“I have felt that people have mistaken my own efforts, such as they are-first in painting, then in sermons, when in fact they were only experimental works containing many flaws…By the way some Christians discussed or even savaged my work, I asssume they thought I was trying to ‘say’ something in the same way as for instance I am ‘saying’ something on the arts in this non-fiction book.” Frances Schaeffer (Art and Soul 146).

As I read this quote I couldn’t help, but think about how often people read too much into things.  Authors, artists, musicians, etc. intentions are mistaken all the time.  This is a difficult balance.  Do we only try and get out of it what the person intended?  or do we try to interpret best we can?  Now, there is no way to truly understand the meaning within the art unless the creator themselves is there to tell you.  So is it alright to make our own assumptions and interpretations?  I think it is something important to consider as creative people.  Different people will understand your creation differently.  This happens with Christians all the time.  When we find out a creative person is a believer we almost automatically go and try to find all their spiritual themes within their work. Perhaps, however, that is not what they intended in their work.  Perhaps, they meant what was being shown/stated at surface level.  Authors/creators intent…or our own?