Wow. I think I have a great idea, and I'm excited to share it with those who read this blog. It's gonna be a change, it's gonna be new, and it's gonna be big. Keep your eyes open for further info! :D ;) haha
Clues wrapped up in these questions:
Have you ever wanted to connect and know other Christian Artists? but perhaps you think that there aren't any in your area? or maybe you would like to connect with other artists who live far away? Could you use some Creative Encouragement? Do you dream of collaborating with other Artists?
Monday, April 30, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Just A Personal Update
Hello Readers :)
I just thought I'd give a personal update. I've got a few things I look forward to sharing with this blog. First of all I have recently purchased a really nice USB Mic for recording, so keep your look out for a review about that in the future; also with the purchase of this mic, I hope to record some more of my music and make some more music videos to share. I've also been in the process of screenwriting, and video editing a lot lately as well as doing some silhouette art. I've got some big dates coming up this summer, as I'll be attending a big Christian Music Festival which I hope to photograph haha, and also a Film Conference and Festival which I'm looking forward to. Anyhow, just thought I'd ramble a bit about my plans lol.
Do any of you readers want to share some of your creative plans? Anything big happening in your artistic worlds? The Lord bless you and guide you all into deeper Spirit led Creativity. Go Hard! Don't waste! Keep real!
I just thought I'd give a personal update. I've got a few things I look forward to sharing with this blog. First of all I have recently purchased a really nice USB Mic for recording, so keep your look out for a review about that in the future; also with the purchase of this mic, I hope to record some more of my music and make some more music videos to share. I've also been in the process of screenwriting, and video editing a lot lately as well as doing some silhouette art. I've got some big dates coming up this summer, as I'll be attending a big Christian Music Festival which I hope to photograph haha, and also a Film Conference and Festival which I'm looking forward to. Anyhow, just thought I'd ramble a bit about my plans lol.
Do any of you readers want to share some of your creative plans? Anything big happening in your artistic worlds? The Lord bless you and guide you all into deeper Spirit led Creativity. Go Hard! Don't waste! Keep real!
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Religion in Art: Searching the heart of the Artist
I cannot stress enough how much art is a reflection of the heart of the Artist. There are those that think art is a very random thing, and perhaps that 'is' how they handle it, but as some of us know...art is more like a beautiful yet, powerful weapon. It can be used for good or for evil, for selfish causes, or good causes...but no matter what the artist uses his art to communicate, or for what purposes he uses it, art is 'always' an expression of the heart of the Artist.
Some things that it proclaims most blatantly is the 'goal' of the artist, the 'philosophies' of the artist, the 'world-view' of the artist, the 'religion' of the artist and the artist opinions on beauty and what the meaning of life is to he or she.
What it the center of your universe? Your art will show it. What is the longing of your soul? Your art may show that too.
This may be a touchy topic for some, because there are those who are Artists, who even though they are 'Christians'...like to think of art as an area of neutrality, and area in which nothing is taboo, and 'anything goes'. The common reply uttered when someone outside their circle tries to communicate that some of their art is just not 'right' is that "It's just art"...My question is since when did art become only a matter of 'talent' and not a matter of 'morality'? Or perhaps art has had some bad contributions from the start...
Gen 11 tells about the story of the tower of babel. From what I can tell the point of the story is that man joined together can almost accomplish whatever he puts his mind to do if, he has enough people working along side him...whether for good or for evil. Even so, God is still in charge. This story tells about people wanting to 'build a tower to the sky'. One of the big problems with these people, and with a lot of us artists today is we think that because we are creative or talented that we can 'build a tower that reaches the sky' for our own purposes, for our own pride. Remember it is not a 'church' that the people were building in Gen 11 it is just a sky scraper to prove their ingenious talent and skill. It was not for God. But God is not mocked nor does he allow something to happen that he is not for. Beware of thinking you can build your own tower to reach the sky and not fear God. God is over all, and you cannot accomplish anything without Him allowing you to do so.
Here is a flip side to that which was not 'Christ centred ceativity'.
The Hebrew temple was ordained by God, it was of 'His' design.
Heb 8: 5 ~
5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Exodus 35: 31-32
31And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
32And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
33And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
34And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
36Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
When you read Exodus 36 thru 40 you discover that a lot more creativity went into building the tabernacle/temple than you may have previously imagined...The construction of the ark, the special tables, and curtains, altars and engravings, the courts, the garments, the breastplates, the robes etc etc. It's a big thing. The coolest thing about it is it is one of the only structures and the only 'temple service' that God lead and instructed man to make.
Some of us do not realize how closely art and religion are tied.
If it weren't for art 99.9 percent of all religions would not be as well remembered.
Art is what pushes the religion on into the present and the future. What is left of the "great" Egyptian empire and it's religion? It's art.
Matter of fact. What made up the Egyptian religion? Art. Their gods were made by their own evil creativity, tainted by the enemy. Creativity devoid of 'Jehovah God'. Their gods were 'man made' their religions were 'man made' their after life was pretty much 'man made'.Their religions were based on the 'art of their hearts'.
What about the Chinese Religion?
You guessed it. Art. Art. Art. Man made gods engraved out of stone, paintings etc.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.
24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections....
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
There is a fine line between culture and religion. I think that is something that we must keep in mind, especially as Artists. The attraction of the artist is to 'creativity' and also to 'culture', that is because 'culture' is a lot of times greatly expressed in and through art and creativity (not always good creativity and many a times 'not' good).
The Artist's desire is to create freely. He does not want any boundaries...but he must beware, one of the biggest sins that the Artist can get sucked in or trapped into is in believing that God does not set boundaries, and that 'he' or 'she' is the 'god' over his or hers, own art, and that they do not have to answer to anyone about their creativity. This is not true. It is so far from the truth. Please remember the tower of babel, and that God will not be mocked nor is is outside the area of art. Man's sinful tendency is to rebel and 'eat' of the fruit of good and evil. The Artist's fallen tendency is to 'dable' in good 'and' evil art. Whether that be 'Humanistic' Art, 'Paganistic' Art, 'Satanic Art' or 'Wordly' Art.
Rom 12:2
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
But does it really matter? I think that us Artists need to to answer the call to Artistic purity.
Purity Definition: free from anything that taints, impairs, etc.; unmixed, clear.
1. freedom from contaminants: the absence, or degree of absence, of anything harmful, inferior, unwanted, or of a different type "tests to establish the purity of the water"
Purity is the freedom and the absence of sin, or anything that 'taints'. Sin is what taints...whether that be the sin of pride, lust etc...or in this case the tainting of false religion in art.
Lord, teach us and soften us to be willing to let go our ties to the world, paganism and idols. Lord remove all stubbornness from our hearts to cling to our own pride or put our fleshly desires above obedience to you. Lord, may we see the meaning in what we do, may we recognize why we do what we do. Forgive our attraction to the things of the world, remove our desires and attraction to 'paganistic' traditions and any desire to live for 'selfish ambition'. Instead, fill up our hands, hearts, and art with holiness, purity, and godliness. May we see the power in art, search ourselves and come before you in all humility. I ask that you would have mercy on my brothers and sisters that do not realize the responsibility and power of art. I pray that we would see beyond the surface, and be willing to receive conviction. Lord, my desire is to worship 'you' in my art and to bring others to You. May our art be holy and consecrated unto You.
Some things that it proclaims most blatantly is the 'goal' of the artist, the 'philosophies' of the artist, the 'world-view' of the artist, the 'religion' of the artist and the artist opinions on beauty and what the meaning of life is to he or she.
What it the center of your universe? Your art will show it. What is the longing of your soul? Your art may show that too.
This may be a touchy topic for some, because there are those who are Artists, who even though they are 'Christians'...like to think of art as an area of neutrality, and area in which nothing is taboo, and 'anything goes'. The common reply uttered when someone outside their circle tries to communicate that some of their art is just not 'right' is that "It's just art"...My question is since when did art become only a matter of 'talent' and not a matter of 'morality'? Or perhaps art has had some bad contributions from the start...
Gen 11 tells about the story of the tower of babel. From what I can tell the point of the story is that man joined together can almost accomplish whatever he puts his mind to do if, he has enough people working along side him...whether for good or for evil. Even so, God is still in charge. This story tells about people wanting to 'build a tower to the sky'. One of the big problems with these people, and with a lot of us artists today is we think that because we are creative or talented that we can 'build a tower that reaches the sky' for our own purposes, for our own pride. Remember it is not a 'church' that the people were building in Gen 11 it is just a sky scraper to prove their ingenious talent and skill. It was not for God. But God is not mocked nor does he allow something to happen that he is not for. Beware of thinking you can build your own tower to reach the sky and not fear God. God is over all, and you cannot accomplish anything without Him allowing you to do so.
Here is a flip side to that which was not 'Christ centred ceativity'.
The Hebrew temple was ordained by God, it was of 'His' design.
Heb 8: 5 ~
5Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
Exodus 35: 31-32
31And he hath filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;
32And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,
33And in the cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any manner of cunning work.
34And he hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he, and Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.
35Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work.
36Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.
When you read Exodus 36 thru 40 you discover that a lot more creativity went into building the tabernacle/temple than you may have previously imagined...The construction of the ark, the special tables, and curtains, altars and engravings, the courts, the garments, the breastplates, the robes etc etc. It's a big thing. The coolest thing about it is it is one of the only structures and the only 'temple service' that God lead and instructed man to make.
Some of us do not realize how closely art and religion are tied.
If it weren't for art 99.9 percent of all religions would not be as well remembered.
Art is what pushes the religion on into the present and the future. What is left of the "great" Egyptian empire and it's religion? It's art.
Matter of fact. What made up the Egyptian religion? Art. Their gods were made by their own evil creativity, tainted by the enemy. Creativity devoid of 'Jehovah God'. Their gods were 'man made' their religions were 'man made' their after life was pretty much 'man made'.Their religions were based on the 'art of their hearts'.
What about the Chinese Religion?
You guessed it. Art. Art. Art. Man made gods engraved out of stone, paintings etc.
And what about the Mayans?
Many temples, many artifacts = Lots of Art.
Sometimes I wonder if people take art very seriously at all. I believe that there is spirituality in art.
Some people don't see a need for "limiting" their creativity to only "godly" art, they don't have a problem with creating or imitating art that has pagan meanings, or was derived from witchcraft, or any form of paganism.
Definition of Pagan: One of a people or a community observing a polytheistic religion (the doctrine that there is more than one gods) a person who is non religious, or hedonistic (the life pursuit of pleasure and self gratification) , a person who is not Christian or Jewish, a person deemed uncivilized or morally indecent.
To a lot of people culture is not significant. And I think the biggest trap for the artist, outside of 'pride', is that of 'paganism'. Just because we learn about different cultures and we go to art school and learn about different forms of art from around the globe, does not mean that all art is equal in the eyes of God, or is acceptable - just because it is 'art'. Tradition is a big thing in the realm of cultural art. When you read about the Hebrew temple and how objects, services, sacrifices, and particular ways of doing things... all have significance... you see that tradition and the physical have a lot more to do with the spiritual than a lot of us give it credit.
How can we tell if the art we like, focusing on, or are creating is God honoring or not?
8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
~ Philippians 4:8
And how do we know what is true? How do we decide if something is noble or just? What does it mean to create or admire 'pure' art? Perhaps it is not just 'purity' in the sense of immodesty or sexual immorality that should come to mind when we think of the world 'pure' but also 'pure' in the sense of unblemished and tainted by the world and it's philosophies and it's many false religions. Is our art 'pure' of paganism? Is it pure of witchcraft? Is our art virtuous?
I personally believe that there is not such thing as neutral art. Either your art is good or it is corrupt. Good art does not mean that it has to have an image of Christ in it, or even a bible verse. But, good art is pure of false religion and false philosophy. I think it's about time that we realize that art has more significance than we may have previously believed.
The sad thing is we have been greatly desensitized by an overload of religious art. I'd say a very great percentage of art and cultural art is 'religious'. Just take the photos in this blog post for example. What a lot of people don't know is that the Mayan temple is where thousands of Mayan children were brutally killed and sacrificed to the 'snake god' and the 'sun god'. I don't want to be too graphic in my explanation, but you see all those steps...that's where they tossed those who were sacrificed after ward. Needless to say after taking deep history lessons on the Mayans and their architecture I cannot barely stand the sight of one of these temples...I know what it stands for, and it's definitely more than a temple, even the 'spiritual' people who are not Christians recognize this...people go there to receive 'powers' from where the sacrifices were taken place, and were not just talking about a few weirdos, were talking lots of 'spiritual' people who 'know' that art is more than bricks and paintings...that spirituality never dies, and the spirituality behind art will continue to effect people and their beliefs as long as the art exists.
Of course the actual paint, stone, etc...isn't powerful...it's the message behind the art, it's the message that it conveys, it's the 'religion' that it preaches.
And what about China's obsession with dragons? Well, just to make it easier I can says that there are a 'lot' of religions that have one of two main gods, if not both: the sun god, and the snake god...seem familiar? Well it is, as is...'human sacrifice'.
And what about all the 'death art'. There was a time when it seemed like a whole lot of folks were into skull art...well so were the Mayans...matter of fact they had most of their temples decked in the deco of skulls, not only real ones, but lots of stone ones. Skulls represent death. That's not hard to figure.
And what about the tattoos, gages, and piercings we see in our culture? I think it's something to consider when you look back at the pagan religions of the Mayans and see that they wore gages, stretched out their ear lobes, and tattoos were wore by the shamans and only the pagan peoples, who wore them to evoke demons onto them, or to attract others to themselves for immorality...
I do not believe that the Egyptians, nor the Chinese, nor the Mayans (and the list goes on) are, or will be, the only ones to 'create their own religions' and center them on art. I believe that this is happening in the world around us, here in the USA, here in our communities, here in our hearts.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things.
24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections....
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
30Backbiters, haters of God, spiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
There is a fine line between culture and religion. I think that is something that we must keep in mind, especially as Artists. The attraction of the artist is to 'creativity' and also to 'culture', that is because 'culture' is a lot of times greatly expressed in and through art and creativity (not always good creativity and many a times 'not' good).
The Artist's desire is to create freely. He does not want any boundaries...but he must beware, one of the biggest sins that the Artist can get sucked in or trapped into is in believing that God does not set boundaries, and that 'he' or 'she' is the 'god' over his or hers, own art, and that they do not have to answer to anyone about their creativity. This is not true. It is so far from the truth. Please remember the tower of babel, and that God will not be mocked nor is is outside the area of art. Man's sinful tendency is to rebel and 'eat' of the fruit of good and evil. The Artist's fallen tendency is to 'dable' in good 'and' evil art. Whether that be 'Humanistic' Art, 'Paganistic' Art, 'Satanic Art' or 'Wordly' Art.
Rom 12:2
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
But does it really matter? I think that us Artists need to to answer the call to Artistic purity.
Purity Definition: free from anything that taints, impairs, etc.; unmixed, clear.
1. freedom from contaminants: the absence, or degree of absence, of anything harmful, inferior, unwanted, or of a different type "tests to establish the purity of the water"
2. innocence: virtue and innocence
"the purity of young children"
3. clarity: clarity of tone or sound
Purity is the freedom and the absence of sin, or anything that 'taints'. Sin is what taints...whether that be the sin of pride, lust etc...or in this case the tainting of false religion in art.
Love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
If you do, you will also love Him with all your 'art' :) your art will reflect where your treasure is found...and where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Is your art portraying a confliction in gods? a confliction in desires? a confliction in religions?
What is the religion of your art? What do you want your art to say about you? What battles or paganistic, humanistic, or selfish tendencies in your art, are you fighting or working to remove from your work (art) and your life? A liking or a tendency for dark art? An attraction to pagan traditions? A selfish mindset?
What lies have you believed concerning art? Or about your own art?
Lord, teach us and soften us to be willing to let go our ties to the world, paganism and idols. Lord remove all stubbornness from our hearts to cling to our own pride or put our fleshly desires above obedience to you. Lord, may we see the meaning in what we do, may we recognize why we do what we do. Forgive our attraction to the things of the world, remove our desires and attraction to 'paganistic' traditions and any desire to live for 'selfish ambition'. Instead, fill up our hands, hearts, and art with holiness, purity, and godliness. May we see the power in art, search ourselves and come before you in all humility. I ask that you would have mercy on my brothers and sisters that do not realize the responsibility and power of art. I pray that we would see beyond the surface, and be willing to receive conviction. Lord, my desire is to worship 'you' in my art and to bring others to You. May our art be holy and consecrated unto You.
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