ArtPrize Artist Spotlight
This year, The Salvation Army in Kent County took part in the popular ArtPrize event and hosted five artists. Their works, inspired by faith and spirituality were on display September 13-28 at The Salvation Army Fulton Heights Citadel/Community Center in Grand Rapids.
One of the displays consists of art that explores the meaning of The Salvation Army's motto "Doing the Most Good". It was done by Lily Mattson, an employee at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids. In her artist statement, Lily says the oil pastel drawing, titled “The Ultimate Good,” is a visual representation of what the ultimate good is: God’s love. This piece shows a group of people holding up a cross, providing shelter to someone in need. By carrying the cross for another, this piece symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross and how we are called to reflect that unconditional love to others. This image of God's love also captures the mission of the Salvation Army and their service to others.
Q & A With Lily Matson
•What do you want people to take away from your artwork?
While my Artprize entry, "Doing the Most Good," encompasses the Salvation Army's mission statement, it is also an encouragement to both believers and non-believers to love and serve others more in our broken world. I hope that my art piece provides a peek at the power of God's love and inspires people to reflect that love more often by helping and encouraging not just those in need but serving each other through our high and low moments. Even outside of my ArtPrize entry, I try to incorporate meaningful subject matter into my work in hopes to make a positive impact onto others and to inspire others to love more and to ultimately bring the human race closer together.
•What inspires you to create?
To me, creating is how I express myself. I don't always have the words or confidence to speak my thoughts and feelings, but putting those thoughts and feelings into my art does that speaking for me. More often than not, my artwork carries a message that is meaningful to me or that is something that I deem to be important and want to share with the world. I think the beautiful thing about creative expression is that it often speaks louder than words can.
•What is your ideal creative space?
I am a big introvert, so I am most creative when I am alone and can put a lot of thought and energy into what I am working on. I am also a homebody, so being at home with some music or the TV on in the background is the space that I am most comfortable in and can be most productive when using my creative energy.
•Any words of inspiration for aspiring artists?
The best thing about art is that it is all about creative expression. You don't have to be a pro to create a beautiful piece, because the beauty is in the process of creating, the heart that is put into it, and the outcome of creating art. If you love to create, then create! If making art is something that is gratifying or allows you to express yourself in new ways, then make art! Art is beautiful because it comes from the soul and the soul is what connects us together. The world needs art, so keep making it!