van Schebo?

Starry Night. Post-impressionist. The Potato Eaters. Cut off left ear. Sunflowers. Dutch.

Who?

That's right, Vincent van Gogh!

This past Sunday I had the chance to accompany my high school friend and her fiance to the Seoul Arts Center. Here we were able to view a plethora of van Gogh's original artwork at a temporary exhibit. It was the kind of opportunity I never would have had in Luck, WI, and I was so excited to take advantage of it. 

An artist often portrays emotions through their work. Van Gogh seemed no exception to this. Some of his earlier paintings have darker and more earthy hues, inspired greatly by his surroundings at the time. A somber mood feels as though it's being exuded from his choice in tones. After moving to Paris, his scenery, how he was viewing life, his surroundings, changed. The brighter lighting inspired more vibrantly colored works. Softer and brighter hues and tones are used and the paintings feel more alive, a bit more happy and contented almost.

It got me thinking about life (such a philosopher I am). Which, by the way, I can't believe I actually had time to do, what with the craziness of my schedule this term and all. But seriously, each of our lives is a masterpiece in the making. From day one, our blank canvas is marked with strokes of genius and stupidity, compassion and cruelty. The choices we make, what we surround ourselves with, how we view life, with whom we associate ourselves - these all have an effect on the tones and hues that get mixed on our palettes.

How is your work of art starting to look? Are the colors mixed and muddled together? Are they bright and vibrant, or are your hues a little somber and forlorn looking right now? Is your canvas slathered in layer after layer of experiences? Are you starting to paint what is and will be over what was? No matter where you are in life - if you've messed up or fallen down, been successful or are still trying to figure out what to do, made mistakes, have regrets, loved or feel unlovable - it's still a masterpiece in the making. And I believe each masterpiece will remain unfinished until that final day, always missing a certain color here, a particular brushstroke there.

But there is a buyer to which it doesn't matter that all of these pieces aren't finished. In fact, that's His favorite part about them. He bought them all, every last one, with His blood and sacrifice. No higher price could be paid than life, no other currency is more valuable.

He's got an eye for art. After all, He is the greatest Artist of them all. He paints every sunset and sunrise and He sculpted the mountains and canyons. So, if you think you're a work of art not worth looking at, think again, because He thinks you're the most valuable of all.