Independent artists are often on a hard and even cruel journey, and it is especially difficult for Christian artists who swim against the cultural current. I definitely could have used some guidance and encouragement as a young 20-something in shaping my craft.
To encourage the emerging generation of Christian artists, here are 10 quick tips from a workshop I gave called “The Christian as Art, Artist, and Audience — A Theology of Art.”
1. Know your Creator
Before you begin creating, you should know your Creator. In that, I mean that you must be in a relationship with Him. You must be communing with Him. You must have His mindset. When we create, we are modeling what He does, and we are creating in His image. So be sure to have a solid foundation before you begin.
2. Read your Bible
The Bible is essential for the Christian life. It is especially critical for the life of the Christian artist. In God’s Word, you will find a never-ending well of encouragement, inspiration, and motivation as you create. Spend time in Psalms and Proverbs. Examine Biblical poetry, parables, and prose. Learn from the Author of art.
3. Spend time with other Christian artists
Join others who share the same faith in God and passion for art. Learn from one another, spur one another on, challenge one another, and grow together. Find an older Christian artist mentor. Join or make a creative group at your church. Use the Internet to connect with Christian artists. And especially, support one another by seeing and sharing your work.
4. Find rhythms for creation and rest
A good theology of art highlights the need for rest. God gave us a pattern to follow in working and resting. Give yourself at least one day a week to step away from your work. Take the time to try something new, enjoy other endeavors, and recharge by resting. Pause. Gain perspective. Learn to step away from your work, reevaluate, and recommit. And don’t just settle for physical and creative rest. Make sure you get your spiritual rest by singing, praying, and meditating on Scripture.
5. Learn how to discern good art from bad art
Art is not amoral. Be able to say when art is sinful. When we see art with Christian eyes, we must have the mind of Christ. Our heart can easily deceive us into liking art that is not Christ-honoring. Pornography is not art. Self-mutilation is not art. Take a stand for holiness and strive to be wise when examining what people make.
6. Speak purposefully about art
Have the vocabulary to communicate what you see, think, and feel. God does not talk about his work in abstract, theoretical concepts and terms. He gives definitions to his deeds and calls out what he creates. And he lets us know how we are to see things from his view. Think in theological terms and point out when art is showcasing Biblical themes such as justice, exile, sacrifice, and redemption.
7. Create for the kingdom
Go out of your way to create for the church. Design, style, curate, and create with strategic purposes for Christ. There is more at stake than self-expression. Join or start ministries at your church that can use your creative gifts. Connect with mission-minded people who need a designer. Be an artist who heralds the kingdom of heaven.
8. Share your art in as many ways possible
Be smart and shrewd about how you share, but do not be shy when you are sharing art that echoes your beliefs. There is a time and place to be bold about what we believe. Share your work on Facebook. Use hashtags on your Instagram posts. If you are able, be an echo of grace and give away your work for free. Spread your work and grow your audience to ultimately give glory to God.
9. Use art to build connections for evangelism
Your unique voice as a Christian is needed in the artistic community. Some artists will never step foot in a church. You can bring light to places of darkness. Exploit the places and positions God has given you. Join the school band and orchestra. Audition for the dance team. Submit your work to be showcased. See the mission field before you and give others the gift of hope.
10. Enjoy art for God’s sake
Understand that your art is not your own. God gave you the ability to create. Have fun with the process, and do not get stuck in the details. You are not defined by your art. What you make and your level of success are like rubbish when compared to the sacrifice and joy of Christ. So whether you eat or drink or paint or perform, do it all to the glory of God.
For Further Reading
There is much that I am still learning about living the creative Christian life. Here are my top three reads on the theology of art that have helped me along the way. Whether we are writing words or painting pictures, I exhort us all to cultivate our creative skills to steward what God has graciously given us.
1. Art and the Bible by Francis Schaeffer
“The lordship of Christ should include an interest in the arts. A Christian should use these arts to the glory of God, not just as tracts, mind you, but as things of beauty to the praise of God.”
Many Christians, wary of creating graven images, have steered clear of artistic creativity. But the Bible offers a robust affirmation of the arts. The human impulse to create reflects our being created in the image of a creator God.
2. Art for God’s Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts by Philip Ryken
“Most art in the last fifty, or even one hundred years, has lost its beauty, particularly sacred beauty, and in response, Christians have abandoned the arts.”
Philip Graham Ryken makes a case for both the calling of Christian artists as a ministry and for Christians as supporters of the arts.
3. The Beauty of the Lord: Theology as Aesthetics by Jonathan King
“Rarely do theologians take up the theme of God’s beauty―even more rarely do they consider how God’s beauty should shape the task of theology itself. But the psalmist says that the heart of the believer’s desire is to behold the beauty of the Lord.”
Jonathan King restores aesthetics as not merely a valid lens for theological reflection, but an essential one. Jesus, our incarnate Redeemer, displays the Triune God’s beauty in his actions and person, from creation to final consummation. How can and should theology better reflect this unveiled beauty?