C is for Configuration

According to the Oxford Dictionaries, configuration is an arrangement of elements in a particular form, figure, or combination.  There are several examples of the word's use in sentences, but the one that caught my eye reads, "A friend of mine goes with the theory that there is no self, rather that he is a configuration of infinite diverse elements in a state of constant change."  That is me, a configuration!

My Playbook 2016 - Part 3
Zutter Book Binder; Hand Painted & Gelli Print Paper Scraps; Ephemera; Hand Illustrations , Stamp Carving, & Lettering; and More.
Ramona's Inspire Me Monday #238
Moo-Mania & More - Anything Goes
Eva & Kristin's Paint Party Friday - Week 21 Year 6
Alexandra's Sunday Sketches
This configuration starts with the different roles I play.  I am a family man who loves and respects my wife, as well as my parents and daughters.  I am an educator and artist who takes both professions seriously, and feels I should use them for the welfare of humanity.  Most importantly, I was created in the image of God, as described in Genesis 1:27.  Therefore, I must reflect his love and grace in every configuration I may be in. 

ALR's Life Configuration
Tim Holtz Configurations, Papers, Tissue Tape, & Assorted Embellishments; Family Photographs; Beads; And Assorted Trinkets.
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Add Some Texture
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Things With Wings
Karen's Word Art Wednesday #240 & #241
Another example of this configuration, is the fact that some people tell me that I don't look "Mexican."  I find this strange, since I was reared in Mexico and my father was Mexican.  This could be due to my Spanish, Greek, and Italian genetic make up.  It could also be due to my level of education and vast cultural exposure.  Therefore, I don't fit the mold some people have in their narrow definition of a "Mexican," since I'm a configuration of a plethora of elements.

My Daughter's Scrumptious Turtle Cheesecake
iPhone 6s Photograph Edited on iPhoto
Our Beautiful World #157 ~ Baking
Denise, Leslie & Roger's ABC Wednesday - Letter C
Julia's What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday #373
Another example has to do with my artistic creations.  Although they reflect my love of spirituality, nature, and family, they can be quite diverse in genres and mediums used.  I may choose some abstract or vintage elements, but realism and symbolism are always key elements.  As to mediums, I like photography, water based mediums, pastels, and paper crafts.  All these elements surface into a complex configuration which allow me to express myself.

So indeed, I believe I am "a configuration of infinite diverse elements in a state of constant change" through my life's experiences.  Anyway, I want thank all my followers, as well as everyone who takes the time to leave a comment.  May your life be filled with blessings!

Comments

peggy gatto said…
You do inspire!!!
Have a great week! I am going away for a little vacation. Take care and "see you later" !
Jennifer Rose said…
we are always changing as people, if we aren't what is the point. you don't learn anything and people like that tend to be miserable :/

that is very rude that people say you don't look Mexican. and its is so close minded. I know why people might say things like that, but those types of people really need to open their eyes and get out in the world more
Wonderful art ! Thank you for joining Moo Mania & More Arnoldo!
photowannabe said…
I'm glad that I don't fit the mold either.
The only mold is the one God created me into.
Good post for the letter C.
Leslie: said…
That is a lot to live up to (pardon my prepositional ending)!!! But even the ability to acknowledge your make-up is a feat unto itself. Thanks for your lovely comments regarding my trip. I acknowledge my configuration as part English, Scottish and Welsh and the first time I visited England almost 20 years ago, I felt so at home! We were all brought up with the British culture - paper hats at Christmas dinner, the foods like haggis, black pudding, bara brith, roast on Sundays, etc. etc. I've been there 5 time now and still need to go back to see more. I wish I could actually live there half the year, but finances prohibit that but I will start saving again for another time when I plan to tour the west coast of Wales all the way up to Anglesey where my paternal ancestors lived.

By the way, I'm sure I have enough photos and stories to last at least this round and maybe even the next! Happy days, my friend!

Leslie
abcw team
Lin said…
Interesting post, Arnoldo! Such fun seeing the shadow box, and that pie has me drooling! Thanks for sharing it all with us at the Simon Says Stamp Wednesday challenge!
Valerie-Jael said…
I think we will perhaps never fully understand the complexity of man or his talents and emotions! Thanks for joining us again at TIOT, Valerie
Nonnie said…
first time here- I love your box with the variety of objects in it; I wasn't sure what kind of box it is, but I had one that once help the type (letters) that were used to set up for the printing of the newspaper. At my advanced age, I tend to think that people who make comments about one's heritage are ignorant due to a sheltered existence. I can say that because I was sheltered, first by parents then by my husband. Thankfully, through my teaching my horizons were widened. (the last school at which I taught is close to our university and the hospital, which employ quite a diverse cultures people)
Hi Arnoldo, great post. I can't think why it would matter what we look like, it's how we live our lives that matters although I do know a Mexican and I must say he is very good looking! It was interesting reading your understanding of the term 'Configuration'. It sounds a bit like what I do every day trying to re. figure my messy desk Lol! Have a great week my friend, Angela x
Anonymous said…
Configuration - awesome word:) But I do like to taste your daughter's cheese cake! I continued on a new blog because I ran out of space and here is my new url- to keep in touch!
artworksfromgjeshstg(dot)wordpress(dot)com
Have a great week configuring!
carol l mckenna said…
Wonderful post for C ~ so creative and lovely creations also ~

Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
Gail said…
Super write up here! Love the art work and my oh my give me some pie! Thanks for sharing your lovely art at WAW this week - blessing - from one Christian to another!
MelodyK said…
What an amazing choice for c... and yes you are right, how wonderful to realise it, isn't it? Some of the c's are very well put together ;-)

That cheesecake, I would like to taste ;-)

lovely configuration display, very meaningful. Happy WOYWW Vicky #15
What a yummy post!!! Love your art and love the configurations box... So much to see and admire!!!
Felicia said…
Loved reading your post and sentiments therein! I agree with your friend...we are infinite diverse elements in a state of constant change. I think that is what makes us uniquely US!!! Love your art! Blessings, Felicia #37
Joy said…
I like the concept that we are all configurations in flux, so true.
Shoshi said…
I'm a "configuration" too, Arnoldo! I think my love of mixed media, and exploring different and unusual materials (including recycled rubbish) is a reflection on my diverse interests in life - I'm a bit of a magpie with ideas as well as stuff!! Thank you for your visit, and I'm so glad you liked the brief glimpse of our garden - how I wish we could welcome you into it, complete with your sketch pad! It's quite a small garden, but it's quite secluded and private, despite being in a built-up area with neighbours close by on either side. Phoebe loves the warmth and softness of the compost heap, and it suits her personality well, the grubby little tyke that she is lol! She's like the kid who always manages to tread in something!! I am delighted in the improvement in my shoulder, and am looking forward to hearing what the physio has to say on Friday afternoon - hopefully some exercises to maintain the improvement and advice on how to prevent a recurrence. I am thrilled to be back in the studio and having fun experimenting with a few new techniques as well as reviving an old project in a slightly different way for my friend's birthday card.

Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #21
Su-sieee! Mac said…
I like that statement -- "Don't be afraid. Just believe." I don't get asked as much as I used to about my background. When I was younger, the Brother told me that we would make perfect spies because people can't figure what we are. lol Thank you for visiting my blog today and giving me a cyber-hug.
Anonymous said…
Thank you twice! Just wanted to let you know both comments arrived (is my blog a little slow?) Anyways, have a great rest of the week!
LisaDV said…
Fabulous art pages and boxes. Blessings, LisaDV #35
Meihsia Liu said…
Your creation is awesome! Love those fabulous embellishments. Thank you so much for sharing with us at Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge. :)
Lunch Lady Jan said…
A thought provoking read which I enjoyed immensely. I think our perceptions of 'ourselves' changes hugely as we age with more acceptance of our idiosyncrasies - the desire to achieve in our 20's is a thing long forgotten now, more a desire to use my remaining time on earth in as effective a way as possible. You've made me think about the word configuration in a different light!
Hugs, LLJ 3 xx
Linda Kunsman said…
a very thoughtful post Arnoldo. I love your thoughts on being a configuration. Your configuration display is fabulous!! Happy PPF!
Faye said…
Wow, that is quite a lot to think about. Your configuration art is so nice but I loved the words you posted too. Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if we all behaved as creatures created in the image of God with all the grace and love that means? Your weekly posts directing us to look toward our spiritual natures is always refreshing.
DVArtist said…
I have missed your posts. You make me think on a different level and inspire me not just in art. Thank you for you prayers for my DH. Have a very happy weekend.
Christine said…
Beautiful work for PPF. Your daughter's dessert looks yummy
Alicia C said…
gosh, you always make such gorgeous things! I love the shadowboxes in particular. I LOLed at the 'you don't look Mexican' everyone always trying to pigeonhole me into some nationality or other too haha
Ayala Art said…
Fun art, yummy cake, and VERY interesting article you wrote here!
I enjoyed my visit, thanks!
Happy PPF!
Ros Crawford said…
Your daughter's cake looks amazing!! Wonderful photos Thanks so much for sharing at OBW!!
I almost laughed when I read you were perceived as "not Mexican enough". The stories I could tell about not being black enough in America...

ROG, ABCW
Ileana said…
Beautiful and inspirational post and a wonderful interpretation of the word, configuration. Nice work!
Giggles said…
These are the kinds of posts the world needs more of! Showing the diversity that makes us a whole! Each bringing a beautiful gift to the table of who we are! Ever thoughtful post Arnoldo...thanks for sharing the true richness of your human spirit! A great example of humanity at it's best! Thank you for sharing and making a difference!! Your artwork is as gorgeous as your spirit!!

Hugs Giggles
genie said…
Your inner diversity and configuration and your artistic diversity are both so beautiful. I just love visiting your blog. You always write something meaningful from which I get so much.I loved all of your pieces. They are awesome to put it mildly. genie
C.J. Rains said…
Sorry I've been absent for a while. But please know I always enjoy reading your blog. You always have something interesting to share, and I truly enjoyed this one! Hoping to do some catching up here.
Serena Lewis said…
Another wonderfully inspiring post, Arnoldo! The word 'multi-talented' comes to mind. :)

Have a great week. :)
Kelly said…
Great post and interpretation of a fabulous quote. What you do or do not look like is immaterial. Who you are inside and portray to the world is most important. You are a shining example. Creative Blessings! Kelly #36 (running late) P.S. Pie looks scrumptious!
Fallingladies said…
Love that configuration shadow box art! So interesting!
And i agree with your thoughts.... We are all a mix of contradictions, and the sum of a 1000 parts!
Unknown said…
finally figured out how to comment:
Love it!

I look forward to hearing from you.