MATTHEW 6:33

MATTHEW 6:33 by Roopa Dudley

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

When I started painting Chess Themed Paintings back in 2011, I had no idea exactly where this will be leading me to. It just felt right so I continued. Now five years later, an epiphany. It all seems clear as daylight to me that all this time I have been preparing for will be to serve a much higher purpose that I have been totally oblivious to.

In our society here in USA, Artists are often perceived as free spirited eccentrics and somewhat hedonistic self serving defiant scoundrels willing to tear down sacred traditions and break down morality expected by society. Maybe there is some truth to that stereotype. It is quite possible. Who knows? However, there is seldom if any mention of those artists who are spiritual or God oriented. I get a feeling that God is not in fashion especially in the art world unless it is somehow in a derogatory way like the "Piss Christ".

Well, I am here to break away from that myth (hey, I am an artist after all right?) at least when it comes to me. In 2005 I embraced Christ as my savior and my life has changed for the best ever since. I am still an open minded person, a sinner and an artist I confess, but my heart is full of love and joy that I never knew existed. I am not ashamed of living a God centered life. There is no other way I can logically explain how everything that I have ever wanted and desired has been given to me. My reason for writing this blog is not to preach but to express the reason why I created this painting. The story and the source behind my inspiration and why I picked MATTHEW 6:33 as a title for this painting.

Having God in my life has changed me in many ways. The proud person I once was is now humbled with gratitude and love. The only way I can even come close to showing how I feel is through my art. I have had people sending me messages on facebook that they have looked up the titles I have given to some of my paintings in order to find the meaning and gain some insight. I mean how awesome is that? As for the skeptics -- well, they will always find a way to demean and scrutinize something profound and beautiful that is a given. Take a good look at the art around us. Most of it is repulsive to look at. People are searching for something that can uplift their broken spirits and there is not much that is satisfying that hunger. Artists are afraid to make something beautiful and meaningful because they fear that they will not be taken seriously. I believe most have lost in touch with being authentic period and that is most tragic.

I am looking forward to connect with the few kindred spirits out there who may be struggling with their faith. There are some who want to believe in something and are patiently waiting for a sign of some sort. I am hoping that if I can reach out and touch just one person and fill their life up with meaning and joy through my art than I have fulfilled my purpose as an artist here on earth.