About the Artist:
My name is Mark Rusic. To me, my place of birth, Melbourne (Australia), where I have received my ideas for my painting, is special. It’s truly beautiful, and I feel that every citizen here needs to be deeply appreciative of our heritage, and our privileged status as Melbournians.
But my motivation for painting goes deeper than a sentimental appreciation, and just trying to earn a dollar. Like most artists I am passionate about my painting, but that was not always the case. At a young age I experienced emotional wounding when my parents tragically split apart. I was deeply hurt and confused by it all, but just did my best to carry on. My father was very artistic; so in rebellion I chose totally unrelated disciplines of science and engineering instead, at university. Due to my hurt, I think I somehow associated art with something evil, that could hurt me, or lead to misery, especially due to my frustrations with my father who was a passionate artist. I guess, I thought that by suppressing my desire for art, it would protect me from further complications.
Anyway, by living in denial, the hurt and pain probably grew worse and made things harder. Also, my creative expression just totally vanished. Despite showing good potential for art at an early age, the gift seemed to be lost, and I became a frustrated young man. But, then one day I had an amazing turning point in my life! I had a remarkable spiritual encounter when I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart. Suddenly, I realized that my heart had been captive to bitterness all along. Bitterness toward my father and life circumstances had poisoned me. But, after recognizing it I came to know complete freedom from it. I could forgive because I had come to know God’s great love and forgiveness to me. In turn, after some encouragement from my father and brother, suddenly my creativity began to flow again! Yes, that’s right, my father encouraged me. Whatever misunderstandings I had were all sorted out and over! Suddenly, I could do art again. But, instead of my former dry and morbid expressions, now colour and meaning dominated! The vibrancy and color of my art work reflects that wonderful inner healing that took place.
You are not just looking at a pretty picture, but it’s an expression of the master piece God has worked in my heart. My experience is best summed up through the words of the psalms in the bible: “He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD” (PSALMS 40:2-3). May this painting bring comfort to your soul! God bless you! : )
