Years ago, I had a friend whom I’ll call Michael who was quite successful in the professional theatre world. Michael designed sets for Hollywood films and Broadway productions, and was also an accomplished painter. When he became seriously ill, he asked me to help him “hear God’s voice before he died.” He actually said, “If … Continue reading The Gateway: How do Artists Hear from God?
Is My Life Over? An Artist’s Response to Failure
There was once an artist who messed up badly – and I mean very badly. But despite his failures, some incredibly good things happened through him and he made some of his most beautiful art out of the experience. How did this happen after such horrific personal failure, and how can the same happen for … Continue reading Is My Life Over? An Artist’s Response to Failure
10 Prayers for Artists, Musicians, and Dancers
As visual artists, musicians, dancers, and artists of all types we face unique challenges. It can be difficult to know how to bring our requests and concerns to God. Here are ten prayers to help you get started, with topics ranging from meaning in our lives and art, freedom to live out our calling, and … Continue reading 10 Prayers for Artists, Musicians, and Dancers
How to Build a Christian Arts Community
Participating in a community for artists is crucial if we want the “pyramid” of our lives to become stable. Part of the instability we experience comes from identity issues. Honestly, I tried to identify and get rid of my identity issues on my own for years, but I found that I could not make much … Continue reading How to Build a Christian Arts Community
What Does a Positive Community Look Like for Artists?
Many artists feel isolated. Many live in a very competitive world that encourages being self-centered, simply as a necessity to survive. But an artist who is isolated—alone—is always in a dangerous place. What does positive community actually look like? Here are some possible answers that I’ve experienced firsthand: Charles and Hasmick's Dinner Parties I had … Continue reading What Does a Positive Community Look Like for Artists?
An Open Letter to the Worried Parents of an Artist
Dear parents (and other authority figures), We know you may not be artistically gifted yourselves. You may not easily understand how we artists think and process life, which is often different (not better or worse) than you. Although you love us, you may not understand what we need to hear. Just like anyone else, we … Continue reading An Open Letter to the Worried Parents of an Artist
Artist Set Free 