Creation

Makoto Fujimura - Pasadena Splendor

"Art, poetry, music, all forms of true beauty, prayer, and meditation—these are the things that will save us as individuals and, if we’re lucky, civilisation." - Joseph Massey

Earlier this week, I read the quote above by Joseph Massey on Susan Cains' blog, The Quiet Life.

I love Joseph’s quote, and I will add a bit more: what will save us is the realization that there is a God, and we are not it.

The Book of Genesis describes the profound idea of being made in God’s image, which has far-reaching implications. Humans inherit a desire to create as beings created in the Creator's image.

Embracing what is within us inspires the creation of literature, art, music, architecture, and more. In crafting these expressions, we tap into a higher plane of consciousness.

The capacity for imagination is a unique human trait. Through these creative acts, we connect to something greater than the sum of our biological makeup. Humanity's imaginative spark reflects God’s creative nature.

Whether crafting or experiencing a compelling story, creating or admiring a masterpiece, or composing or listening to a symphony, we feel the presence of the Creator within us.

I seem most content during the creative process when I surrender rather than try to control. I let the music play.

As Rick Rubin wisely puts it, “When we reach an impasse at any point in the creative process, it can be helpful to step away from the project to create space and allow a solution to appear.”

The secret of being creative lies in our curiosity about every aspect of life.

“If you do not express your own original ideas, if you do not listen to your own being, you will have betrayed yourself. Also you will have betrayed our community in failing to make your contribution to the whole.” - Rollo May

This quote highlights the connection between mental, emotional, and communal aspects, making creativity a vital expression of individuality. While creativity can bring satisfaction through self-expression and fulfilling potential, it may feel isolating without joy, connection, values, or deeper meaning.

Famous Japanese American artist Makoto Fujimura invites us to accept that “The author of creativity longs for you to barge in, break open the gift you have been saving.”

When I read about Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Mozart, and Makato Fujimura, I realized that they learned the art of surrender and created beautiful art that today remains symbolic of artists connected to something larger than themselves.

Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel over approximately four years. He also sculpted David, which took about three years to complete. He worked on the massive marble block abandoned by previous artists to create the 17-foot-tall masterpiece that symbolizes human beauty and artistic genius.

Mozart once wrote, “When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer—say, travelling in a carriage, or walking after a good meal, or during the night when I cannot sleep, it is such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly. Whence and how they come, I know not, nor can I force them.”

This reflection highlights how Mozart’s inspiration emerged spontaneously in moments of solitude and contentment, revealing the intuitive brilliance behind his musical genius. Though his spirituality was not overtly dogmatic, it was heartfelt and intricately connected to his life and work. His faith and the mysteries of existence profoundly influenced his compositions, providing the spiritual depth that defined his music.

Rembrandt’s ability to portray the depth of human emotion and his innovative use of light and composition make him a towering figure in art history. His works continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reflecting universal themes of humanity, faith, and the passage of time.

Makoto Fujimura is a contemporary artist and writer known for integrating fine art with abstract expressionism and traditional Japanese painting techniques. His work often explores the intersection of art, faith, and culture.

Watch the video on Makoto Fujimura’s process. Amazing. Watch Here