​It’s all a matter of perspective. 
 
In my measly attempt to be an artist, there are inescapable truths and realities I must face and accept. I can adjust and manipulate the paint to create a mood, attempt to reveal an idea through symbolic images, or simply to reveal beauty in an every day object. I can use the rules of perspective, or formulas of color, but I cannot change them. Greens will always be made my mixing blues and yellows. The casting of light on an object will always create reliable variations of shadow. The horizon line in a landscape will always be found depending on the position point of the viewer. And the technical concepts of perspective that we use in architecture and design are all found in and stolen from nature, revealed to us through science and geometry. The artist uses these formulas in an attempt to “create art” which is merely an attempt to copy nature, and to create the illusion of a scientific truth. 
 
The artist must not rely only on his own desire for expression or creativity or on his own voice or talent. The intelligent artist knows that in order to produce great art, they must study, accept and apply the scientific truths that are unchangeable. Knowing that he can make adjustments, and can earnestly attempt to create something unique, he also knows that the foundational theories found in light and color are inescapable. And he can’t deny the reality that perspective is fully dependent on mathematical precision and on the viewer’s point of reference.
 
In comparison, the Christian must learn to see, accept and apply immovable truths that can have a big impact on one’s ability to have the right perspective on God. First, we must accept that He is the same, today and forever. He has told us who He is already. If we are hoping to change Him so that he fits into our desired “acceptable” idea of what we think a god should be like, then he will be forever changing, formed by the whims of our heart, being chipped away and formed by ignorant hands. We may never worship a real idol made of wood or stone, but if we are creating and shaping god into our desired view, then we are also guilty of idolatry and rejecting immovable truths. 
 
One’s view of God is not based only in faith, although God is pleased with the heart that is exemplary in its solidarity. A Christian does live by “sight” as well. We are allowed, by His grace to see His steady handiwork. We can look back over our own life and get a glimpse of answered prayer and see evidence of His presence and leading. We can “see” His work within a failed marriage that has been restored or even rebuilt. We can see His patience with a wandering or rebellious heart and transformation in circumstances that are beyond human control. We are “eye witnesses” of who He is and tellers of these sights. “Blessed are those who have not seen and still believe”. Likely, they are the ones who have seen greater things, the immovable truths.
 
One of the most important adjustments needed in our perspective is that we are often under the illusion that God is the one following us. This “image” of us, traveling on this road of life, and in moments of feeling lost, or alone, we simply ask God to show Himself to us so that we can be reassured of His presence. We cry out, “Lord are you there? Show yourself to me, so that I know that I am going the right way.” This fear that we have stepped onto a path outside of His will or that we have been allowed to wander unknowingly into an unwanted abyss is too big a burden for us to carry. We are called to seek Him not because He is hiding, but because He knows our perspective will easily be affected by fear or by doubt and we are urged to keep our focal point based in truth and not in illusions. In actuality, it is we who are following Him. Whether in His shadow, or in His light, we are surrounded by His presence and can’t escape it. As we abide and as He leads, we follow, we trust, we obey, we abide, all the while, He is leading. We can always find Him by looking ahead and “knowing” that He is there. This perspective helps us to rely on the immovable promises that He has made to everyone who calls on His name by faith. He will not easily let us go, so the idea that we can take one step and find ourselves on a tumultuous path, outside of His will is a careless view of His grace, His love and His ability to guard what has placed itself in His shadow. If you love Him, you are following Him. Let Him lead. 

                      “The Christian is the one whose imagination should fly beyond the stars.”
                                                       Francis Schaeffer, Art & the Bible.
 
  My love for the creative process has been a lifelong and a purpose filled journey. It seems that I have always found a way to integrate making art in my role as a mother, a teacher, a homemaker and even in my ministry. Now, after years of personal practice, I have given myself the opportunity to develop this passion into a professional career and to expand my knowledge and abilities as a professional artist.
 
 Having been a teacher of art for nearly 20 years, I fell in love with the artistic process. Watching others create beautiful art and seeing the students’ appreciation for what they have made has been a great inspiration to my own pursuits. The study of art and its affect on history and culture, the examination of the critique and assessment of the value of art in today’s outlook, and, of course the long lived questions on what gives art its value as it aims to attain a standard of excellence and measure of beauty are all important concerns as I attempt to write.
 
 Since I am first and foremost a Christian, I believe that anything that I do academically, artistically or personally must be accountable to my personal faith and service to the message of Christ. We are created beings, meant to reflect and create the beautiful, what is true and what is good. But, how is that actually lived out in the life and work of an artist striving for faith and the practice of a particular gift while being an effective steward? There was a time in my early career that I wondered if I was fulfilling my call as a disciple of Christ, and a disciple maker by attending to my zeal to be an artist? When I have asked guidance from others, I have gotten varying responses, so continued to seek the Lord asking if my aim for a personal growth in this field is worth my time, attention with limited life opportunities to serve God faithfully. Some believe that one’s gifts must direct us to one’s purpose. That is a likely help to determine ones path, but, as a believer, we must be willing to relinquish anything that hinders the path that He desires or requires. 
 
 In the midst of all of these wonderings, I have come to appreciate the role that an effective, creative person can have when they are freed to use their gifts to their fullest. The heritage of artistry and the contribution that Christian art has had on the world is astounding. To understand a culture, you must look at its art. The mind, faith and passions will be demonstrated in what has been created, either for necessity or philosophical or religious expressions. Man has always created. Being creative and being part of participating in culture, the artist is always found.
 
 Francis Schaeffer is quoted to say of man  “An art work has value as a creation because man is made in the image of God, and therefore man not only can love and think and feel emotion, but also has the capacity to create. Being in the image of the Creator, we are called upon to have creativity. We never find an animal, non-man, making a work of art. On the other hand, we never find men anywhere in the world or in any culture in the world who do not produce art. Creativity is a part of the distinction between man and non-man. All people are to some degree creative. Creativity is intrinsic to our mannishness.”
 
 So, the question for the Christian (visual) artist, is how do we contribute in a way that reflects our desire to be used of God while communicating ideology beyond a mere attempt to draw attention to our own inclinations and self expression? Certainly, the artist may have something to say, and will no doubt be inspired and moved by the stirrings within him. 
 
 Brianna Mcclean writes, “The first interaction between God and humankind is a command to create. As image bearers of the ultimate Creator, the one who designed molecular structure and composed bird songs, it should be no surprise that we are called to creativity. The creation mandate is one of cultivation and the Arts are fundamental to this. When we are commanded to “fill the earth and subdue it”, this is a task which speaks of order and beauty, two things the Arts epitomise. Art helps us understand the world and add to it in meaningful ways, a noble profession which finds its roots in Genesis. Being “fruitful” is not limited only to the creation of families but extends to the creation of music, art, theatre and writing. Being an active Christian in the arts presents extraordinary opportunities to point peers and audiences to Jesus. This is not to say that Christian artists should make only “Christian art”. In fact, the very opposite is true.” 
She quotes Francis Schaeffer, “A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God. An art work can be a doxology in itself.”
 
 I agree with this theological approach to helping the artist find their place within blended callings of artistry and ministry. God is interested in all parts of our lives. The body, soul, mind and spirit, and imagination made available. In Romans, the theological guidance we get from Paul infers that as we offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, we are offering our unique gifts as a form of worship.
 
 In reference to John, who when testifying in the name of Christ and then was questioned of who he was, answered,  “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord…” This is the cry of the Christian artist as well. Making the way of the Lord clear and accessible, revealing great or simple truths within great or simple works. All the while allowing his “captivated imagination” to be subject to something greater than himself. 
​
L.U.2020
 
 
  “The study of art is a lifelong pursuit for those who have come to appreciate its origins. The creative gifts are meant to be explored, urgently pursued and once attained, shared with the world with all of the generosity as it was given to us.” Laura Ury 2019

sketchbook lesson: birds                                                               sketchbook lesson: more birds and fish

EYE on China, Exhibition Fall 2020. I began a series of paintings after taking photos while traveling in Western China last year. We visited several Tibetan monasteries and other areas of interest focused on China's minority groups. I was deeply moved by the things that we saw, but until I read the book "Leaving Buddha", I hadn't quiet grasped the enslaved lives that these monks endure. The book tells the true story of one Tibetan monk whose parents gave him over to the monastery when he was a very young boy. His search for truth, and through God's grace provided a new life, and his freedom. This collection of paintings will be my first solo exhibition, a focus on China's minority groups and fundraiser for missions. Keep watching for more progress shots of these paintings and others from this series.
I began this large painting of four monks sitting and talking that I photographed outside the city of Xian.      early layout stage

 It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the launch of Blue Paw Press. I spent a few minutes in celebration of this one year anniversary looking at early rough sketches and paintings of both books (Diego's Discoveries and Huey Meets The Master) now printed and published. I was taken back to the wonderfully daunting process of seeing these projects come to completion.

Both stories have been on my heart and in my imagination for many years. The characters have become very familiar to me even though the early doodlings of them that fill my sketchbooks may reveal changes and adaptations of their form, color and details. Their little "natures" stayed the same, gentle, good, kind, adventurous and hopeful as well as wanting to make a difference in their little world. They sound heroic, but those are qualities that we can all aspire to. The story tellers, Bethany Ury Tonglamun and Suzanne M. Hill both understood them and brought them into reality through their brilliant writing.

Diego went through many stages, but here you see the early sketches and final version of this little traveler. You also will see an early sketch of him looking up at the window, first holding a flower but the finished version is of him wiping away the dirt from the stained glass window in order to reveal beauty, light and an inspiring image.
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Huey Meets The Master's early sketches and final paintings

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Thank you to all of my family, friends and patrons who have encouraged me through this endeavor, and to those who have made a purchase of one or both of these first two books, sharing them with the children in their lives. I am grateful and look forward to what this coming year will bring.

​https://laurauryart.weebly.com/blue-paw-press.html