Being an artist and a believer in God are very similar in many ways. That’s a loaded statement to make in the ‘church’. I know many artists who are believers and who have encountered comments like; you can’t do that and please God, or, how can abstract art glorify God, or better yet, that’s demonic. Wow, whats wrong with the church these days? OK lets not go there. This is about new beginnings. If you want more on Art and Faith, read Makoto Fujimura’s book, Art and Faith. I am rereading it now!
“Makoto Fujimura’s art and writings have been a true inspiration to me. In this luminous book, he addresses the question of art and faith and their reconciliation with a quiet and moving eloquence.”—Martin Scorsese
Back to how my being an artist parallels my walk with God. There are many days when I am in the studio and I am just going through the motions. I am not creating anything that will be seen outside of the studio. But I know I must create. On those days I may experience a plethora of emotions, from excitement to anger and everything between. Sometime I learn and discover new things. Other times nothing, but maybe the studio is a little cleaner! But those days are not wasted. They may not produce anything ‘seen’, but the seeds are there. I am productive in the process or play. I am learning disciple, what new techniques I may want to try, or not try!
This is a lot like my relationship with the Lord. Many mornings as I spend time with Him, I feel like I am just going through the motions. “Read my bible, check…prayed, check… meditated, check……But…Did I hear His voice? Do I ‘feel’ His presence? Did I have a vision or revelation about the future? Those things don’t happen every time we sit with the Lord. But should that stop us from doing it? No, it is like the time we spend practicing. I must practice my skills as an artist, just like an athlete, musician, chef … I am practicing being with God. That’s what this life is. I am learning to be with Him, to hear Him and experience Him.
There are times as an artist that we may not feel inspired. That is no different than the believer not feeling God. Many will call this time, ‘being in the desert’. That is when we need to practice all the more! The last few months have been that for me. Both in the studio and out! Last weekend I was crying out to the Lord to fill me with His Spirit so I could co-create with Him. Let me stop here and say that much of my work is based on visions and dreams He gives and paints through me. So when I am not working in this flow with Him I become…lets just say a little grumpy! It has been around 9 months since I have felt this kind of connection and power from Him. So it was very welcoming when my soul surrendered to my spirit to allow His Spirit to work in me and fill me. After this piece was finished I spent the next few days asking Him what it is. Many things were coming to me, but today He sealed the deal with Psalm 91.
Psalm 91. This is a story in itself! About 6-7 years ago He gave me this psalm as an answer to the question, “who am I to you?’ Until now I never really understood the answer. This painting brings it full circle. That is why it is called ‘Living in His Shadow’.
That is why I create. We are all created to create, and when we are living in that we are more connected to our creator. If you don’t know what your creative outlet is, ask Him! Think outside of the box! Open your mind and imagination to new possibilities!
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