ruah arts group

Would you think me a bit mad if I told you God spoke to me through color?

Most of the few people who I’ve told about God’s pigmental locutions do, in fact, think I’m a bit mad. But just as we don’t choose God because He chooses us (John 15), we don’t choose the medium through which he communicates Himself; He chooses the medium. For many the medium is lively and electifying: locutions, ecstasies, visions, dreams and direct encounters with the divine. For others the medium is hidden, mundane, in the “still, small voice” of prayer. Many hear and feel nothing. Such was the case of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta for over fifty years. She felt absolute nothingness for decades, but in that emptiness received everything.

Without divulging too much of my soul I can say that I’m often in the middle of that spectrum in my relationship with the Most Holy Trinity. However, at some points in my life, He’s appeared most sensationally to my soul. I use that word deliberately, for He uses my extreme sensitivity–to light, sound, words, music and even color–to communicate to me. It at times has been quite subtle, but at other times quite visceral and striking.

Perhaps in another blog entry, I’ll delve into my sensory interior drama with greater detail (it is kind of a long story). But for right now I will say that while the devil has access to our exterior senses and some of our interior senses, God has access as well. We must train ourselves in prayer and thought to be attentive to the still, small voice of God, whatever flourishing form it takes.

Color Notes for the Road:
*In the midst of my color journey years ago on a pilgrimage, I heard of the book “Astonishing Splashes of Colour” by Clare Morall. While the premise of the main character–having synaesthesia, a condition where one’s senses are crossed (hearing colors, smelling sounds, etc.)–is very interesting, in the end it was just a postmodern piece, colour without form or soul.
*An electronic palette for Colorphiles. I love this. This is linked to a recent blog entry on Color Etymologies.
* Color Matters, another Color web site.

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Do you know the difference between indigo, royal purple and tyrian purple? Oh do ya? Well, I dare you to read this fabulous article on what is the right violet for the Roman rite anyway.

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Thanks to everyone who made the Human Experience Madison PreScreening a success! Whilst a few connections were missed, I was late in getting the registration list to my volunteers, etc. etc., it was overwhelmingly very fruitful. Joe Campo and Michael Campo loved Madison, enjoyed the screening and valued tremendously the feedback.

There were so many people who helped–you know who you are–but some people who really bent over backwards include my main financial benefactors Fr. Eric Nielsen, the Diocese of Madison’s Office of Evangelizaton & Office of Justice and Pastoral Outreach and Kay Schacte. I’m grateful also for the fantastic volunteer efforts of Lisa Scheubel, Tira Jackson (artist who did the posters), Audrey Klingel, Leah Stader, Nan Delaney, Kay Schacte, Jennifer Wagner, Tim Huegerich, Beth Ptak and the St. Ambrose youth, Brad Frias and gang. Thanks so much, guys!

Stay tuned for Human Experience follow up and feedback. I know it was a powerful experience for many, and I’d love to brainstorm over ways to support Grassroots Films and respond to this artistic Molotov cocktail of a film.

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Where is it and when is this premiere?
Tuesday, November 6th 7pm at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Lecture Hall, 227 State Street, Madison, WI 608.257.0158
 

How about directions? Also, where can we park for this event?

Directions: http://www.mmoca.org/information/directions.html

Parking: See http://www.ci.madison.wi.us/parking/downtownMap.html

Is there a rating for the film? What age recommendation can you
give?
There isn’t an MPA rating, but due to a violent scene at the beginning, the producer
recommends the film for ages 13 and older.

What is Ruah Arts Group, and who is behind it?
Ruah Arts Group, founded in prayer by Jessica Smith in January 2007, is a faith based culture group whose goal is to live out John Paul II’s Letter to the Artists by fostering fellowship, formation and fraternal service with our artistic gifts for the greater Glory of God. In a world grown dismal, we want to shine a light amidst the chaos, affirm with God, “It is good.”
 

Do I have to be religious to come?
Heck no. Just human.

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It’s a week until the Madison premiere of “The Human Experience,”  and there are only 22 Seats left. Register for free tickets.

Do you have a little time to help? Email Jessica at ruahfellowship@gmail.com to help with registration, set up or hospitality at reception afterwards.

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Friday September 14th at 7pm at Casa Smith

The feast of the Exaltation of the Cross is days away, and John and I thought a Cross-themed movie would be appropriate.  To add to the glory of the Cross, the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum (read:the declaration by B16 that cut the red tape on celebration of the Tridentine Mass) is effective Friday (not a motu too soon!), and we’ll be hopefully hearing a lot more of that universal lingua around. See here for some commentary on the Motu Proprio. I sense good conversations on the cross, stigmata, liturgy and other signs of contradiction. Boo-ya. And also there will be Padre Pio Movie Trivia and prizes. Sweet.

“Padre Pio: Miracle Man” is a beautifully shot film about the Italian Stigmatic Franciscan Priest who defied the rationalism and materialism of the twentieth century with his very presence, suffering and miraculous gifts. ( See Bishops’ Conference review here or the Ignatius Press Description Here.) It got mixed reviews–some loved it, some hated it–but we’ve seen it and were both moved by it, giving us a spark to love this 20th century supernatural powerhouse of a saint.

Note the length of the movie–just over three hours–but it’s worth it. Come also for fun, food and prizes. Bring your own pillows and blankets.

Casa Smith:

5700 Highland Way, #206/ Middleton

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Citizen Kane is coming!

Map of Ruah Headquarters.  Apartment 206. Ring the buzz box on the parking lot side.

Call 608-778-8528 if you get lost!

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Just received this from the WI Arts Board:

The Wisconsin Arts Board FY08 Artist Fellowship Awards eGRANT application form will be open on August 7, 2007. Please go to www.arts.state.wi.us and click “Program Descriptions” under “WAB Grants” in the black sidebar to locate the program. Note that the applicant to this particular grant program must be AN Individual ARTIST, not an organization. From the Artist Fellowship Awards page, click on the eGRANT link and thoroughly read the section entitled “eGrant Tips.” Once you have created the Artist Fellowship eGRANT application, review the guidelines (link on first page of application) before working on the application form.

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From Image Journal’s e-newsletter–a call for artistic submissions. Now, I’ve never heard of “The Other Journal,” and I’m currently debating whether or not to submit a piece, but it seems a little on the postmodern, d.i.y. Christianity side. But it may be worth submitting something to put a little apostolic spice in the pot. Let me know what ya’ll think.

The Other Journal (TOJ) seeks creative writing and visual or performance art that encounter life through the lens of theology and culture. In Issue #10, TOJ seeks work that confronts the role of virtue, sin, and psychosis in our consumerist, self-serving society. We are especially interested in writing that explores issues of faith and mental illness. We welcome poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Fiction may include short stories or self-contained novel excerpts, and creative nonfiction may include personal essays or memoirs. We also welcome films, paintings, prints, photography, music, and sculptures. Please send submissions to submissions@theotherjournal.com by October 15th. For more information about the issue, please click here.

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See NY Times Article on the death of one of cinema’s finest. See also Steven Greydanus’ review of Bergman’s classic “The Seventh Seal (1957).”

 Although I was somewhat disturbed by Bergman’s film “Persona,” I found “The Seventh Seal” a thought provoking, soul stirring commentary of the stuff of life…and death.

Eternal rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Ingmar Bergman, requiscant in pace.

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