Honoring the Artist via His Art

Views on the Stairway to Heaven, Wyoming

I’ve long heard it said that “You can’t say you love the artist but say that you hate their art.” Or, more recently, “If you insult an artist’s work, you’re indirectly insulting the artist.”

Fantastically shaped rock formation in Upper Darby Canyon, Wyoming

These expressions can be turned around and still be true. “If you say you love an artist, you’re also saying you love their art” and “If you compliment an artist’s work, you’re indirectly complimenting the artist, themselves.”

Snow on Mt. Monroe, New Hampshire

I’ve written before on the topic of God being the ultimate Artist, Who made the earth like a canvas as a backdrop for His artistry. Everything that God made was created for His pleasure, much like an artist who creates a painting or a piece of pottery for his or her own pleasure.

Asters along the Huckleberry Trail, Wyoming

When we walk out into the world God created, when we enjoy what our eyes see and our skin touches, when we love the sounds of nature in our ears and find joy in all that is before us, we are taking delight in the Artist’s artwork.

Into the Storm: Hiking into Grand Staircase-Escalante’s Egypt region

Indirectly, just by enjoying the art, we are complimenting the Artist, not just on a job well done, but also the Artist, Himself.

“The Keyhole” arch at Monument Rocks, Kansas

If we take it one step further and compliment the art – “What a beautiful view!”, “The wildflowers are gorgeous!”, “The sound of the stream is just like tinkling bells.” – we are indirectly complimenting the Artist, Himself.

Snowmelt on Ptarmigan Ridge, Washington

So often we think of worshiping God, honoring God, as an act done at church, in a song, or perhaps in service to others. And that is worship. But we are also giving God honor when we compliment His artistry. And I have to wonder how many people have unknowingly given veneration to the Creator they never intended to honor, simply by honoring His art.