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Day 3: Hidden Art & the Amateur

“The paideutic man’s attitude toward such activities as painting, drawing, violin playing, dancing, and acting is amateurish, not professional. He knows that one cannot learn the culture defined by these activities passively. Since culture is the unique property of the participant, not of the spectator, the classical academy resists the modern tendency to select only the most talented for participating.” – David Hicks, Norms and Nobility: A Treatise on Education

“Amateurish, not professional”
Today we are taking a closer look at the word amateur. Amateur, according to the definition, is “one who has a taste for (something).” The root of the word amateur is from both the French and the Latin; the French word amateur, means “lover of.” The Latin word it comes from is amatorem meaning “lover,” which is an inflected form of amare or amo which means “to love”.
Therefore, an amateur is someone who loves. The amateur has developed a taste for something. They love their craft, art, discipline, subject matter, etc.
When I first heard this, I was a bit surprised. I always thought amateur meant someone who was a beginner and not quite magnificent at their craft, sport, activity, etc. Being an amateur has nothing to do with your skill in the subject at all. It has to do with your relationship with the subject, art, or discipline. In terms of amateurs, there is a range of skill levels from the least developed to the most developed. What they all have in common is that they love their art. They have a taste for it, a certain disposition towards it.
 
The interesting thing about love is that it is a choice. Granted, to love others we need the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. However, we choose whether we will submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Likewise, it is within our capacity to choose whether we participate in an artistic life or not.

 “It is not that I feel the study of great art should be put aside (on the contrary!), but simply that I feel it may be helpful to consider some of the possibilities all of us have of really living artistically, but which are often ignored. People so often look with longing into a daydream future, while ignoring the importance of the present. We are all in danger of thinking, ‘Someday I shall be fulfilled. Someday I shall have the courage to start another life which will develop my talent’, without ever considering the very practical (and supernatural) use of that talent today in a way which will enrich other people’s lives. Develop the talent, and express that fact of being a creative creature.” (Added commentary, for emphasis)

By the way, in this series we will be drawing a lot from Edith Schaeffer’s book ‘Hidden Art . Her book has been renamed The Hidden Art of Homemaking, I believe this is a mistake. Nowhere in this book does it solely speak to housewives. She speaks clearly to all humanity. Either way the read is the same excellent read regardless of the edition.
So how do we participate in the arts? How do we take our place in culture, as one who possesses that culture? I believe the answer is in the word amateur, lover of. Choose to be a lover of art and culture. Choose some particular art to really love. Find what you are an amateur of in the world of art.
How can we choose though, especially if we see no evidence of any such thing in our lives? First, I would say align your thoughts with the truth that you are created in the image of God, who is The Creator. That speaks to your powers to create. Second, I would say to pray. I believe it delights God when we are like Him, especially when we are like Him in our creating. I think that means He wants us to create. So pray. He is faithful and will tell you. Third, apply your mind to thinking about the everyday areas of your life that could point to an area of ‘hidden art’ –as Edith Schaeffer calls it. Listen to what she says.

“I would define ‘Hidden Art’ as the art which is found in the ‘minor’ areas of life. By ‘minor’ I mean what is involved in the ‘everyday’ of anyone’s life, rather than his career or profession. Each person, I believe, has some talent which is unfulfilled in some ‘hidden area’ of his being, and which could be expressed and developed.”

 
What is simmering at the surface of your mind as you read this. What do you think your Hidden Art is? Maybe you already know, maybe you have an art that you have developed to some level. What is it? What is the Lord bringing to your mind that could be an area of artistic expression for you?
For some this may be the hardest step of all, choosing love as our “attitude towards such activities as painting, drawing, violin playing, dancing, and acting” among other arts as well.
For me? I am choosing to develop in two areas, painting and tin whistle. I love Celtic music I also love the texture of paint on canvas. I want to develop these arts –in my life –into something beautiful for the glory of God and the enjoyment of my family. I want to participate fully in these aspects of the culture.  
If you are not sure yet that is fine! In fact, that is exactly what you may discover in this series. We are here to help you to imagine the possibilities of living an artistic life, to give you a picture of what it could be, and to present inspiring stories and practical tips for bringing creative moments to fruition in your life.
I am so glad you have joined us.
Expanding wisdom, extending grace,
Jen
This part is a member of our 31 Days of Playing with the Arts Series

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Comments

  1. Sarah M says

    Wow–I never knew the root meaning of the word ‘amateur’, either! That’s really interesting and very applicable.
    I’ve read Edith’s “The Hidden Art of Homemaking” a few years ago and enjoyed it. Sometime in the past couple of months, I came upon a very used edition of her book “Hidden Art” and thought, “hey! One I haven’t read yet”. HA! Funny enough it’s the same book. Ah well, now I just get to pass it on to someone else.
    Lastly, have you heard of Madeline L’Engle’s “Walking on Water”? It’s about this very topic and it’s excellent. One of my top 20 favorites.
    Sarah M

    Reply

    • Jennifer Dow says

      Thank you Sarah for book suggestion. I saw L’Engle’s book ‘Walking on Water” at a used book store and was enchanted. I had used up my book money so I had to pass 🙁 It is on my wish list though! I think I may move it further up the list because of your comment. 🙂

      Reply