Saturday, April 8, 2006

Jesus in Art….

Jesus has been the central figure in the lives of many since his arrival… no wonder that he would be depicted in art for centuries. From the early religious iconic symbols, through the work of the Old Masters, to the present day… he has made a major impact on the art world.

Many different pictures of Jesus are shown to us in the world. Which one is the right one?

Pictures of Jesus in Art

Artist depictions of Jesus are from much later than his time walking the earth. Therefore, we do not have any way of knowing exactly what he looked like. More importantly, the Bible seems to place no great importance on Jesus’ physical appearance. Isaiah tells us: “He has no form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to Him” (Isaiah 53:2).

It doesn’t matter what Jesus looked like, because the important thing is to believe in him. After he rose from the dead, Jesus told his disciple Thomas, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed” (John 20:29).

In art, we often see Jesus depicted as a light-skinned man with reddish hair and blue eyes. And African art has depicted him as having dark skin and Asian art has depicted him as having Asian eyes. But all of these are probably off-base, for Jesus was a Jew from his mother’s side (his Father being God). Thus he probably looked like a Jewish man.

Pictures of Jesus’ Race

Followers of Christ are generally assumed to be from the Western hemisphere. However, faith in Jesus began in the Middle East and spread outward from there, throughout the whole earth. For example, there are millions of people today in Africa and Asia who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. The largest church today can be found in Korea.

The Bible tells us that people who believe in Jesus are from every tribe and people and nation and language (Revelation 7:9). Yet it is unlikely that any whole nation believes in Jesus. Certainly, it would be naive to think that everyone in the West who fills out a form as “Christian” is actually a true follower of Jesus. After all, Jesus said the way to destruction is broad and many travel by it; and the way to life is narrow, and few find it (Matt 7:13-14).

It could be that, proportionally speaking, there is relatively the same number of Christians in America as there is in Africa, for example. We don’t know for sure, but God does. He alone knows people’s hearts. He knows who has turned to Him in truth and who has not. And He is impartial when it comes to race (Acts 10:34-35).  Source: http://www.everystudent.com/wires/real.html)

Many different pictures of Jesus are shown to us in the world.

Question: Which one is the right one?

Answer: His personal features and appearance are of no importance when compared to the reason He came to this world… to offer Himself as a sacrifice so all people may have eternal life. I love how God’s Word (the Bible) doesn’t get caught up in pointless details (like what Jesus looked like) that could distract us from the truth. My favorite description of Jesus in the Bible is when He says… “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me …” John 14:6

With all that said… here is a portrait I did of Jesus inspired by Hebrews 12:2… Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

“The Cross Set Before Him”… 20″x16″ Oil on stretched textured canvas, 2004, Inspired by Hebrews 12:2. Honorable Mention 2005 Onslow Art Society Spring Art Show.

Various stages in reverse from finish to beginning…

I wish you all a Happy Easter… and as usual… your comments are always welcome.

Bernie

 

 


 

 

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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Where the Wisteria blooms…

I noticed the very first blooms of wisteria today… they always remind me of Kristi…
 
where the wisteria blooms…
 
there is a place
my steps and mind retrace
                                        where the wisteria blooms


weeping and joy encompass each bloom
cascading memories of one gone to soon
                                        where the wisteria blooms


the beauty, the fragrance remind me of you
spring gives way to summer…  the splendor is through
                                          where the wisteria blooms


autumn… winter… the loveliness concealed
alas spring is nigh… hope is revealed
                                           where the wisteria blooms


a sign of comfort from heaven above
warms my broken-heart with each purple bud
                                            where the wisteria blooms

poem by Bernie Rosage, Jr., written September 14, 1998, in memory of my baby sister, Kristi. COPYRIGHT 1998

 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Blooms are reminder of how precious life is…
 
JACKSONVILLE DAILY NEWS — THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2000

To the editor:

Amid all the controversies, agendas, politics, etc., that usually grace this space in our newspaper, I ask permission to bend your ears on something seldom written about. It will not rally anyone to any causes, start any controversies or even merit a reply letter in this section of the paper — but it will make some stop and think.

Has anyone noticed how beautiful the blooming wisteria is? It is everywhere!

Wisteria is my favorite flower. To me, the purple buds creating its beauty and fragrance are unsurpassed. Only the short time it blooms is to my displeasure. Some of you may enjoy it like I do while others curse its clinging vines that seem to take over anything in its path.

Wisteria wasn’t always my favorite flower, to be quite honest with you, flowers never interested me period until a couple of years ago. My sister, Kristi, started my appreciation for gardening. Wisteria, her favorite, was the crowning touch she wanted on the courtyard wall in her garden.

Today, I sit on a bench upon a brick courtyard my dad made. The wisteria is in full bloom on the towering trees bordering the garden. Adjacent to the courtyard, framed by the wisteria, is the final resting place of my dear sister. Like the beautiful purple buds that bloom too briefly, her beauty was also short lived. A tragic accident took her from us almost two years ago. The nature of the accident is unimportant, the result would be the same — the method of the loss is irrelevant to the loss. We miss her dearly and would give anything to have her with us still.

As I reflect upon the metaphor mentioned, I cannot help but think of others I knew and loved dearly, whose time among us was short lived — my niece, Tosha; my best friend, Ron Aman; his brother, L.G.; and another friend, Eric Tafoa.

I realize that I’m not special — everyone suffers loss. Truly, suffering is the common thread woven through us all.

Can any good come from suffering? This is a question that each of us has to answer on a personal level. Will we become bitter or better?

As for me, I have learned many important lessons through this endeavor. It seems my eyesight is improving — I’ve learned to see the unseen, for the things we see are temporal and that which is unseen is everlasting. For example, when I see a small cross and flowers placed along a roadside I can actually see the suffering family and have compassion for them. No longer are statistics merely numbers, they represent lives shaken to their very foundations. I can now look past the wheelchair and see a wonderfully made person sitting there. I appreciate my family and friends more, but most of all, I have learned to feel a special kindred to complete strangers.

Am I perfect? No way. I am merely a poor sinner saved by grace. Do I still hurt? You bet, but so do we all. My sister’s death and all the storms I’ve experienced were not in vain. The lessons I have learned are priceless to me — after all, they came at a very high price.

If there is one point I can make in this short letter let it be this — love those around you. Realize that they are only lent to you and can be taken back at any time.

Spend more time with each other, reconcile where need be, communicate more, realize the precious gift of life you have and that same gift is in those around you, loosen yourself from the choking vines of this world and see the beauty — it’s all around you.

Bernie Rosage Jr.
Jacksonville
 
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Monday, January 16, 2006

Where do babies come from?

In the Baptist church and elsewhere, January is always set aside as a reminder of the sanctity of life. January marks the anniversary month of ”Roe vs Wade” (1973) where the Supreme Court decission was made to legalize abortion nationwide. The argument of when life begins is easily solved… God and His word speak plainly on it…

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…  Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV)

O Lord, you have searched me and know me. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I prasie you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  Psalms 139:1a,13-16 (NIV)

Inspired by Psalms 139 and the upcoming birth of my granddaughter I painted this painting. The source was one of those new-fangled sonagram pictures where you can actually see a person.

Source sonagram photo:

“Life Before Birth”… 16″x20″ Oil on Textured Canvas, 2004. Best of Show in the Coastal Carolina Community College 27th Annual Art Exhibition (2004).

 So where do babies come from????????????? I think you know the answer…

Oh almost forgot… meet Savannah Grace Carter… my granddaughter! She’s almost 16 months old now.

 

Your thoughts and comments on this subject are welcome.

Bernie

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Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Coincidence or Christmas Gift?

Click here for a Holiday Greeting from me and my family… Merry Christmas from the Rosages’.

Those of you that know me know of Olivia… my 40th birthday present. Tami and I call her our “Surprise gift from God that we didn’t know we needed but can’t live without”. She is 4 now and really looking forward to Christmas. Our dethroned baby, Dylan, is 15 years old today. The oldest girls, Lyndsey and Whitney, are grown and on their own… so you can picture the element of surprise that took us by storm when Livie decided to pick us as her parents! Those of you that know me also know that my sister, Kristi, was killed in a car accident in 1998. I used to struggle with the fact that Olivia never knew Kristi… her namesake… Olivia Kristiana after Kristi and Anna her great grandmother. That used to really bug me… then one day it dawned on me… an epiphany per say… Kristi is in Heaven and babies come from Heaven… so Kristi actually met Livie before Tami and I did. I tell that long story to get to this one… Coincidence or Christmas gift? Every Christmas we unpack the decorations and begin to decorate around the house. Included in those decorations is a Christmas card that we got from Kristi we display as a family heirloom. Last year while unpacking it I was floored by what I saw. The card which we have been displaying since 1998 has a drawing of a Christmas angel on it. I got the warmest feeling as I pulled it out… the angel on the card was the spitting image of Olivia… Now some may call that a coincidence… I call it a Christmas gift!

Here’s the card… the spitting image of Olivia last year. Those of you that know her can see it I’m sure.

 

I just began a painting of this card. Right now I have only completed the burnt umber/burnt sienna under-painting stage but plan to finish it after the holidays.

I’ll be sure to share it with you when I finish…

As for now… I’ll leave you with the inscription on the inside of this special card…

“May Christmas Joy light your path throughout the year”

Merry Christmas everyone! See you next year!

Bernie

Bernie and Santa… 1962

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Monday, December 19, 2005

I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you…

I’ve been working on a painting of Kristi (my dear sister who was killed in an auto accident in 1998) for mom and dad as a Christmas present. It… along with the painting of Matthew… reminded me how “Blue” Christmas can be for those who have lost loved ones. Even after all these years there is an “Empty Chair” at our table and in our hearts. The Christmas Season is a reminder of Hope and we rest in that.

During the holiday season, everywhere around us are sounds, smells and wishes of good cheer.  For many the holidays are time for family and  joyful celebration.  But for some the holidays are more than we can bear.  The thought of cooking a  holiday meal, attending a holiday party or celebrating holiday traditions only bring feelings of grief and loneliness.  How can those that have a loss feel like celebrating the holidays this season?

Click here for some helpful info:    Coping with Grief and the Holidays…

I’ll share Kristi’s painting with you after Christmas…

Bernie

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Friday, December 16, 2005

Hoorah… Hoorah… the Old North State Forever!

North Carolina Motto:
“First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, Last at Appomattox”

North Carolina, even though Pro-Union for the most part during the great secession movement of 1860-61 but dedicated to the last once she cast her fate with the Confederacy, can be proud of the role she played in “Mr. Lincoln’s War”. The materials brought in through Blockade Running, textiles that not only clothed her own but those of other southern states as well, and the hard working women and children at home whose life styles were changed drastically would be enough to say she was among the most dedicated of the states. But, that is only compounded by the fact that she furnished over 125,000 sons to the Confederacy (more than any other southern state or about one-fifth of the Confederate forces). Those sons; Henry Wyatt, the first soldier killed in battle at Big Bethel, the boys of the 55th NC and the 39th NC who were farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga respectively, and the Tarheels of Cox’s NC Brigade, of Grimes’ Division, who fired the last volley at Appomattox paid a dear price to give us the proud motto that no other state can boast; “First at Bethel, Farthest at Gettysburg and Chickamauga, Last at Appomattox”.  A dear price indeed, over 40,000 Tarheels lost their lives in the struggle for Southern Independence with the next closest southern state losing 18,000. For her contributions, North Carolina got little recognition. The men and women form the Old North State did their duty not for glory or headlines but for love of home and state. North Carolina was considered by her people as “The valley of humility between the two pinnacles of conceit” (The two pinnacles referring to the hot-tempered South Carolinians and the illustrious pedigree lineage of the Virginians).
 
I’m a War Between the States history buff… my love being North Carolina history in particular. As a Civil War reenactor and member of the Cape Fear Living History Society (see favorite links) I love to recreate this period of our history. Granted… I don’t have the fear factor of being really shot at… my stomach is usually full… and I have shoes on my feet… but I do get a “time trip” at many of the events I attend… and for a moment I often think… “This must be what it was like”. I have the utmost respect for the men from both sides who fought in that awful war that shaped this country that we know today.
 
As a tribute to my ancestors and all soldiers and sailors from North Carolina I set up this still life with some of my reenacting items for a painting. A canteen, a tin cup, a testament, glasses, and a bag of coffee beans (a rare commodity) make this scene I call “Confederate Coffee”.
 
“Confederate Coffee”… 8″x10″ Oil Pastel on Panel, 2003.
 

The Tarheels of the Old North State, including over 1300 men from Onslow County, have earned their page in history with their deeds of valor, contributions, and dedication to the Confederate Cause of 1861 - 1865. Among those 1300+ was private Lewis E. Humphrey, Company K, 61st North Carolina Infantry. Lewis enlisted in April 1862 at the age of 34 in the Confederate army. He left behind no slaves… only a wife and five small children to tend the family farm. New Bern (30 miles from his home) had just fallen to Union forces and rumors of an Conscription Act forced him to leave the world he knew and embark on a journey that would eventually bring him back home 2 1/2 years later via a discharge for disability after the Battle of the Crater (late 1864). Lewis Humphrey was my g-g-great grandfather.
 
Thanks for dropping by… your comments are always welcome.
Bernie
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Wednesday, December 7, 2005

Masters Study… Jesus Christ

For the past week I have been discussing masters of art such as Bouguereau, Vermeer, Picasso, Durer, and Cezanne… and how their works have been an inspiration and learning tool to imitate. There is a master, above all, who sets an example before us worth imitating daily…. his name is Jesus. John 13:15 was the inspiration behind this charcoal drawing I did titled “Basin and Towel”. The source was a photograph I took some time back for a dear friend as a tribute and celebration of his many (How many was it Jim?) years in ministry.

Jesus said… “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”  (KJV)

“Basin and Towel”… 8″x10″ Charcoal on Panel, 2003. Awarded  the Claire Armstrong Endowment Award in 2004.

Jesus is the master artist and we are his masterpieces!

In Faith,

Bernie

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Monday, November 28, 2005

Right-Brain vs Left-Brain…

As long as I can remember art has been a part of my life. My favorite subject to draw as a young boy was sailing ships… from giant Clipper’s to Pirate ships. AARRRGGGHHH!

I was one of the few people in high school who took art class seriously and didn’t consider it a crypt course. I was fortunate enough to have a great art teacher, Blanche Johnson, who really worked with those who were serious about art. Unfortunately, growing up in the 70’s where left brain thinkers seemed to rule… us right brainers were many times told… “Oh that’s a pretty picture… but you have to get a real job if you want to eat”. As a grown up I now realize I was caving into false teachings and letting someone else tell me what to dream. Today, thank goodness, there is a shift… the right brain revenge per say… logical and precise, left-brain thinking gave us the Information Age… now comes the Conceptual Age - ruled by artistry, empathy, and emotion. With all that said… I think the Right-Brain vs the Left-Brain needs to give way to a new order of Whole-Brained thinkers out there. For that to begin… schools need to give equal weight to the arts, creativity, and the skills of imagination and synthesis.

Balance and Harmony are fruits of the Whole-Brained thinker. I welcome your thoughts on this subject.

In Faith, Bernie

 

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