evolution of your artistic style and let your experiences influence your work.

Implementing these tips can help you cultivate your artistic abilities and enjoy the creative process.

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Practical Steps to use 'Art' to transform darkness to Light

 

1. Acknowledge the Darkness

• Identify negative experiences such as grief, trauma, or societal issues.

• Recognise the emotions associated with these experiences.

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2. Explore Artistic Expression

• Choose a medium that resonates with you (painting, music, dance, theater, literature).

• Use your chosen medium to express and articulate your emotions.

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3. Engage in Storytelling

• Create narratives that reflect personal or collective struggles.

• Share these stories to inspire hope and resilience in others.

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4. Foster Community and Connection

• Participate in or organise collaborative art projects.

• Encourage shared expression and collective experiences.

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5. Utilise Art Therapy

• Consider engaging in art therapy to explore feelings and experiences.

• Create art as a means to articulate emotions that are hard to express verbally.

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6. Embrace the Journey

• Recognise that the process of creating art can lead to healing and empowerment.

• Celebrate the transformation from darkness to light as a source of strength.

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Understand that art is a powerful tool for personal and communal healing. Embrace vulnerabilities and turn them into sources of strength for a brighter future.

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​Scripture Verses about 'Art'

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Exodus 25:1-2- "Speak to the people of Israel that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me."

 

Exodus 25:8-9-"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it."

 

 Exodus 31:1-5- "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs."

 

Exodus 35:30-35- "And Moses said to the people of Israel, 'See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri... and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship.'"

 

 Leviticus 21:17-20

[Qualifications for priests, including physical attributes.]

 

Numbers 21:16-18-"And from there they continued to Beer; that is the well where the Lord said to Moses, 'Gather the people together, so that I may give them water.'"

 

 Deuteronomy 6:6-9-"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children..."

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Exodus 31:1-5- And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, To devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship.

 

Exodus 35:30-35- And Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the LORD hath called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship; And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all manner of workmanship. And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning works.

 

1 Kings 6:14-18- So Solomon built the house, and finished it. And he built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar; both the floor of the house, and the walls, with the ceiling, and he covered them on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls, with boards of cedar; he even built them for it within, even for the oracle, even for the most holy place. And the house, that is, the temple before it, was forty cubits long. And the cedar of the house within was carved with knops and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.

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Psalm 104:24-25- O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. So is this great and wide sea, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts.

 

Isaiah 64:8- But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

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Psalm 19:1-4- "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

 

Psalm 27:4- "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple."

 

 Psalm 96:6- "Splendour and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary."

 

Psalm 149:3

"Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp."

 

Psalm 104:24-25

"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small."

 

Psalm 45:1

"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skilful writer."

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Proverbs 22:29: "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men."

 

Proverbs 3:15: "She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her." The Value of Diligence in Craftsmanship

 

Proverbs 10:4: "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich."

 

Quran 34: 12-15- And to Solomon [We subjected] the wind - its morning [journey was that of] a month - and its afternoon [journey was that of] a month, and We made flow for him a spring of [liquid] copper. And among the jinn were those who worked for him by the permission of his Lord. And whoever deviated among them from Our command - We will make him taste of the punishment of the Blaze. They made for him what he willed of elevated chambers, statues, bowls like reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], "Work, O family of David, in gratitude." And few of My servants are grateful. And when We decreed for Solomon death, nothing indicated to the jinn his death except a creature of the earth eating his staff. But when he fell, it became clear to the jinn that if they had known the unseen, they would not have remained in humiliating punishment.

 

Quran (8:24)- "O you who have believed, respond to God and to the Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that God comes between a man and his heart and that indeed, to Him you will be gathered."

 

Quran (57:22)

"No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed, that, for God, is easy."

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Quran (60:6)- "Certainly, there has been for you in the Messenger of God an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in God and the Last Day and [who] remembers God often."

 

Quran (82:6-8)- "O mankind, what has deceived you concerning your Lord, the Generous, who created you and fashioned you and assembled you? In whatever form He willed has He assembled you."

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Quran (24:35)- "God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp; the lamp is within glass; the glass as if it were a pearly white star, lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, neither of the east nor of the west, whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light. God guides to His light whom He wills. And God presents examples for the people, and God is Knowing of all things."

 

Quran (37:149-150)- "So ask them, 'Are there (other) gods with Him?' Say, 'If they had gods, they would not have come to Him.' And when they are gathered, they will be asked about their deeds."

 

Quran (67:15)- "It is He who made the earth subservient to you, so traverse in its tracks and partake of the sustenance which He has provided. And to Him will you be resurrected."

 

Quran (2:22)- "He who made for you the earth a bed and the sky a canopy, and sent down from the sky rain and brought forth thereby fruits as provision for you, so do not attribute to God equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him]."

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Quran (7:31)- "And eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess."

 

Quran (55:13)- "So which of the favours of your Lord would you deny?"

 

Quran (3:14)- "Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire - of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, tall and (well) bred cattle, and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but God has with Him the best return."

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