Use this discussion or create new ones about places you find intersections between visual art and Christian faith.
(7 posts)
(5 voices)
Intersections
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Posted 1 year ago #
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Where does visual arts and 'evangelism' intersect? Here's an interesting quote from Gulshan Esther in the book titled, 'Beyond the Veil' which reveals her philosophy:
"I try to present Jesus Christ as our Saviour and God our Father as our Creator and Redeemer. When she or anyone else recognizes these basic truths, the rest takes care of itself."Posted 6 months ago # -
I think the hang up with most of us is with the word (or thought) of intentionality.Posted 6 months ago #
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I don't know if this is where I'm supposed to post, but it seems it is addressing the Art and Faith forum; the integration of Christian faith and visual art. Matt asked me to share about last week's Third Thursday Evoke 365 event at City Arts Factory in Orlando. It brought back LOTS of memories of two years ago when you Limner's joined AWE for our A of E event in the same venue!
Anyway, this year's event that Scott Howe and his artists organized was a perfect example of art and faith entering into the Orlando community in a non-threatening, intentional manner. There were 10 faith artists who painted one painting a day for a year. Those 1,500 or so paintings (6" x 6") were displayed all over the walls in CAF proclaiming the artists' faith in Jesus.
The venue was full of people viewing images that were painted by artists who took on the discipline and challenge of painting a daily visual journey about what God was doing in their lives day to day.
As I talked with the artists, they mentioned it was not only the viewers, but the artists themselves who benefited from this commitment. They worked together as a team, fasted and prayed and kept connecting regularly in fellowship. They shared lessons learned and how important it is to do their work in the power of the Holy Spirit. They also planned outreaches in the community some of which included plein air painting and giving the images to passers-by who stopped to watch and engaged in conversation about the image.
They also had planned a Pine Street performance celebration but rain hampered this activity. Matt, Susan and I did not stay for the whole evening but a friend at church who was one of the musicians said the rain stopped later and they were able to drum and praise God on Pine Street in the middle of O-Town!
I observed many people viewing the images but do not know how many of them were believers or if they were "off the street" viewers just curious about the show. I don't have any record of how "effective" the event was in terms of evangelism, but I do know Scott is passionate about his faith and about proclaiming Christ to the world. I hope to hear some of his stories eventually and know how he feels the LORD worked in this event.
As a personal observation, I feel it was an event that brought honor to the LORD by showing the work of creative hands that God blessed. If there was any desire for "numbers" or accounting of how many were touched by the images enough to seek out a follower of Christ and want to pursue salvation, I don't know. However, I feel that is for the LORD to continue His work in the lives and hearts of those who attended.
So perhaps an event like this is not only for others but the artists themselves to walk more deeply with the LORD and listen more intently to His voice. And if it transforms the artist then it is worthwhile!Posted 5 months ago # -
Maybe there are others who have insight into connecting with artists on a one-to-one level. The events are a great way to expose people to the possibility of connecting or community but how are those relationships realized?Posted 5 months ago #
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That's a good question, Matt! Events are a great way of making connections, but it is the intentional (there's that word again) nurturing of those relationships that is one way that the relationships grow. That, to me, can be the hard part because it means laying aside my artwork agenda sometimes to find out what others, or a specific someone, is doing, and where they need encouragement or direction. It could also mean taking the time to listen and including that person in your thoughts and plans. Yes, the LORD transforms the artist's heart, but he often uses our personal relationships with each other.Posted 4 months ago #
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Amen to that. I think this is where we have to press into each other to find what benefit community brings to our sanctification and growth. We must do this intentionally. Finding a community on mission is hard enough, but then to prioritize it into our self centered lifestyles takes work.Posted 4 months ago #
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