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
Guest Post: Becoming the New Creation
We are THRILLED to be featuring a guest post by Bette Dickinson this week! A visual artist, Bette has a beautiful take on how God's identity as a creator interacts with our identity as creative artists. Enjoy! *** In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, … Continue reading Guest Post: Becoming the New Creation
Book Review: “Art and Fear”
We hope everyone is having a relaxing and restorative holiday season! This week we're recommending "Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Ortlund. Bayles and Ortlund are artists themselves, and know all too well the anxieties that come along with the profession. You can check out … Continue reading Book Review: “Art and Fear”
5 Practical Tips to Hearing from God as an Artist
Hearing from God is crucial to creating powerful, meaningful art. But what does that actually look like, and how do we really know it's Him? We’ve got 5 tips for you today that have been personally very helpful! 1. Be willing to be surprised. For years, I expected to hear God say words to me, … Continue reading 5 Practical Tips to Hearing from God as an Artist
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 a Christian Artist
Two weeks ago we posted an open letter from the artist to their worried parents and authority figures. This week, we offer a very similar letter, but with Biblical backing for the spiritual artist. There are many reasons to accept our artistic gifts as spiritual gifts from God, so we hope this helps you connect … Continue reading An Open Letter to the Worried Parents of a Christian Artist
Artist Set Free 