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ART 352
Redeemer University College, Fall 2009
Prof. Christopher M. Cuthill
ext. 4523
How does our faith bear upon our understanding of art(s)? What is the significance of art(s) in our post-modern culture? How can the church become more in tune with the aesthetic dimension of life? What are the challenges facing Christian artists today? These and other questions will be explored in weekly seminars.
ccuthil@redeemer.on.ca
profcuthill@gmail.com
Office 239D
I think that our faith doesn't have to be "religious" in the sense that it's just going to church or some isolated part of our lives. If we truly have a Biblical mindset/worldview, our faith should grow out of everything in life. We should be able to see the goodness of creation and how much fallenness distorts the original purposes of how things were created. That, I don't think, has to sound "self-righteously doctrinal" - I think that that's something that everyone can see for themselves.
ReplyDeleteSomething that always amazes me is how God speaks so creatively and unique to each individual in the Bible through-out history. I think our personal story and how God has reached us in brokenness or sin is foundational to our creative expression. I think that we should view art as an outlet for the love and gratitude we have for God because of all that He is and has done. When we are honest about our gratitude because our need is so great it sends a message about what the church truly is. Art should reflect the fact that the church is a gathering of people who are progressing and wrestling because of Redemption , not perfected and without need of a Saviour. Humility and vulnerability is a huge step towards an authentic faith that alludes to the power of grace.
ReplyDeleteI believe authenticity is key. There is a tricky balance between being real with people and giving them a fright. On one hand we want it to be inviting, on the other hand we don't want to decieve anyone into belief. If we focus on the heart and what drives us to love in the most honest way, then it might make sense. I think everyone is looking for love, whether they believe it or not.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what has been said so far! I think that most of all we have to be honest in our art. If we are honest about our faith, then I don't think that it will come across as self-righteous. Anyone who is telling the truth will have to admit that there are things they don't understand and things that they struggle with - I think that by being honest we can celebrate areas where we have been surprised by grace, and confess areas that just don't make sense or where we fall short. What comes across as self-righteous to me is lacking that spirit of honesty and authenticity - it's artificial in its claims to truth or knowledge. As Christian artists we need humility to admit that we are all struggling to "work out our salvation", in paint, in musical notes, in scraps of fabric or whatever it may be...
ReplyDeleteFind a common ground that both the artists and the viewers can relate to. As an artist I believe that any piece of work God can use for his good will. I think that subtle hints of salvation in your work is enough, but I don't think that artists should feel afraid to come off as self-righteous either. Sometimes an artist needs to forget what people will think of them and silent the voices that criticize their work in their minds. Work from the heart (as everyone has said) and be truthful in your art. I like what was said about showing your struggles through your art. I find If you are honest in admitting you don't know something people are more likely to participate in the discussion.
ReplyDeleteFirstly as Christians who participate in the arts we need to remember that our gifts come from God. If we stay true to that and us our art as an expression of joy, love and thankfulness to God, he will use it to communicate and reach people in an enlightening way. This is not to say that we need to produce art that displays Christian symbols or religious meaning, but art that shows a journey, feeling, spirit of honest, humble and authentic relationship with Christ. If we lose sight of honouring God in what we say and do then we bear the risk of producing self-righteous doctrine that many will not be able to identify with.
ReplyDeleteBecause we are Christians, our faith should be one of the most if not the most important factors in defining who we are and how we live our lives. So incorporating our faith into our work should be something we strive to do just as we should try to incorporate it into other aspects of our lives. It should be completely natural to us. If it is, I don't think it will come across as self-righteous or pushy. It will just be part of who we are. We should always be careful not to be too quick to make judgements about anything without thinking things through logically first.
ReplyDeleteBecause our faith defines who we are, I don't think it is necessary to have a label as a "Chritian artist" or a "Christian musician". If we truly want to show God's love in what we do, it will show through no matter what.
I heard (may or not be true) that when JRR Tolkien set out to write the Lord of the Rings he had not intention of it being a salvation story - but he couldn't help it. The Holy Spirit is a gift to us as Christians and it really resonates with our emotional being - which is where most of our art comes. Well at least I can say that being a musician. Therefore I believe to be nearly impossible to be a Christian and create something that is not Christian. This however, does not mean that the entire world will recognize it as Christian. The Holy SPirit can than work through the art to a person passing by - and christian or not - it will spark interest.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate what Melissa said. I think that in creating art it is always important to remember where your gifts come from. This idea of coming across as self-righteous was something that I was concerned about for my senior student exhibition but in wrestling with that I think that as long as you are willing to be vulnerable and honest, as most people have said, and acknowledge the origins of your abilities it is very difficult to make it appear as if you've got the answers and have it all together.
ReplyDelete