Live Sheet Painting with Lori Dupre
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Art and the Church with Sarah Dresser – Part 2
Tell us about the piece you worked on at PWI.
During my first one-on-one with PWI mentor, I was given the challenge of creating an art piece based off of Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
My sketch started with part of a heart and a wind sword coming into it. I also wanted to focus on the words living and active. In the end I did this by including some of the ways we describe the Spirit of God. I also included the plant because although water and wind are active and impact things around them, they are not living. And plant is living, but doesn’t always look so active.
How long did this piece take you and what were some of the challenges?
I finished the painting within the first two weeks at PWI. I worked on it during ‘practice time‘ each day. My biggest challenge is starting things. I often get stuck on thinking “I don’t know how to start” or negative thoughts of second guessing myself.
After reading the verse, it took me a few minutes before I even started sketching anything. I finally just had to start with the simpler images of a heart and went from there. I had to consciously give myself freedom to just try things out. Another challenge was being willing to see and paint over something that wasn’t “adding” to the painting.
How did hearing ideas from other people help you during your process?
Those around me pushed me to create an even better piece than I could on my own. I liked being able to turn to another PWI student asking her opinion and thoughts. I was encouraged to go a further in what images were depicted as well as sharpening details. Also without others input there would be no water in my painting, which I think is an important aspect of it.
Is it important to have artwork inspired by God? Why or why not?
What is the criteria for whether artwork is inspired by God or not? God is continually at work in my life, my art and in the world around me. I do not think that artwork needs to be light, fluffy, easy to understand or obviously talking about Jesus.
I think that art needs to speak of both the pain and the hope in this world, but not necessarily in one or every piece. Art is also a lot about the process. I have some pieces that are deep and when asked to explain I have a lot to say.
I have other pieces that are more about what I was going through or just about the texture and movement of the paint and less about the meaning behind the movement or image depicted.
How does Scripture serve as a guide in the process?
In most of my art pieces, God’s story and how we play part in it serves as a general guide for my creating art. I desire to bring God glory and to love those around me.
I don’t want to make art that is dark, disgusting, or inappropriate, but I am not afraid and have been given the freedom in Christ to look into the eyes of those who know the darkness this world brings. I have only created a few pieces that were based directly off of a passage of scripture, but I hope to do more in the future.
Related blog post
Art and the Church with Sarah Dresser – Part 1
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.
Art and the Church with Sarah Dresser – Part 1
How and when did you get started with artwork?
I’ve always been interested in creative activities, but I never thought I could be an artist. I usually made “child” drawings or crafty projects such as photo Christmas ornaments out of canning jar tops.
It wasn’t until college when I took my first art class that my skills developed and I realized how much joy creating brought me. In my classes I was being taught how to see things as they are while God was teaching to see myself and others a little more clearly.
Art also became a healing tool in my life as I began not only drawing for class but also painting out some struggles I was going through. After college, it has taken me a few years to realize I am called to use art more than I know.
Who’s been influential in mentoring you?
Campus Ambassadors (the campus ministry at my college) has been extremely influential in my development as a follower of Jesus and as an artist. My campus ministers encouraged me and gave me the space and freedom to integrate the visual arts at retreats and other events as started thinking about the use of art in ministry. It was during college that I also began to understand and work through some fears and lies that kept me in bondage.
Why is it important for the Church to incorporate the arts?
The arts are part of who we are and how we are created in the image of God. God is creative and we are all creative in some way. I recently heard someone say that the physical and everything all around us is all part of a metaphor. We are trying to make sense of something very spiritual, of God and our relationship with him.
Art speaks to us individually and corporately whether we realize it or not. The arts can touch and hit deep places within a short period of time. Art helps us as we struggle to understand more. Even though I am a painter, dance and creative movement is the art form that speaks deeply to my soul bringing up fears, emotions, truth, and beauty in a profound way.
What are some ways the Church can incorporate the arts?
The body of Christ can incorporate the arts in many ways both individually and corporately. The arts can be used to enhance teachings, create discussion, usher in worship, and build community and encouragement. Photography and artwork can be used not only as backgrounds during teaching, but also as tools to help bring introspection and discussion.
Visual art/painting can be used as another way to express within a time of worship along with music and singing. This can be done by a specific member of the worship team or art supplies can be available in the back for anyone to partake in. Those in and out of the church can be encouraged by artists creating something for them or inspired by them.
To be continued…
© 2011, Peter Park. All rights reserved.