im-age ar´chae-ol´o-gy™, [im-ij] [ahr-kee-ol-uh-jee], n. 1. The systematic recovery by artistic methods of imagery within the ground of a painting.2. A dig into the surface ground with the butt of a paintbrush to imprint an image.3. The space between the figure and the ground from which emerges a skeletal impression of an image.4. A constant searching for the middle ground through the application of paint and projected thought that culminated into a work of art.
This morning, fathers day--Sunday, I enjoyed listening to a program on NPR about a spiritual songwriter and singer, Mr. Joe Carter. I had the privilege of listening to spiritual singers in church this past winter by a group that came to the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, in Falls Church, Virginia. That music raised my spirits and moved me in ways I have never felt before. The vocal harmonies were sung with such intensity that I felt a trembling in my soul. I know now what the term spiritual revival means. Joe Carter talks about the music being handed down to him by a woman named Jesse Anthony, who came to him one day with a briefcase full of music. I would imagine such a treasure. The greatest gifts are handed down from our elders. Artists do this by handing down their processes to younger artists. This is the way we keep our traditions alive.
I have always wanted to sing the gospel. I really don't think I would ever give it the same justice as these incredible singers did that day in church. Some day I will have my chance and blast away with a full choir-ed regalia. It may just be other worldly, but I will do it.
