As a Christian, I believe that God has gifted all of us with some form of creativity. Since we were made in His image, and He is the first and best Creator, we all reflect that in some form or another.
So what do I mean when I say I co-create with the Divine Artist? What does it look like to me? I figured now’s the time to describe that process just a little bit.
I start each day plunging into scripture (and coffee haha!)…
Read MoreTwo weeks ago I put on my entrepreneur’s hat to write. Today, I want to wear my scientist’s hat. Ever since I can remember, both art and science run together in my mind. If I had to guess, I would say being home-schooled by my physicist/engineer dad and art/poetry-loving mom had a great deal to do with that. In any case, the two sides appeared to be at war since I can remember. Numbers vs colors, rules vs rebellion, structure vs freedom: my brain and schedule reflected a split. I won’t bore you with the details here, but if you like that sort of thing, check out this post.
Anyways, my final thesis in graduate school took up the topic of degenerative brain diseases and how art promotes health and wellness in individuals with them. I wrote this while writing and illustrating a devotional. I was also working as an inpatient medical-surgical nurse during the early months of the pandemic. You could say I like a good challenge. More than that, though, I hope you could see how God still works miracles in all our lives today (seriously).
Read MoreVulnerability is a funny thing.
Last week I created a little process video for my Instagram page. I planned to paint an open hand and talk about the importance of vulnerability. I planned the post to be about being “open” with our struggles and the importance of vulnerability in relationships. After I painted said hand and I didn’t like it, though. I even thought about posting something else instead.
Read MoreEarlier this morning I reminisced about crisp fall days 10 years ago. I had adventured to Italy, to study art in the land and culture where some of my favorite artists had created their masterpieces. It was a gift and a challenge. Only seven other students studied in that semester’s cohort. While we lived and created in a 14th century stone and marble monastery, we traveled around central Italy and marveled at its beauty and culture.
My prayers in that monastery as I painted, sketched and studied were young artist prayers. I have the daily journal entries to remind myself that my prayers seeking God’s help were sometimes selfish and definitely passionate. It is clear looking back I was lost about what being an artist meant (and if we are honest, many of us artists are still discovering this!).
As I think back, I realized that the thing I learned about the most, more than artistic techniques or Italian culture…
Read MoreAs artists, certain pieces we make feed our souls.
When looking at it once it is complete, do I see parts of these images that aren’t perfect or do I think of what I could have done better? Of course. Admittedly, I’m my worst critic. But as artists we must take time to create pieces that encourage us while we create them. We must be able to look at these pieces and say “I know it’s not perfect, but I loved making it. I set my heart and hand at this work.
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