Artist Insights

Did you know that way up in the tree canopy many varieties of trees keep to themselves? As the wind blows, they move together, yet remain within their own space. They exist without touching their neighbors. This is known as “crown shyness.” There are a few theories about why this phenomenon occurs. But no matter the reason, a beautiful thing takes place. The trees allow each other room to grow and receive needed light. When you stand under them and look up, the results are truly awe-inspiring!

Did you know that you are learning new things everyday? But are you learning purposefully? Are you pursuing the joy of learning and then sharing that knowledge with others? There will be those that know more about a subject or are able to accomplish things better than you. But don’t let that stop you from learning more about God’s amazing world and exploring ways to creatively enjoy it!

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating costumes. Some of my earliest memories involve draping my Barbie dolls in scraps of fabric held together with hairband belts. They only looked great from the front which was probably a clue that I would one day end up in a theatre where the razzle-dazzle is all in front of the curtain. Once I learned to sew, my brother and cousins became my canvas, and I created an endless assortment of gowns, tunics, and capes so that we could stage elaborate Narnia-inspired adventures in our backyard.

As consumers of art, we often have a voyeuristic perspective as we take in the scenes around us, looking at figures within the frame while we remain outside of the image. I would argue that we far too often remain viewers in life when we encounter others. There is a certain level of distance that we enjoy. It’s safer to look than to engage. It’s safer to view someone as an “other” than as a neighbor.

I’m a fiber artist. I spin a wheel to make my art. Spinning yarn often requires a calm tedious type of patience. This patience requires me to purposefully slow my mind and heart. Yet just like in life, this can feel aggravating. Same problems at work. Same issues with kids. Same health (mental and physical) struggles. Same relationship issues. Our wheels keep spinning to find a way out.

How do we cultivate an ordinary place so that it grows into a sanctuary? How do we turn commonplace walls into shelter? We begin with a dream or a desire. No, not a desire for rustic shiplapped walls or white subway tile shining like a flawless smile. Those desires are as fleeting as the commercial break between one home makeover television show and the next. As much as we may want those things, we know there will always be something new to want tomorrow.

Bill has developed his art form through a lifetime devoted to metal working but it was one specific event that changed his understanding of how God desired him to use his gifts. We invite you to learn more about his passion for sharing the Gospel through salvaged metals.

When the Lord called me to paint for Him in 2007, I said yes to that call. As time went on, I began to see myself as an artist that painted for the Lord. Without realizing it, my identity became more about what I did than who I was without my art. This was an error in my thinking that the Lord wanted to correct.

As autumn brings us into the shifting cycles of life and rebirth, and we look forward to a season of holidays and a new year with a fresh start, I am again reminded of the shift that takes place during this time. Days are shorter, the inky nights longer, and we wrap up our bodies against the cold as we anticipate wrapping up the journey we’ve been on for the year.

A friend recently sent me this photo of a painting I did when I was a student at Ringling College of Art & Design. It was a landmark piece for me. Not because it was anything great, but because it was my first piece after a spiritual breakthrough. At the time, I was having panic attacks and questioning whether art was a worthy vocation for a "man after God's own heart."

I don’t remember the book, but I do remember what my teacher said about it. She said that its illustrator added hidden squirrels in every book she illustrated. I imagined how fun it would be to hide clues to a big mystery in my drawings. If never found, they’d be my fun secret. That was when I decided I wanted to be an illustrator.

Creating art is a wonderful thing. It can be exciting and fulfilling. But sharing your art with the world can be a scary thing. Rejection and ridicule are both possibilities. And this is your personal work. You put yourself into it, right? If a piece of you isn't part of your artwork, chances are the artwork is not very engaging. Great art inspires.

My collage story starts with my college story. I pursued a degree in Fine Art that led me to a class on collage history during my senior year. The knowledge I gained from that class opened my eyes to the medium I love working in today.