So, a couple of months back, I asked if you guys ever judge the creativity of a person by how they dress… If you know me, you’re probably looking for the follow-up… some punch line or story about a creative that was misjudged…
Here’s that story…
Josh, as Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls
This is Josh.
Josh is a student at LVC and I’ve known him for almost 3 years… And until recently, I had no idea that he is a particularly talented actor…
Now, let me put this into context for you: I met Josh when he and his brother helped me build set-pieces for our live nativity event at LVC three years ago… We spent hours building frames and stretching canvas and painting murals and assembling them into the town of Bethlehem…
When I say “hours,” I mean 6 or 8 hours each week for a solid month… doing the kind of work that allows for a lot of “hanging-out” and talking…
In addition to that, I directed him in the nativity drama for three consecutive years…
I’ve sort of watched him grow from a boy into a young man…
Last fall, he invited me to a production of Guys and Dolls by a local youth-theatre with a great reputation… He mentioned in passing that he had one of the principal roles…
We loaded up in the Honda and went to the show…
When Josh took the stage, it took me a moment to recognize him… He seemed so unlike Josh… So much more like the sly, devilish 40’s-era heartbreaker, Sky Masterson (played by Marlon Brando in the film version)… It was some of the most brilliant acting I’ve ever seen in youth theatre (it actually rivals some of the good community and college theatre that I’ve seen)…
Then he started singing…
And dancing…
And I started forming a wonderful plan for Josh’s life…
But after the dust settles, I’m left with the grim realization that I sold Josh short because he doesn’t “seem” creative to me… Which is to say that he isn’t particularly outgoing… And that he doesn’t have a stand-out style… And he kinda slouches…
I acted all surprised that Josh has this outstanding talent, but I realize that he all-but told me on more than one occasion… I think I’ve heard him talk about 5 or 6 different shows or church dramas that he’s done… He’s always very enthusiastic about it… He’s always been right on top of learning his lines and following direction and finding his marks…
But I judged him according to my own (kinda stupid) criteria for creativity…
I misjudged… And I think the worst part is that I missed the great heart he has for expressing himself artistically through acting…
I apologized… He was gracious… And now he has joined the cast of Godspell, throwing himself into it with great enthusiasm…
It’s inspiring, really.
Got a story about your own misjudgement? Know a decidedly “unartistic” artist? Share…
Mary Freeman is a mixed-medium artist who created striking collage work for visual journaling. She also does seminars to teach her techniques to other artists and hobbyists in her community… September 6.
Troy Rowe is a professional portrait and event photographer who is using his considerable gifts to serve children at a local foster-care home. I’ll be talking with Troy about this unique ministry and other ways he uses his gifts… September 20.
Hannah Krohn is a dancer and dance teacher. I’ve worked with Hannah in some of my own projects at LVC. She has a great gift and heart and we’ll be talking together about unique ministry and missions opportunities that dance has opened up for her… October 4.
Jim Holt is sketching his way through the Bible… I found his pen and ink sketches on Tumbler.com. I’ll be talking with Jim about this project and his insightful visual blog… October 18.
Philip Davis is a graphic artist and photographer. We’ll be talking about an interesting project that he’s working on as he designs through the book of Psalms… November 1.
