Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #218 — Prophetic Art International

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FBIt’s another Facebook Friday!!

Today’s group is Prophetic Art International and is administered by Victoria Robertson and Christopher W Bennett.

Here’s the group description:

A group available for us Artistic Christians to share what God is doing through Artists in the church! Previously Prophetic Art Canada, this group has grown far beyond the borders of just Canada, so the name of this group has been altered to reflect that!

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #212 — The Creative Epiphany

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National Book MonthThe month of October and National Book Month are coming to a close, dear friends. I hope you’ve found some books to add to your creative library!

The Creative EpiphanyI’ve shared The Creative Epiphany blog of artist Jo Ann Brown-Scott previously. You can see that here. I want to direct you to a specific post about her book, entitled The Creative Epiphany: Gifted Minds, Grand Realizations, which delves into the creative minds of 19 artists with stories of their personal encounter with “Epiphany.” In her post celebrating January 6th, the Day of Epiphany, she talks about her book and ends with this wonderful thought-provoking quote:

. . . an epiphany brings information  –  an enlightening message of some variety  –  that you did not have before. A missing piece in your plans. And you needed it to move forward. It is of great help to you and utmost importance that you pay attention to it. There are some keys to accommodating the arrival of the coveted epiphany – the best one is to remain open and present, living in the now, aware and alert to all possibilities. Keep a receptive mind, engaged and involved in life. Be hopeful. Have faith.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #145 — Theology, Imagination & the Arts

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A Sheet nusic

Transpositions is the official blog of the Institute for Theology, Imagination and the Arts at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. With the feel of an e-magazine, it includes articles about, well… let’s see….. theology, imagination and the arts. 😉 Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #142 — Artists in Christian Testimony

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actinternational.org

actinternational.org

A.C.T. International (Arts in Christian Testimony Intl) is a remarkable organization helping artists take their witness to the world. Founded in 1973 by Byron Spradlin, the organization has artistic ministries in over 15 countries. According to their website: Continue reading

Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #141 — Wilderness to Water

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Wilderness to WaterWilderness to Water by Tom Graffagnino is a book that travels through grief to grace by way of the author’s artwork, photographs, poetry, and writings.

According to reviewer Kevin Moss, the book is divided in two:

“The book is split essentially into two halves: ‘Wilderness’ is a monochrome exploration of life’s tough times, explored through sketches, poems and a very thoughtful connecting narrative. Tom’s own wilderness experiences clearly prompt and influence the text, but they are never pushed at the reader. The second half, ‘Water’, is based around colour photography but maintains the poetry and narrative structure, to focus on the ways in which God breaks into our lives, even at the lowest points, to refresh, strengthen and ultimately bring us new life. The two metaphors of wilderness and water are very apt as a description of human experience.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #131 — Art Inspired by God

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“Art inspired by God is the highest form of inspiration there is.”

Ivan Guaderrama

Ivan Guaderrama is a remarkable, young artist whose artwork brings the Holy Spirit to its viewer in a very real and visceral way. Listen to these amazing thoughts from Ivan:

“Since discovering the gift God has given me I have been faithful in my search for the purpose in which he has given me such talents. It is more clear to me now than ever that God has given me the opportunity to spread the hope found in His word through art inspired by God. Through my relationship with Christ, my life has made some astounding changes, and no feeling compares to seeing that experience begin to take shape with the many guests that visit our Gallery. Whether or not they are believers in the Lord, there has been countless guests of the gallery that have felt the Holy Spirit move in them through the art they have seen or purchased.  I have no doubt in my mind that it is the message of the Lord placed in the art inspired by God  that is causing such a reaction, the gut level understanding that if you are patient and put your life in His hands He will follow through in His abundant promises. My connection to God never ceases to amaze me.”

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #119 — Creativity A’Blaze’

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Maddy prom selfieToday’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

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.

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #113 — Don’t Put God in a Box

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Six BoxesSometimes we try to put God in boxes—boxes of religious dogma and tradition. But Christ came and spoke out against all of that! He came, and he broke open the boxes we like to try to use to contain God. Thank you Jesus for being bigger than our boxes, our traditions, our will and our way!

This is my friend Darrin Hoover painting Six Boxes: Continue reading

Create-A-Day, your daily dose of creativity #105 — Prophetic Arts for Jesus

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FBIt’s another Facebook Friday here on Create-A-Day!

Today’s group is Prophetic Arts for Jesus and they have over 7,000 members! The group description is as follows:

This group is a community of prophetic artists for Jesus and those who want to see what Jesus is doing in the arts across the world. All arts that share God’s love and prophecy life are welcome here! It’s great to have a place to grow in your gifts to glorify God!

Prophetic art is born from the reality that we are created in God’s image and therefore, we are creators in His likeness. How do we create this way? Create from your core, not your eye. Ask Father God to tell you what and how to create, then follow His lead. Be alive with the revelation that you can change your community by offering art that is of heaven, not earthly skill only. People are transformed when they see art that reflects how much Father God loves them. Lets change the world one community at a time!

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #88 — Prophetic Art

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I have featured Colleen Briggs and Fragments of Light here before. I want to direct you to her post entitled Prophetic Art.

Fragments of Light

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #81 — Christian Artists

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FBAnother Facebook Friday!

Today’s group is called Christian Artists and its group description reads as follows:

Christian artists, Christian dancers, Christian painters, Christian sculptors, Christian musicians, Christian singers, Christian actors, Christian writers and poets.
We are interested in networking and showcasing excellence in the arts for God’s glory. 

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Create-A-Day: your daily dose of creativity #72 — Finding God in Art

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“Golden Sea” by Makoto Fujimura, 2011.

“Golden Sea” by Makoto Fujimura, 2011.

This is an incredibly powerful video featuring artist, writer, speaker and culture shaper Makoto Fujimura talking about how he found God through his own creation of beauty.

“It was almost like this voice coming over me…this voice that washed over me… and I realized at that moment this historic figure of Jesus was no longer just this historic figure but he was the one who was calling me all along in my creativity.”

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“Father, into your hands..” Last 7 Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #66)

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: Day 7

Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. Luke 23:46

Matt Durbin (c) 2010

Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com

Enough

Here I am, my son.

Your struggle is over.

It was near impossible

to keep from turning

toward your cries.

I felt each lash,

wailed as they

drove the nails.

I blacked out the sun

so as not to see

your suffering.

Come to me now,

let me bandage

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“It is finished!” Last 7 Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #65)

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: Day 6

“It is finished!”  John 19:30

Matt Durbin (c) 2010

Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com

The Antique Rocking Chair

The carpenter is not disappointed

by the ruined finish or the broken arm,

loose spindles, failed glue joints.

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“I am thirsty” Last 7 Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #64)

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: Day 5

Cup of Blessing by Matt Durbin (C) 2011 www.mattdurbinart.com

Cup of Blessing
by Matt Durbin (C) 2011
mattdurbinart.com

“Later, knowing that all was now completed,

and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled,

Jesus said, ‘I am thirsty.’”

– John 19:28

 

Drink 

The fount of living water

bellows drought. I want

to lift a ladle, cold and pure,

so you could be relieved.

But I’m deceived with ease.

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“Dear woman, here is your son…” Last 7 Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #62)

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: Day 3

[Jesus] said to [Mary], “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.”  John 19:26

Matt Durbin (c) 2010

Matt Durbin (c) 2010
mattdurbinart.com

Mary at the Cross

I am not old. A bewildered mother

since conception who stored up

each moment. Now I will recall

the way you reached for me, a babe,

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“Father forgive them…” Last 7 Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #60)

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: Day 1

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

Matt Durbin (c) 2014
mattdurbinart.com

The People Stood Watching

Come, see a man who told me everything

I ever did. A man who healed my eyes,

fed me bread he multiplied, poured my cup

of wine, washed my feet, called me out

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“7” Virtual Art-Walk: The Last Words of Jesus in Art, Poetry & Song (Create-A-Day #59)

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7 bannersSeveral years ago our church creative arts ministry offered an event called “7” — a self-directed art-walk focusing on the last seven words of Christ spoken from the cross. Similar to a prayer-walk, an art-work utilizes art to help you prayerfully meditate while walking through a series of stations. There were seven stations and at each was a banner with the words of Christ, a poem by author and poet Sarah M. Wells, and a painting by artist Matt Durbin.

We will be re-creating a “virtual” version of “7” through the Create-A-Day posts with poetry by Sarah and artwork by Matt paired with songs. Our hope is that these posts will prepare your hearts for Resurrection Sunday, help you consider the cost of Christ’s priceless gift, and worship Jesus more deeply during this blessed season. Continue reading

Create-A-Day, your daily dose of creativity #57 — The Art of Easter

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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

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