Appreciating Beauty Part Two (Man Made Beauty)

This is a painting I bought from local artist Rebecca Brogan at Salamanca. She had a nightmare in which demons were attacking her and got up and praised God.

I love both the colours and the message. It is psychologically and spiritually true that if we concentrate on the positive the negative will retreat. After all it is ultimately God's world and He is the greater power.

I think it is also part of our nature to be appreciative and soothed by beauty. The more beautiful and artistic a place is the calmer I feel. This is as true of man-made beauty as it is of natural beauty.

I am especially appreciative of visual art because I have poor spatial skills and can't do it myself but I can understand the creative processs as I write and act.

Anyway to see more of Rebecca Brogan's art look out for her at Salamanca or go to http://www.jtbarts.com

God Bless you all

Amber

Choir of High Hopes

This is the Choir of High Hopes. Last night I had the privilege of attending their Christmas Concert. It was called 'Á Rough Diamond Christmas. Their quote (and I love quotes) was: "Not the strongest nor the weakest but the one who has high hopes and never lets go." By Steve Menadue.

For those who don't know The Choir of High Hopes is based roughly around the successful Choir of Hard Knocks. It gives disadvantaged people the opportunity to do something positive and creative.

The choir performed both general and Christmas songs and guest starred opera soprano Emily Burke,

I personally knew many of the people in the choir through mental health groups and hospital admissions. Seeing them up there singing with enthusiasm nearly brought me to tears.

And now, for an opinion. The link between mental illness and creativity is, in my opinion, clear. So, why stop with a choir? What about a play, an art exhibition, a poetry reading etc. That way mentally ill people have something to do that they love.

The benefits, I think, are obvious. People who are happier costs the government less money in hospital admissions, services and Centrelink payments. Anyway I think it makes sense but I know many who would disagree. Let me know if you agree or disagree.

God Bless

Amber