First time when I read this book, it was the time when I just got married. Actually the book was a wedding gift from a good friend of us. And it turned out to be a great inspiration and guide for a little wife in her starting a new home.
Those who never read this book, might ask "what is the hidden Art"?
"I would define "hidden art" as the art which is found in the ordinary areas of everyday life. Each person has, I believe, some talent which is unfulfilled in some hidden area of his being - a talent which could be expressed and developed". This is how Edith Schaeffer defines this theme in her book.
Serving a meal, setting a table, decorating a room, painting, gardening outdoors or in a window box, singing or playing instrument, writing letters, making clothing, arranging flowers - in each of these commonplace activities of life she sees the opportunity for modern people to express themselves as the individuals.
It doesn't not mean she supports everyone to equip their job and starting new career in art. Not at all. But her main idea is that the place in which we live needs to be a center of meaningful living and personal enrichment.
For me art means a beauty,depth and expression. Art can draw me into the beauty, joy and vividness of another person's understanding.
But I asked myself - what about me? Am I able to create a beauty myself? May I use this wonderful tool for expressing myself? Or can I just only enjoy all these master pieces in the museums?
After reading Mrs. Shaeffer book I found that it can be possible. Edith Schaeffer says that whatever art is for people, "surely it involves creativity and originality. Whatever form art takes, it gives outward expression to what otherwise would remain locked in the mind, unshared"
God is a great Artist and we are created in His image. And Edith Schaeffer encourages us, Christians, to be conscious of this fact. She says "a Christian, above all people, should live artistically, aesthetically and creatively. We are supposed to be representing the Creator who is there and whom we are knowledge to be there."
So it was my greatest motivation to start seeking the ways how to enrich our life through art. First, I started exploring the hidden art inside of me and be brave about admitting them. I am so thankful that my husband gave all of his of support and encouragement in my research.
I think I belong to that category of artists might never be a great artist and whose talents may never be accepted by the world as anything "great". Even though I do believe I have a little talent in art I tried myself, I am still quite often a little embarrassed by the results. So that it is why my art is hidden indeed. But still I do have this deep longing to create something beautiful and thus enrich my day by day life and for the people with whom I I live.
Last few years I made some baby steps toward my inner desires. And using Mrs. Schaeffer's list I tried following things:
painting,
sketching,
home decorating
and making clothing (knitting)
Writing always was my favorite thing to do, but being a busy in these days, it makes it more harder. But writing journal, letters and email still can help to keep me put my thoughts on the paper.
And here is a new area where I can be more creative:
reading to my son
Children's education will be a huge part I want to focus on in the nearest future.
So, I really want to live creatively in all parts of my life as I much as I can.
Creating this site was my idea to help first myself to continue doing what I have started.
Also sharing with other people by my artistic attempts to glorify God might also help them to open their hearts, and reveal their talents to the world around them.
So, my name is Martha Ludser.
I am native Russian, but currently live in the United States. I am married and have a wonderful little boy.
(I apologize for any incorrect English if you would find here.)
I welcome you to visit my hidden art.
