Tracing God's Patterns in Nature

Great article in the New York Times on the microscopic inspiration for many of Kandinsky's paintings, especially Several Circles (1926).


(You can imagine looking through a microscope and and finding something similar to the Several Circles.)

Many of Kandinsky's early twentieth century paintings capture the energy of creation and life and nature's repeating patterns. According to the Times' reporter, he saw these forms as part of a cosmic language and a link to a higher spiritual plane.

Kandinsky's fascination with the repeatable patterns in nature reminds me of the writings of novelist Madeleine L'Engle.

In her works, L'Engle explores how the patterns found in nature told us something both about how God is an Artist and how we were created to be interdependent. Stars, animals, and humans were created from the same stuff of life by the same Artist.

Back from Tennessee

Just got back from a great trip to east Tennessee. Now back in DC. I've been asking painters, pastors, and professors about the movement to use a greater and greater range of arts in the worship service on Sunday morning. I like to hear people talk about what difference the arts can result in worship. For me, when we include a variety of arts in worship we are including different perspectives and voices. Worship becomes a collective effort rather than the solitary concern of the pastor.