Friday, September 24, 2010

A Matter of Perspective

Astonished Man

A Matter of Perspective
A Sculpture by Matt McGraw

Set before you is a story told through clay that is of 5 men.  Each of these men live in the same small town and are of the same social class, yet you can tell by the expressions on their faces that they each view the world a different way.  

First there is the Laughing Man, who sees the joy and the positive things in life, content and thankful.

Next is the Grieving Man, who cannot see past his own guilt and wretchedness.  Though he is looking on the same plane as the Laughing Man, instead of seeing the beauty and wonder of life he perceives only the broken and the negative aspects of society according to what he sees in himself.  

The Crazy Man, however, has taken what he believes to be acceptable and taken it to the extreme, living a life of immorality and deceit.  He consciously harms others without acknowledging the consequences of his actions.  

Facing away from everyone else is the Arrogant Man, who feels that he doesn't need the help of those around him, because in his mind he has twisted the truth and sees himself as better than everyone else.

Finally, we see the Astonished Man, with his face upwards, bent towards the heavens in the realization that he cannot make do and live life by his own strength.  He has found the source of all life, his Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Each of these men have heard the Truth, but have interpreted it according to their own experiences.  When everything is said and done, it's all a matter of perspective.  



Crazy Man

Laughing Man

Arrogant Man

Grieving Man

We just finished up a series of classes with instructor Brian Larmour and this is what Matt created during one of the sessions.  

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Sandy

3 comments:

  1. Amazing and insightful Matt.

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  2. Thanks for sharing - I love how many different ways God can challenge and stretch us. Here is to a year for both kids and parents.... knowing my student is learning has made me more aware of how much more I should be doing.... Be blessed guys!

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  3. Not only are you smart, Matthew but you are an amazing artist. To be able to so accurately reflect your argument in the various faces is awesome. I particularily like Mr. Arrogance with his big nose and sniviling little mouth.

    Aunt Flora

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