March 2nd, 2024
Today’s Gospel of the Prodigal Son brings to mind the well-known themes of misguided intentions, sin, repentance, humility, and mercy that all of us have experienced and thought about - especially during our Lenten journey.
One part of the parable I find intriguing is that the younger son wants his share of the inheritance now – what does that mean and how does it translate into the life of an artist? The standard answer is the inheritance is “the kingdom of Heaven, eternal life, etc.”, but one possible interpretation, from an artistic perspective, is that the inheritance is “meaning” itself. Meaning plays such an important, and possibly intense, role in the lives of creatives! What is the meaning of my practice? What is the meaning of this work? In other words, why am I here, what am I doing, and does it matter?
As for myself, the temptations or inclinations to find my own meaning in my actions as an artist, as opposed to God’s will, are always present: that my art may mean what I want it to mean, that I equate my value as a person with the quality or popularity of my work, that I subconsciously reconcile my photography with the ways of the world, and overly seek validation, purpose, or admiration. I tend to tell myself that I have a noble vision of how I’m serving God through contemplative street photography but, oftentimes, my artistic practice comes close to being a substitute for God aka “a life of destitution”. Of course, it’s important to examine and be thankful for the good things, too. For example, someone recently mentioned to me that my art inspired her art…and I know that her art has healed and inspired others. Whatever we’re going through, encouragement and prayers from fellow artists are true blessings.
For me, this parable could be an artist’s examination of conscience of sorts – not in a negative way as a condemnation of anyone’s art or reasons for being creative, but a reminder that if the artistic life gets to be too much we can always spiritually run into the waiting arms of the Father’s embrace as the invaluable works of art He created us to be.
Thankful for God’s merciful love, I pray for a blessed remainder of Lent for us all.
Zachary Allaire is a "professional" amateur photographer in the NYC area. His work can be seen on Instagram @z.allaire