But, living in a small town, I am beginning to see money differently. When I know the person behind the counter has put love and time and energy into bringing their best, it makes me want to contribute to their success. So now, from time to time I spend $4 on a coffee that I barely like to drink, (its not bad coffee, its the best I've had, I just don't love coffee) because I was there mostly to go talk to a friend and support their business.
Also, now the shoe has now been on the other foot. Now I know what it is like to sit in an empty building with my heart hung on the walls, waiting for someone to walk in to hear my stories. I have done a little happy dance as someone has walked out with one of my paintings wrapped up and ready to hang in their home.
Recently, I went into an art show of some artist friends of mine determined to find something to buy. As I looked through all of their beautiful things, I still had to wrestle through wants and needs and gift ideas. Then I saw something that I really liked. I don't know why I liked it, but it spoke to me and it made me think. I justified buying it by thinking it would be for a friend, and when I got it home I got it out and looked at it.
There was something about the little photograph, something that stirred in me. I took down an old wall hanging that said "Live Laugh Love," that I hung only because it matched the decor, and replaced it with the little treasure I had found. As I did that I realized why people buy art. It's not because it matches the couch, or fills up a corner, it is because it means something to them. Finding a piece of art that has a thread of connection to something my heart longs for is a beautiful thing. I will think about that, and the artist that made it every time I see it on the wall.
I want my artwork to connect people to God's heart, to draw them in and bring them joy. I hope they hear the voice of the Spirit stirring in them when they look at my work, and that it makes them want to get to know God, the artist behind all creation!
The best part about this is that I couldn't put my finger on what was so familiar about this piece. It said "Higher up and Higher in." So I texted the artist, Katie Sandquist and she told me it is a quote from the Chronicles of Narnia! Which happens to be the whole theme of my bedroom! Now I know exactly where it will hang. It is perfect.
Thanks for joining my journey!
-Deborah King
p.s. Checkout the art "hung on the walls" of this website, and let me know if anything speaks to you! I'd love to hear what pieces you like and why!