So why this title; “Fifty shades of grey in Religion & Art”? Perhaps something to do with the painting of the cats and all the shades of grey they come in.  Well not exactly but as it is Christmas I thought this painting was a good fit even though it is not a religious artwork, which really is the topic of this art blog.

NAIVE ART BY MARIE JONSSON-HARRISON

You see I recently wrote a blog about Fifty Shades of Grey & Art about the book phenomenon and my thoughts on the matter and as I got hundreds of messages, comments and feedback on that I thought it was worthwhile to canvas the issue that was brought up time and time again.  Most of the comments were really positive and some 160 people shared the initial post from my Naive Art by Marie Jonsson-Harrison page on Facebook with over 1680 likes.

ART BLOG

The thing was that I had posted the blog with an artwork of mine made in ceramic and mosaic, a wall based sculpture depicting Adam and Eve and that caused some heated debate both from the Christian side as well as from the Muslims.

ADAM & EVE, CERAMIC & MOSAIC SCULPTURE

Some Christians thought it was an outrageous artwork and that Adam had a bottle in his hand was terrible.   That to me seemed a weird comment as I am sure both Adam and Eve had a drink, let’s get serious they would have gotten bored just eating those apples without making some apple wine or schnapps occasionally right?  The bible is all for alcohol anyway that is what every Christian church gives their followers on a Sunday morning, in the guise of the “blood of Jesus”.   That I had painted them a little bit plump which was for the most part approved of.

RELIGION AND ART

As far as the Muslim comments go, again for the most part the artwork was met with great comments and positive feedback however there were some that took offence and thought it was outrageous and anti Muslim!  So go figure if both Christians and Muslim think it is against their particular religion then I must have done something right I figure.

Which brings me to the question of religion and the fervor it stirs up in people, seems to me that all that matters is that their own point of view is right.  Why can’t everyone just believe in whatever religion that makes sense to them?  Whether that is Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindi, Budda or none and be an Atheist.  Why does it matter so much to some people what other faiths people believe in?

How do we even know for sure that there is a God?  I hope there is one; I do want to go to Heaven if there is such a thing.  I do believe in doing onto others and all that.  But in this evidence based world I just cannot say for sure what is true and what is fiction.  So until we get word from above as to who is running this show and what particular religion is right, let’s just try to live together and in harmony with each other.

THE ART OF THE CHRISTMAS WISH

My cousin Sonja sent me this picture from her time in Accra, Ghana.  It shows one of their favorite dancing spots where all sorts of people gather to have fun.  To the right is a Jew and to the left a Muslim, then there is two Atheists and behind are some Christians and they all had a great time together, that is the type of world I wish for.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas or Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to everyone apart from the Chinese (which has their New Years a bit later).  I hope you are all able to spend some time with your loved ones, for that is really all that matters after all.

Here is a quote by the 14^th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, which I think fits pretty well here;

“The purpose of all major religious traditions is not to construct big temples on the outside, but to create temples of goodness and compassion inside, in our hearts.”

I think he has a fair point.

Till next time,

Happy painting, sculpting and spending family time to you all,

Love Marie xxxx

If you enjoyed this art & religion blog you may also like to see some of my religious paintings here are some links; 92 Art & walk across my swimming pool and 29. Religious Paintings

Why not come and have a look at Marie Jonsson-Harrison’s PAINTINGS FOR SALE, GICLEE PRINTS FOR SALE and SCULPTURES for sale or WALLBASED SCULPTURES.  Enjoy an original artwork on your walls or perhaps one on your bed ARTnBED.

Is the title of this acrylic on board painting of Jesus doing just that! As I have said before I really enjoy painting religious motives but am not a follower of any particular religion.  I guess you can say that I am hedging my bets as I wear a Cross and a Budda around my neck and am keen to add to that with a Ganesh (love that elephant symbol) and also some others too.  I am a child of the world and believe in peace and happiness for everyone no matter what colour of the skin, cultural background or sexual orientation.  If you fancy having a look at another of my religious painting Noahs Ark, use this link (as well as some more thoughts about religion.) 29. Religious Paintings.

HEAVEN AND ART

I do really hope there is a heaven as there are lots of people & animals that I so want to see and hug again – top of that list are my darling grandparents.  Not that I am in any hurry – well if it was possible to make a daytrip and just visit and then come back to earth and life as normal – yes then I would be lining up for a ticket.

I have the sketch for exactly that painting and at least I will paint it one day – Daytrip to Heaven.  I think just so there wouldn’t be a mix up for the return journey,  a T-shirt from Monty Pythons show Spamalot would be the attire for the day with the inscription across the chest of “I am not dead yet”.    Just in case – right?

ART AND FOOD

A great place to visit and have some delicious food and see some good art on the walls is at my lovely pals

Francis and Putu at White Cedars Cafe in Burra and here is a link to another art blog about them which you may enjoy;  24. Noodles Anyone ?

For a recent SALA  exhibition Putu came up with the idea when they went and saw a Dorrit Black retrospective at the Royal Institute (and saw that most of the work there were on loan), that it would be lovely to ask the connoisseurs among their friends to hang their most prized possessions whether it was their own artwork or by someone else.  Perhaps a memory of a time and place or person and to go with the artwork a brief explanation of why this particular piece is precious.

So I think this is a fabulous idea for a show and it is going to be very interesting to see the various artworks on display and read all about them.  Of course this will be an exhibition to remember and not only for the art but also for the fantastic food – Putu is the chef and an expert at Balinese food – to die for (can you see there really is a theme to this, LOL)

It is fitting then that I leave you with the title of a song from Monty Python’s “Life of Brian” – a song that I have requested to be played at my own funeral (which hopefully will be many, many moons from now).

“Always look at the bright side of life”

Till next time happy painting and sculpting,

Love Marie xxx    (c)

Why not come and have a look at Marie Jonsson-Harrison’s PAINTINGS FOR SALE, GICLEE PRINTS FOR SALE and SCULPTURES for sale or WALLBASED SCULPTURES.  Enjoy an original artwork on your walls or perhaps one on your bed ARTnBED.