2 posts tagged “ancestors”

Artwork is by Sami Bentil..
Contact at Sami Bentil Art

Peter led the reflection last week (March 10th) . 

We used, as our entry point, a work of art.

The artist is Sami Bentil.

I don't have a photograph of the art, but visit Sami Bentil Art
to get the flavor of the artist's vision.

Peter had us reflect on the artwork,  asking ourselves what the music depicted in the picture would sound like?

We came up with words like;  'constant beat'  'rhythmic'  'orchestra'  'shape-singing' 'solemn but not sad' and 'wind sounds'  -- a mood is created, a feeling.
The we looked at the feelings expressed by the picture;  'loss' 'stories of family' 'being in the midst of it' 'jam session' 'family joy'  'connection'  hearing the ancestors' 'glow of anticipation' 'pride' 'being of service'.

Then,  "What did you focus on in the picture?"  Where is the artwork 'calling' you?
There was a bowl shape, something that appeared to be water,  and water in the background.  Different figures in the foreground and background seemed to dominate for different people.

Then, "What is the world of this picture like?"

A  world that is calling to its' people.  A world of catharsis,  a world that is based in community and in relationship.  It is  a world that feels the pull between 'now' and 'eternity'.  A world of honor and uniqueness.  A world that reflects.

Culture tells us that family is important,  but value becomes very conditional.  How we see the family is formed differently in the culture depicted and the culture that surrounds us.

Tradition tells us that 'we can't look at God's face.'  It guides us to inner 'seeing',  and a reverence that transitions us from inner to outer.

The spirit in the artwork is one of togetherness -- that the ultimate spirituality allows us to be together outside of time and space.  In spirit,  we can be 'as one' because in spirit,  there is no time.

We decided that if we could say something to the artist it would be :  'thank-you" 'different expressions of thankfulness and intimate companionship with one another and with God'...

****
COLLECT

GOD YOU ARE SHAPE-SINGING THE MUSIC OF OUR ANCESTORS
THE PROMISE OF THE FUTURE
THE BLESSINGS OF THE PAST

WE PRAY THAT
WE MAY ACKNOWLEDGE OUR PRESENCE IN BOTH
OUR PAST (S) AND OUR FUTURE (S)
KNOW THE FACES OF OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS
AND SEE IT IN EACH OTHER

SO THAT WE MAY COME TOGETHER
AS SPIRIT AND SONG AND TRUTH.

AMEN

*****

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