(c) Mara Bochart Design marabochartdesign.blogspot.com
I’d like to introduce you to the scripture inspired art of Mara Bochart through her BEaUtiful site Shine Living.
Today’s post is dedicated to my daughter Maddy in celebration of her birthday. You are Madelyn Ruth, Magnificent Companion of God! You are my BEaUtiful daughter, ablaze with adventure and life!
I’ve posted the work of artist Colleen Briggs of Fragments of Light before. Want to direct you there again! This artwork and her accompanying story will certainly bless your day. As you read the story, you will quickly see it is an analogy for something much larger.
colleenbriggs.com
So click here to head over to her post entitled Blaze, and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you as you read and enjoy her work.
photo by Joe Pelletier
Today’s post is dedicated to my son Evan in celebration of his birthday! You are Evan Godfrey, Young Warrior of God’s Peace! You are my amazing son! You are GOD’S amazing SON!
The St. John’s Bible is masterful work of art and a wonderful work of God! It’s a Christian artist’s dream as far as Bibles go! In 1998, Saint John’s Abbey and University commissioned renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson to produce a hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible. Seven volumes later and the project was complete! I love what Jackson says about the process of working on this project:
“The continuous process of remaining open and accepting of what may reveal itself through hand and heart on a crafted page is the closest I have ever come to God.”
I love the song Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) by Hillsong United. Love even more that this group did such an amazingly creative dance to it!!
May you be brought into the Lord’s protective presence as you watch and listen. May you know that even as Christ calls you out upon the water, He will guide you and keep you safe. Connect to this dance at the link below:
I became familiar with photographer Hal Moran via Facebook. His photos have a ethereal quality about them, and it’s obvious they come from a deep place within. According to his website, Hal says this about his journey into creativity, artistry and beauty:
My aim is to “make images that matter.” When I capture an image, I’m really capturing the metaphors and untold hidden stories in creation that are often missed by casual observation. Why does that matter to me?
I grew up with and still struggle with Tourette Syndrome, ADD, and dyslexia. That makes the visual world around me of great importance. Seeing is how I learn. And, it’s how I communicate.
(c) 2015 Hal Moran http://halmoran.com/wp/?p=1564
We spent the end of February digging into art journaling. Well, I have another amazing resource for you that I believe is worth checking out!!
Today I want to introduce you to Brené Brown, PhD. She is the author of not one, but two #1 New York Times Bestsellers: Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead (2012) and The Gifts of Imperfection (2010). Her TED Talk on vulnerability is one of the most watched of the TED Talks.
Not wasting much time here today. Want to direct you to an amazing article called The Wonderful Ache of Beauty (Why We Need Art) by writer Jeff Gions.
Head on over—it is very much worth the read. And make sure you listen to the song—it is very much worth the listen!
I have featured Colleen Briggs and Fragments of Light here before. I want to direct you to her post entitled Prophetic Art.
Faith and Form is a journal that explores the intersections of religion, art and architecture. In 2014, they awarded 32 structures their International Award for Religious Art & Architecture. Check out pictures of all the award winners here:
I have always loved this dance by Praise in Motion dance company. I reference this dance in chapter seven of my book God’s Creative Gift, in my discussion on seasons in the life of the creative Christian. The dance is to the song Resurrection by Nicol Sponberg. I especially love the way in which they use fabric—like a shroud—and how they cast it away trying to free themselves from death’s emptiness. The piece is deeply moving.
The story of the events surrounding Christ’s death and resurrection found in the Holy scriptures has inspired artists for thousand of years. Here’s a small sample of some classical and contemporary artwork and the scriptures that inspired them.
The Last Supper
Leonardo Da Vinci
1494-1498
When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. Luke 22:14-20 Continue reading
paradosiballetcompany.com
Paradosi Ballet Company shares the Love of Christ through dance, drama and personal witness. The first professional ballet company in the Pacific Northwest, they serve under the direction of Joel and Tennille Carver.
This is the company performing “Amazing Grace” in Avignon, France. I love the backdrop of BEaUtiful architecture behind them!
Dese’Rae L. Stage is an artist on a mission—a mission to save lives through her innovative project called Live Through This. Often times as artists we forget that our work has power to heal and bring hope and life where there is darkness and death. This photographer is not only bringing healing, hope and life but also awareness to a problem that affects far more people than we could ever realize.
http://www.livethroughthis.org
Dese’Rae L. Stage
Easter Devotional and Creative Prompt (i.e., Challenge)
We are two weeks into Lent; Easter is only a month away. It’s important to journey through this season intentionally with your heart open to what the Holy Spirit has for you creatively. So take a deep breath, saying a prayer of openness, and move ahead letting Him move you as you read…
As you read the passage below, imagine the scene as part of a larger drama unfolding. Think of the setting (Ancient Israel; very early in the morning at sunrise; Springtime, chill still in the air), the plot (Mary finds tomb empty; brings Peter and John to investigate; they find it as she reported; the body of Jesus is missing), the characters (Mary Magdalene, angels, Jesus) and the dialogue (try to hear it as you read). Continue reading
Bringing another TED Talk to you today. This one is A Choreographer’s Creative Process in Real Time:
Mark Lawrence is an artist with a heart on a mission! In Mark’s words:
My vision is to encourage and strengthen everyone who views my scripturally inspired art, through sharing the amazing love and grace that God has poured into my life. The closer I grow to God through Jesus Christ, the more I feel compelled to share with others the reality of my risen Lord and Savior.
Apolonia Davalos
Today I would like to direct you to an interview with Apolonia Davalos, executive producer of APOLONIAD Productions and actress in the movie The Good Book, the first evangelical silent feature to be released since sound was added to movies. Apolonia sat down with Miranda A. Uyeh who conducts interviews on her blog To Be a Person.
CIndy Fort has the heart of both an artist and a counselor. Her website 12tribesministries.com has great resources that help you explore your creative side, as well as your heart, soul and spirit through the creative process. I will be posting more from 12 Tribes in future posts, but I wanted to point you towards an exploratory process with circles.
Love the work of cinematographer Louie Schwartzberg, using film to help people consider the world around them. According to the Moving Art website he is “the only filmmaker in the world who has been shooting time-lapse 24/7 continuously for well over three decade. Schwartzberg is a visual artist breaking barriers, connecting with audiences, and telling stories that celebrate life and reveal the mysteries and wisdom of nature, people and places.”
Nurturing the Creative Spirit Within 