DIRK FOSLIEN
After working six years in the commercial graphics field, he decided his calling was truly in the fine art field. Believing in a good fundamental training for the arts, he attended Muse Gallery and Studio in Baltimore, Maryland where he was taught the time-honored old world painting methods. Both still life and landscape renderings incorporate expressiveness that Dirk feels is Spirit driven. His creativity reflects his faith in Christ, evident in the respect for God’s beautiful creation and gifts. His work is collected privately on the East and West Coast.
Dear Friend and Art Lover,
I was once approached by a man in a gallery and was asked what, if any, was my philosophy in creating my art? I believe that is a valid question and one, which opens the door for me to briefly share who and what makes me what I am. My purpose and joy in painting is inseparable from my faith in Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a philosophy. Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is Christ. To have Christ is to have life. All truth is bound up in this; Jesus said I have come to give life and that more abundantly. God is the supreme artist. I believe His creation is an inexhaustible domain of a painter’s paradise. I want my paintings to be a witness to His creation and bear witness to truth, His divine revelation that is revealed to us in the word of God. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” To me, painting is a “witness” to His creation. Also, it should all reflect Him and His glory. There is meaning in creation because I am experiencing His creation. Creation touches me. It is real. It moves me. I want to be sensitive to it. To see it’s every shade, color, and nuance. I’ve heard it said that the artist is the sensitive man. I want this to be conveyed from my heart to the canvas. To sum up, my purpose in painting is simply bound up in what the apostle Paul said:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Colosians 3:23,24
American Painter