God is calling new artists all the time to use their gifts to teach others about the involvement of the Holy Spirit in the world. Though, some end up in isolation due to the solitary nature of creating a work of art. Its rarely like performing a song or play in which there are many performers all working together. It usually ends up with one person getting involved in their own kind of microcosm, placing the piece in their own portfolio which they may end up displaying in their own rented gallery space. Along with this isolation, the Christian artist represents Christ, and will encounter opposition for that alone from unbelievers or the postmodern man who does not believe in absolutes. There is also opposition from believers. During the time in Europe’s history when the Church could excommunicate a person, cutting them off from all Christian fellowship, there was much controversy over what art is legitimate and what will end up as a “graven image” to be given praise as an idol would be praised. The result was limiting Christian art to explicit illustrations of events in the New Testament. Since then, Christian art has yet to fully recover. Although the crucifix is probably the most popular subject of art, more and more paintings of crucifixes come into being, which are fine, but the artist is afraid to go into deeper ground. Afraid to show a true-to-life spiritual message which may end up being too controversial.

The problem concerning Christian art is not new. Several books have been written concerning the issues and changes that need to be made with the Christian arts and yet no one seems to be taking action. The result of this ignorance is causing the Christian artist to be left in a state of diaspora- exiled, confused, and unnurtured. There are many who would consider themselves “visual artists” but they are mostly scattered, unorganized and battling with fears of survival. But what the individual and even the church ignores, Satan claims for his own, which explains the over-secularization of the arts. We argue and complain about liberal media and entertainment industry, but it is not their fault for the lack of moral values and spirituality. The world can never produce what is godly; darkness does not make light. It is partially the fault of the church for leaving these mediums of expression aside for Satan to conquer and corrupt.

It can only come when we nurture our own Christian artists to create, publish, and release their work into the world. Sadly, instead, we leave our artists alone, giving them more opposition or apathy than encouragement to push themselves, and we end up with art of lesser quality and impact. The problem has to stop.

But there is hope and a solution obtainable. All the church has to do is take the initiative to educate, form community, pray to God for guidance and inspiration, vision, and encourage artists to take initiative and stand against the current as all great artists must do one day.


Education

Education has always been a key component to development. One cannot do something until they are taught how to do it. “Because of their lack of knowledge my people perish” said God to ... and that principle still holds true today and is the main cause for the diaspora among Christian artists. Our churches are filled with classes that teach everything one needs to know about the bible (and they should), but never anything on how to incorporate scripture and spirituality into our talents and abilities such as art. Nobody is learning how to take biblical theory and put it into practice. We preach for people to use all their talents and abilities for the glory of God, but never show them how to.
The church needs to open the doors of acceptance to artist, nurture their abilities, and show them how to use their art for God and evangelism. The church needs to become knowledgeable about Christian artist and artwork and spread it to our younger artists so that they might grow stronger ...plenty of books are written on the topic of Christian art and need to be read and taught to other artists....learn how to incorporate art in worship service... Also, more experienced artists need to help the younger ones, in a kind of mentoring relationship. Because we are all in service to one God, we do not need to worry about competing against each other but we must unify ourselves to more effectively serve God as a unified army instead of scattered tribes.

Community

These education groups not only provide training but a place of community where Christian artists can come together and fellowship. No man should be an island, but due to the lack of attention and recognition Christian artists receive from the church, they feel that way. We need to come together and form a place where artist can share ideas, theories, and plans about art and how they want to use it. This will provide the necessary encourage meant and support the Christian artists needs to continue to use their art for God in a secular world that keeps labeling them as crazy.

Prayer

All things require prayer. The christian artist needs to be in daily habit of prayer asking God for guidance and inspiration. If one wants to truely be used for ministry then they must be in connection with the source ....for inspiration and guidance on art...if our work devoid of the holy spirit then it is in vain and cannont be used for the glory of God... I can’t tell you how much I’ve prayed while working on art, and God not only guides me, but the result is more than anything I could have done without him! Akiane Kramarik is a perfect example of the Holy Spirit using the artist as a sign, and we should seek to do the same. One of the goals of this article-based ministry is to have an interview with her to post here.

Another ministry which will be posted separately is a joint-artist gallery ministry. Basically we will seek to find hot-spots to use as gallery space and fill the space with art primarily made to be viewed by non-believers in a culturally relevant way. Our goal will be to show the absolute in a way that is friendly to the postmodern man or woman. Not an easy task but God has given the vision and will clear the way!

-Written by Nicole and Cameron