The Blue Poles Saga

Recently whilst admiring the artistic handiwork of some of my children I couldn’t help but remembering the infamous “Blue Poles” saga. 

This painting which does in fact resemble a childs artwork (abstract art) was purchsed by the Australian Government for close to US $2,000,000.00 in 1973. 

Many friends of mine have remarked how they would love to “slap a bit of paint around” and make a few million dollars for the privelege.  I guess we all hope to make easy money.  However for Jackson Pollock who painted Blue Poles, it was not that easy either.  Jackson is dead – he died in the 1950s aged only in his 40’s.  At that time the painting was not worth as much as it later did. 

For Jackson his life and heart went into these paintings.  It was not just a matter of “slapping around some paint.”  It took his thought, time, effort, attention and years of his life.  Us mere amatuer painters probably don’t appreciate what was involved in a mammoth undertaking like Blue Poles. 

Also, my guess is that his death considerably added to the value of his works.  The memory of the artist is what makes the painting all the more special.

In a similar way – we admire Christ all the more because of His death, and the things he did have added significance.  However unlike Jackson - Christ has the added benefit of being alive again to see the results of His work.  Isn’t that incredible!