I was having a conversation with a friend about art and ministry. I was reminded once again that we as artists and believers are responsible for the content we release into the world. We can’t be afraid to express what is coming from the heart of the Ultimate creator, God. Not every idea is a God idea. We have to be sure and aware that we are delivering “Art from the Heart of God”.
We are unique as artists, often we are expected to be quirky, weird, strange or even perverse. There are those who take full license of this expectation and display their art in a way that does not reflect beauty, but rather expresses darkness and perversion. I believe that art should reflect the world as it is and also the world as we, through the eyes of The Creator would like it to be. What it can be. I am inspired by those who choose to see the world through those eyes.
The enemy of our life would have us reflect darkness and hopelessness and death. In the times we live in it is easy to go to that dark place. The challenge is to see the light and hope in the world and reflect it in the art we create.
You’ll notice that I am using the word “reflect” a lot in this writing, Why? because we as artists are a “reflection” of something. Think about it. As artists, we are a reflection times and seasons. We use art to reflect and impact mood and feeling, triumph and tragedy, hurt and love. It’s what we choose to reflect that can change the world for better or worse. I saw a photograph of a firefighter holding a injured baby. While the scene was hard, but the beauty was so powerfully reflected, the tenderness and feeling that came out of the photo touched millions so deeply that it caused and outpouring of grief and love,then action. Have you ever seen a painting and the image had such an effect on you, that you couldn’t get it out of your mind? That song, that you hated, or loved the words stuck to you like glue. What about that movie that scared the pants off of you days after you saw it? That’s the power of reflection and effect.
Remember I said that every idea is not a God idea? What I mean is, we have so many thoughts bombarding us every day. As believers we must be aware of what our filters allow through and be transformed by the renewing of our minds daily. That is, don’t allow darkness to have a place in your mind and get down in your heart. It will be reflected in your art. This is accomplished through prayer and reading the word, staying in connection with those who believe that we are here to make a positive impact on the world. Be in touch with what you think. Question everything that comes into your mind and see if it is from the darkness or the light. Beware of the invader! We are here to show that we are artists and co-creators reflecting the light, love and truth of God in the world. He is the ultimate artist and creator.
We are walking this thing out and showing everyone they can do it too.
This is my opinion. I’d love to hear what you think. Share your insight.
Until next time, Reflect Light!
Stephanie
