Christian Artists: A Call to Excellence

As a Christian, I am well aware of the origin of art- my maker, my creator- He is where art had its beginning. Looking throughout creation, be it in the faces of my coworkers or at the top of a mountain overlooking the vastness of this world, God has truly crafted a work of art in his creation. What an excellent reminder and encouragement to Christian artists to pursue excellence! So often we are encouraged to imitate Christ in the way we speak and lead our lives. As artists, our course of action should be no different; we ought to imitate Christ through our art.

I find it disappointing that good art is considered 'secular' within the school system today. Why is it that, as Christians, we feel like we must sacrifice our values and morality on the altar in an effort to be known or to create what others would consider 'truly great art'? Today, everyone feels as if they must push the envelope. Cinematographers are constantly looking for that next scandalous subject that will have the media abuzz. Just take a look at the Sundance Film Festival. Whilst seeking to create pieces more 'esoteric' in nature, some film makers trade well-written stories for drab, meaningless plots that make a stir by being crass or unsettling. Don't misinterpret what I'm saying here: there are MANY excellent films that come out of that festival, I am not contesting that. However, for an event that supposedly houses the independent film making elite, it sure is a sad statement in general about the values and focal points of mankind.

As Christians we do not have to sacrifice our faith in God in order to create pieces of art! During high school I was fortunate to have Heidi and Erin as friends. These twin girls were a constant reminder to me of what the sole-purpose of art is: to glorify God. That is to say, our creativity, by very nature, is an expression that can be used to bring honor and praise to the supreme Artist. Heidi was recently featured in an article over at ASU's online news hub for her show at the Step Gallery, Chrysalis: The Contemporary Significance of the Classic Still Life (which I unfortunately missed due to the craziness of current events with moving and the like- so sorry Heidi!). What a wonderful statement she has made through giving her gift of painting to her heavenly Father! I've known Heidi for a long time. Heidi's work is never static, dull, somber or cheesy- it is always alive, joyful, and progressive. Her work is the mark of an artist on fire for Christ.

Being a Christian artist does not mean that you cannot push the boundaries of your creativity, it does not mean that you are forced to endlessly fabricate 'Jesus pictures'- that is a common misconception. God's beauty is in His creation, it is in all that He has created. A flower, a daring rescue, the somber reality of war, a baby, a family in poverty, persecution, a joyful entry, a man weeping, an artistic rendition of feeling, a composite of materials... these are all art subjects that can be used to bring glory to the supreme Artist. Why? Because He made everything! The distinction between a Christian's art and a non-Christian's lies solely in the artist's viewpoint of sin. A Christian artist understands that sin is a perversion of art, not something that should characterize art.

To my artistic brothers and sisters in Christ- may we embrace the gift that God has given us and relentlessly pursue Him through it's use. May all our actions and art be for His renown. May we invest ourselves in mimicking His artistry throughout all creation.