Art & Faith Conversations

https://curtthompsonmd.com

Connect with Libby

Instagram @artandfaithpodcast

Season 9 EP 2: Embodiment & the Brain w/ Dr. Curt Thompson

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:59:00 +0000

Dr. Curt Thompson is a leading psychiatrist in the field of interpersonal neurobiology and spiritual formation. We discuss why art and artists are invaluable to understanding what it means to be human and to live a purposeful life.

Curt specializes in helping others seek and discover the intrinsic desire we all have to feel known, loved, and connected and shares how beauty and creativity play a crucial role in that pursuit. He is the author of several books such as Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and his most recent book on suffering, The Deepest Place.

Click to Order A Body of Praise

Connect with Libby

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Season 9 EP 1: Embodied Art & Worship w/ David Taylor

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 23:15:00 +0000

David Taylor returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, A Body of Praise-Understanding the Role of our Physical Bodies in Worship.

We discuss our five senses as the way we experience God's closeness and grace and how artists give us language and portals to engage our senses more fully in worship and life. David aruges that the body is not merely a neutral spectator or something to overcome but that God has an essential purpose for good for our bodies in worship.

David Taylor is a theologian, author, speaker, priest, and director of initiatives in art and faith. A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. He has written for The Washington Post, Image Journal, Theology Today, Worship, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, and Books & Culture, among others. He lives in Austin with his wife Phaedra, a visual artist and gardener, and his daughter Blythe and son Sebastian.

Music for the podcast provided by Gray North

Contact Libby John: https://vividartistry.org

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

The Birdhouse Retreat Center

Season 8 EP 9: Art Led by Listening w/ Jane Boutwell

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 23:20:00 +0000

Jane Boutwell is an artist who describes herself as having an inquisitive mind, a heart connected to nature and a soul yearning towards God…a child of dirt and dance…a beauty bringing blessing writer… a poetic painter and potter.

Her creative work includes tactile, intuitive, and deeply-in-touch-with-nature ways of being in the world. She finds her passion in a variety of creative mediums and expressions which include gardening, quilting, writing, painting, sketching, ceramics, dancing, creative coaching, podcasting, and family life with her husband and four children in the Atlanta Georgia area.

We take a deep dive into a mini series she featured on her podacst, Growing Creative, about living a life of listening and how vital it is as a practice for our creative and spiritual lives.

Visit Jane's work at:

https://www.janeboutwellstudio.com

Connect with the Podcast: https://vividartistry.org

IG: @artandfaithpodcast

Donate to the production of new episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast

Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info

Season 8 EP 8: Sacred Strides w/ Justin McRoberts

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:27:00 +0000

Justin McRoberts returns to the podcast to talk about his newest book, Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest. In this episode we discuss the myth of finding balancing but rather discovering the tensions and rhythms in different seasons of life. We also talk about the significance of practicing a day of Sabbath and the pitfalls of focuisng on utitliy in our creative and spiritual lives.

Jusitn is a speaker, author, mentor, and musician. Some of his previous books include It Is What You Make of It and the books of prayer collaboration project with Scott Erickson.

https://justinmcroberts.com

Donate to the production of new episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast

Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info

Lent Meditation Series Week 5

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 03:18:00 +0000

Week 5 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent.

Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well as poetry and scripture.

Visit Lent Week 5 to go deeper

Music provided by Dear Gravity

Journal Prompt Questions:

What are some ways you can slow down and be cared for in this season?

How might you need to re-position yourself to see beauty?

Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Lent Meditation Series Week 4

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 04:35:00 +0000

Week 4 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent.

Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well.

Visit Lent Week 4 to go deeper

Music provided by Dear Gravity

Journal Prompt Questions:

What are some things that make you feel securely planted?
What kind of a season do you sense you are becoming ready for?

Instagram:

@artandfaithpodcast

@vividartistryco

Lent Meditation Series Week 3

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:11:00 +0000

Week 3 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent.

Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well.

Visit Lent Week 3 to go deeper

Music provided by Dear Gravity

Journal Prompt Questions:

What are the main daily influences on your imagination and your senses? Take inventory for a couple of days and write down the things you devote attention to.
What are some tangible daily rhythms you could work in that would cultivate beauty in your life?

Instagram:

@artandfaithpodcast

@vividartistryco

Lent Meditation Series Week 2

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 02:55:00 +0000

Week 2 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent with poetry, an embodied prayer practice and journal prompts. The audio recordings are an excrept of an in-depth written Lent series that also includes movment prayer and visual art.

Visit Lent Week 2 to participate.

Music provided by Dear Gravity

Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Lent Meditation Series Week 1

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 06:17:00 +0000

Week 1 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent.

The audio recordings are an exceprt of a more in-depth written Lent series that includes movment prayer and visual art.

Visit Lent Week 1 to participate

Music provided by Dear Gravity

Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Season 8 EP 7: Re-emergence of the Arts w/ Melanie Penn

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 12:21:00 +0000

Melanie Penn returns to the podcast to talk about some of her latest music and how creative work is needed now more than ever. She describes beauty as an act of defiance against the dark times of the world and how artists play a significant role in healing from the events since 2020. We discuss the many changes and new norms we've all experienced including some big changes and loss that happened in her own life.

Melanie has a backgournd in classical voice training before becoming an independent recording artist. During a career touring in Broadway musicals, she felt compelled to write her own songs and recorded her first album in 2010 which received critical acclaim. She has since released several albums including her Immanuel project in 2017 which rose to #1 on Amazon's Christian worship and holiday charts. Her most recent albums, More Alive Vol 1 and Vol 2, she released from 2020-2022. Clips featured in this episode are from Vol 2. She first appeared on the podcast in Aug. 2020 on Season 5 Episode 16 titled, "Creative Clarity" which can be found on all streaming platforms.

Melanie Penn

https://www.phaedrataylor.com

More Info

Season 8 EP 6: Art in Advent Bette Dickinson

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 05:48:00 +0000

Bette Dickinson returns to the podcast to talk about the inspiration for her series of paintings in her new book, Make Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder. Bette appeared as a guest on the podcast in Septemeber to tell us about the book. In this episode we dive deeper into why the Church needs to integrate more art into spiritual practices and how art actually makes room in our lives for God to speak. We discuss right and left brained church and artists as being essential workers in leading others into deeper, more meaningful spiritual lives. The book is available to order anywhere books are sold.

At the end of the episode Bette leads a visio divina practice and a breath prayer.

To view the painting for the visio divina, text "wonder" to 55444 or click Visio Divina

Bette Dickinson

The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. To support our ongoing efforts you can

text "artandfaithpodcast" to (202) 858-1233

Donate

Website: https://vividartistry.org

Instagram:

@artandfaithpodcast

@vividartistryco

Season 8 EP 5: Spiritually Formed Through Art w/ Phaedra Jean Taylor

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 20:24:00 +0000

Phaedra Jean Taylor is a visual artist exploring the disciplines of encaustic painting and watercolor. She is inspired by ideas of play, journey, memory, and belonging which we discuss as being healing concepts in her spiritual journey after being raised in a thrid generation Jehovah's Witness family. Her art making is hard to describe without hearing her incredible conversion story when she met the real Jesus for the first time while studying art in college.

Raised on the rocky shores of northern Scotland til she wast thirteen, her family then transplanted to Texas, where she learned to love open spaces and quiet landscapes.

She completed her BFA in sculpture at the University of North Texas, where she was also awarded the Most Outstanding Student in the Visual Arts award. She interned at the Chinati Foundation, in Marfa Texas, shortly thereafter where she was profoundly influenced by spending hours in the company of the works in the collection.

Phaedra and her husband, Anglican priest and theologian, David Taylor, have been collaborating reecently to make creative liturgical resources for families and others that pair images and prayers to meditate on.

Support the podcast with a financial gift
Donate
The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions.
Visit our website
https://vividartistry.org

Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Season 8 EP 4: Liturgies to Light the Way

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 04:27:00 +0000

Co-authors, Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore, recently released their first book,

Liturgies for Hope-Sixty Prayers for the Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between.

Hear the story of how the prayers orginated as anchors of hope for their church in NYC in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to becoming a published book. The liturgies include everything from the ordinary moments of life to the dark days of the pandemic and act as guardrails to beauty as the authors descirbe it. Hear the origin story of their friendship and collaboration, the doubts and struggles they've had in their own prayer lives and don't miss the Liturgy read at the end.

Audrey Elledge lives in New York, where she works at SparkNotes and serves at Church of the City New York. Audrey is the recipient of the Academy of American Poets Prize and the Virginia Beall Ball Prize.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Elizabeth Moore now lives in New York, where she works at Penguin Random House and serves with the Church of the City New York creative team.

To order the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Liturgies-Hope-Prayers-Everything-Between/dp/0593442806

The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions.

Donate

Website: https://vividartistry.org

@artandfaithpodcast

@vividartistryco

Season 8 EP 3: The Invitation to Create w/ Rachel Marie Kang

Fri, 07 Oct 2022 15:50:00 +0000

Rachel Marie Kang is an author and poet releasing her frist book, Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You.

The book serves as an invitation to create right where you are and dispels the myths that art is reserved for only an elite few. She explores the ordinary acitivities of life such as cooking, play, silence, and laughter and invites readers to discover the creativity within all of us and encourages us to create right where we are with what we have. Rachel is a NY native and founder of The Fallow House. She has a degree in English with Creative Writing from Nyack College and has contributed to Chrisitianity Today, Provers 31 Ministries and (in)Courage.

Let There Be Art is avaialbe for pre-order with bonuses and a release day of Oct. 11. See link for details https://www.rachelmariekang.com/lettherebeart

Support the podcast with a financial gift

Donate

The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions.

Visit our website

Donate amount of your choice here

Season 8 EP 2: Art & Spiritual Warfare

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 05:54:00 +0000

Mike Yeager, executive pastor, producer, and songwriter at Awaken Chruch in San Diego talks about thier newest project, Move of Heaven. Mike received his PHD in structural engineering and spent time in Florence, Italy studying cultural heritage and structural assessments of buildings and monuments. We discuss how his heart was drawn back to the church and then to music when the church wanted to respond to the tumultous, cultural times with writing songs.

Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning Stephen Blake Kanicka(Kanye West, for KING & COUNTRY) and mixed by David Cook(Chris Tomlin, Shawn Mendes), Move Of Heaven pushes the artistic envelope with a modern pop, sonic landscape mixed with spiritual warfare anthems, leaning deeply on faith to drive action.

Find Awaken Music: https://awakenmusic.com

Give a gift to support more podcast episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast

Follow the podcast: Instagram

Bonus Episode: My 9/11 Story

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 01:57:01 +0000

On 9/11 I was flying home to the United States from Switzerland when the pilot came on the intercom and said we'd be landing in Newfoundland due to attacks on the U.S. I share my story every year in written from so decided to put it in audio form on the podcast. It is one of hope and mercy on one of the darkest days in history. Please consider a dontation to the podcast to help continue the production of these episodes and continue to share our stories with one antoher.

Follow the podcast https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/

To read or share the written version of the story visit:

https://vividartistry.org/blog-1/2022/9/10/my-911-story

Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com

Season 8 EP 1: Making Room for the New

Fri, 02 Sep 2022 13:23:32 +0000

Bette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey. Bette earned her MDiv through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has worked with ministries like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, World Vision, Infinitum, and Kensington Church to awaken the soul through beauty and wonder.

She tells about her new book, Making Room in Advent-25 devotions for a season of wonder. Each devotion features an original painting to draw you in and fill you with wonder through a fresh telling of the Advent story from the gospel book of Luke.

The book is available for pre-order til Sept. 13 which includes bonuses and a 30%off discount for the Art & Faith podcast listeners.

Enter the code ARTFAITH at check out for the discount!

Order the book: https://www.ivpress.com/making-room-in-advent

Links for Bette:

https://www.bettedickinson.com

https://www.instagram.com/bette_dickinson/

Support the podcast with a financial gift of your choice:

https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast or

text artandfaithpodcast to (202) 858-1233

Follow https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/

Season 7 Finale: An Honest Talk & Benediction

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 21:58:10 +0000

A short seaon finale wrap up episode with host, Libby John, who shares some of the honest truths about keeping a podcast going. She also gives a commission to artists to be confident in their role as "border-stalkers" who don't ever feel like they quite fit in like artist, Mako Fujimura, talks about in his book Culture Care. Don't miss the special benediction blessing she shares at the end.

To support the podcast and help continue the production of these episodes please visit to make a donation! Your support is much appreciated! https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast

OR you can text artandfaithpodcast to: 202-858-1233 to donate

Season 7 EP 6: How God Sees Us

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 19:08:25 +0000

Gregory Andrus is a photographer, author and speaker who has a powerful story of overcoming alcoholism and homelessness. After a near death expereince, he found he'd been given a second chance at living. This became a catalyst to him discovering his artistic gifts and callings to highlight the diginity of others through sharing the portraits and stories of total strangers he meets along the coast. This project became known as Portraits of the Jersey Shore which Gregory compiled and released in a book.

He just released a second book of beautiful photography called Sand, Sea & Rescue which features the brave, young lifeguards of the Jersey beaches. Gregory wanted to bring attention to the stories of those who run towards danger to help rescue others to give them a second chance at life as well.

To find Gregory's work visit:

Portraits of the Jersey Shore

https://www.facebook.com/portraitsofthejerseyshore

Follow the podcast on IG and please leave a kind review where you listen!

https://duluthvineyard.org

Season 7 EP 5: The Artist/Pastor

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 03:30:01 +0000

Michael Gatlin, along with his wife, have served as senior pastors of the Vineyard Church in Duluth, MN since 1997. Michael is also a member of the National Board of the Vineyard movement and has helped plant many churches over the years. Before his full time career in pastoral ministry, Michael worked as a designer and also had a thriving vocation as a watercolor artist. He has walked through many highs and lows in his art and faith journey and shares a unique perspective as a pastor and an artist who continues to pursue beauty and joy in everything no matter how challenging life can be. To connect more with him:

https://jmichaelwatercolors.com

We reference the Brehm Residency, to find out more visit:

https://www.fuller.edu/brehm-center/brehm-for-artists/

The podcast and more:

https://vividartistry.org/podcast-1

Season 7: EP 4 Found in Beauty's Path

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 04:15:50 +0000

Allison Davis is a writer and photographer who chose to embark on an adventure of photographing the west coast of the United States in 30 days. It was the height of the pandemic, her calendar of doing wedding photography was wiped clean and she was ready to take a risk. Fueled by passion and faith, she set out to capture all that she could with her camera in a 30 day trip along the west coast. Not knowing what each day would hold, she found herself bearing wtiness to unfathomable beauty all along the way. She encourtered endless wildfire smoke, high winds on the edge of cliffs, sun breaking through the darkness and countless other captivating moments. She's compiled them all into a book called, Revealed at the Edge, which is available to pre-order and includes prayerful meditations as a compantion to the stunning landscape images. To find more out more visit:

https://www.revealedattheedge.com

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/revealedattheedge/west-coast/

https://www.AllisonDavis.co

To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit:

https://bookshop.org/books/for-those-wandering-along-the-way/9781666716559

Season 7: EP 3 A Cynic's Rehab

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 04:00:21 +0000

Ryan Diaz is a writer, a poet and a theologian from Queens, NY. He talks about the deep well of cynicism he had found himself in even though he had been active in the church most of his life. It was his return to reading and writing poetry that revivied him and awakened him to the awe and wonder of God all around him.

Ryan is an award winning writer, poet, and theologian from Queens, NY. He holds a BA in History from St. Johns University and is completing a MA in Biblical Studies. His writing has appeared in publications such as Transcendentals, Dappled Things, Ekstasis, and Premier Christianity. His first poetry book, For Those Wandering Along the Way, debuted in 2021.

You can find his book at

To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit:

Being Known Podcast by Curt Thompson

Season 7: EP 2 A Few of Our Favorite Things

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 06:57:34 +0000

Hosts, Joy Ike and Libby John, wrap up 2021 with reflections on the year and how things have gone. They then each share a few of their favorite things they've been enjoying recently which range from a favorite album or podcast to a favorite food or spiritual practice. Links to favorite things shared in the episode:

Sara Groves New Album

Alaya Naturals Collagen & Biotin

Commoners Communion Prayers & Podcast

The Podcast:

Contact the podcast

Music Provided by Dear Gravity:

Music for the Podcast

Season 7: Advent Meditation "Into the Darkness"

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 20:02:46 +0000

An audio contemplative meditation on Advent with scripture reading, reflection and poetry. "Into the Darkness" reflects on the dark or desert places we find ourselves in, waiting for God to answer our prayers. Through this Advent meditation, we are reminded that we are witnesses to the light and the darkness has not overcome it.

Poetry by Madeline L'Engle "Into the Darkest Hour"

Music provided by Dear Gravity https://deargravity.net

Join our mailing list to stay connected to the podcast https://vividartistry.org

S7 EP 1: The Prophetic Artist

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 05:46:38 +0000

Matt Tommey is an author, mentor and woven sculpture artist based in N. Carolina. He teaches and leads visual artists through his mentorship program, The Thriving Christian Artist, where they gain skills in their craft and business but also in co-creating with the Holy Spirit. in his new book, "Prophetic Art", he talks about what prophetic art is, some misconceptions about it and simple ways to invite the Holy Spirit into the creative process.

https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/what-is-prophetic-art.html

Prophetic Art Book

Art & Faith Conversations Podcast

Season 6 EP 17: Hope & Hyperrealism

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 17:45:13 +0000

Josh Tiessen is a visual artist based in Ontario Canada. He has coined his style as narrative hyperrealism and often juxtaposes animals in abandoned remnants of human civilization to highlight irony and parody, the hallmarks of postmodern art.

As a teenager, ranked among the world's foremost realist artists, Tiessen was juried in as the youngest member of International Guild of Realism, Artists for Conservation and Society of Animal Artists, elite groups of the top nature and wildlife artists worldwide. As a young adult, Art Renewal Center designated him "Associate Living Master," and New York based gallery Jonathan LeVine Projects awarded him First Place from 2000 artists in their international competition Search for the Next Great Artist. LeVine presented the emerging artist's debut international solo exhibition in May of 2019.

His thematic body of work titled, "Streams in the Wasteland" exhibited in 2019 and is now available in its entirety in a hardcover monograph book. Each painting has an original score of music composed by his brother, Zac Tiessen, and is included with the book or available to listen on Spotify and Apple Music.

https://www.joshtiessen.com

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0995333726?ref=myi_title_dp

Support the podcast and learn more at

https://www.carolynarends.com

Season 6 EP 16: Art & Spiritual Formation

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 05:10:23 +0000

Carolyn Arends is a singer/songwriter, speaker, author and teacher. She also serves as Director of Education at Renovarè Institute, founded by Richard Foster who authored the transformative book, Celebration of Discipline. Carolyn joins the podcast to talk about two new recent albums she just released, stories behind the songs and how her art has been spiritually formative over the years as her roles evolved from music to writing and teaching as well. Carolyn shares some fun stories from her past music touring with Rich Mullins and her early career in Christian music and she offers deep insight on how artists can continue to co-create into the future with God. To find out more about her work and Renovarè visit:

https://renovare.org

To support the production of these episodes visit:

http://justinmcroberts.com

Season 6 EP 15: Creating With What You've Been Given

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 14:00:38 +0000

Justin McRoberts is an author, speaker, artist and creative coach. His newest book, It Is What You Make Of It, is about creating something great with what you've been given rather than accepting circumstances as they are. Justin has authored several books including his prayer book collaborations with illustrator, Scott Erickson which was featured in Season 5 episode 1 if you'd like to hear that interview. For more information on Justin's work visit:

For a bonus clip of this interview visit:

https://www.ekstasismagazine.com

Season 6 EP 14: Ekstasis-A Digital Sanctuary

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 05:35:38 +0000

Ekstasis is a digital and print publication where art meets academia and kingdom meets culture. Conor Sweetman, founder and senior editor, describes the vision behind Ekstasis as publishing work that slants toward the triumphant and glorious aspects of life in Christ, framed through life, the arts and literature. Ekstasis was recently acquired by media organization, Christianity Today, which Conor is excited about and he bases the aesthetics of the publication on the work of Beautiful Orthodoxy, as defined by Christianity Today.

To read essays and order print copies of Ekstasis visit:

https://www.instagram.com/ekstasismagazine/

To connect with the podcast find us on IG
https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/

Or visit us: https://vividartistry.org/podcast-1

Season 6 EP 13: A Beautiful Response

Wed, 09 Jun 2021 21:16:09 +0000

Scott Sauls is a pastor and writer who talks about making Christianity beautiful again by responding to the world with the gentleness of Christ rather than perpetual anger and divisiveness we see in culture. Scott has served as a pastor to many artists while leading Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN as well as during his years he served at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. We talk about the pitfalls of Christian celebrity culture, the tortured artist syndrome and also his newest book, A Gentle Answer.

To find out more about Scott and his writings visit:

https://scottsauls.com

Connect with the podcast on IG or Patreon:

http://www.mythoflove.net

Season 6 EP 12: Learning from C.S. Lewis

Wed, 26 May 2021 04:47:35 +0000

Andrew Lazo joins the podcast to talk about community, creativity and what he's learned from C.S. Lewis and the historic, literary group the Inklings. We also discuss why the Narnia books are some of Lewis's most mature works and how the deep friendship between Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien influenced them both greatly in their faith, writing and creativity.

Andrew Lazo is an internationally-known speaker and writer specializing on C.S. Lewis and the Inklings. Andrew earned his Masters in Modern British Literature from Rice University where he was a Jacob K. Javits fellow in the Humanities. He is a frequent speaker around the U.S. and U.K. and has written several articles on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In 2009, Andrew published Mere Christians: Inspiring Encounters with C.S. Lewis. In 2014 he also was honored to transcribe, edit, and publish a previously unknown book of C.S. Lewis,' "Early Prose Joy," which was Lewis's very first spiritual autobiography.

Andrew currently attends Virginia Theological Seminary preparing for priestly ministry in the Episcopal Church. He also serves as a Distinguished Lecturer while concurrently pursuing his doctorate in the Romantic Theology program at Northwind Seminary. You can find out more about his work on his website and also hear him regularly on the Pints with Jack podcast.

Connect with Art & Faith Conversations:

https://www.barakaology.com

Season 6 EP 11: Reimagining the Creative Life

Wed, 12 May 2021 04:11:29 +0000

Sho Baraka is a recording artist, performer, activist, and writer. He joins host, Joy Ike, to talk about his new book on the power our creativity has on repairing a broken world. The combination of his academic history and music career brings a unique perspective to the exploration of faith, creativity and justice.

Sho has served as adjunct professor at Wake Forest School of Divinity and was an original member of the hip hop consortium, 116 Clique with Reach Records. His book, He Saw That It Was Good-Reimagining Your Creative Life to Repair a Broken World, is available for pre-order and releases on May 18th.

Support the podcast:

https://www.shapingtheriver.com

Season 6 EP 10: Spiritual Direction and Prayer

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 22:04:56 +0000

Christine Hiester is a spiritual director, artist and musician. She describes spiritual direction as more of a companionship and a journey of deep listening alongside another person in the presence of God. She talks about how she came to spiritual direction through the avenue of art making when she experienced a deep depression and felt like the ability to pray was torn from her. We also talk about when and why it's a good to seek out spiritual direction.

This episode concludes with a 5-6 minute guided prayer meditation on our identity as the Beloved.

For details on Christine's upcoming mini retreat May 29th, connect with her through her website or Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/shapingtheriver/

Patreon:

https://andreasandefurmusic.com

Season 6 EP 9: Encouraging Artists Forward

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 04:55:56 +0000

Songwriter, Andrea Sandefur, joins me to talk about a role she felt called to as an encourager and caretaker of the creative souls of her church. She tells the story of when and how she felt called to that role and how she carries that out with an artists event she helps curate at her home church in Wasilla, Alaska. Andrea is a songwriter and also a contributing host to Theophany Media's podcast called "Creatively Christian." Learn more about her work at:

https://theophanymedia.com/creativelychristian/

Art & Faith Conversations is listener supported. To give a one time financial gift or ongoing support of as little as $2/month to help keep these conversations going visit:

Season 6 EP 8: Freedom & Risk

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 03:41:18 +0000

Contributing host, Joy Ike, talks about the freedom we find in the giving away of our creative gifts and the risk that it takes to realize we don't need to hoard the things we've been given. She says, "you can't add to what you have when your default is to bury it in the ground and protect it from the world."

Joy is a music artist from Philadelphia. NPR's All Things Considered describes her work as poetic and perfectly complemented by a unique blend of neo-soul, with just the right dash of pop. Joy is also an artist consultant and coach and helps others develop their unique voice in their craft and career.

Visit her website to view her work.

https://www.joyike.com

Connect with her:

Instagram: @joyikemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyikemusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joyikemusic

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/34WhzXK

email: joyikemusic@gmail.com

Join the podcast community:

Season 6 EP 7: Sound & Vision

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:48:13 +0000

Guest host, Joy Ike, joins the podcast with an episode about sound and how it affects the clarity of our vision. She states, "The noisier things get, the harder it is to see." She shares her thoughts and questions about the power of sound, including music, and how the things we hear can either distract us or re-orient our focus.

Visit her website to view her work.

https://www.joyike.com

Connect with her:

Instagram: @joyikemusic

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyikemusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joyikemusic

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/34WhzXK

email: joyikemusic@gmail.com

Join the podcast community:

https://www.mernaliddawi.com

Season 6 EP 6: Language of Dreams

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 14:45:04 +0000

Visual artist, Merna Liddawi, started out as an educator in math and science but turned to painting in her adult life. Now a full time artist, she describes her work as creating a contemplative space of stillness and beauty through sacred geometry, symbolism, and the use of pure elements and materials. Born in the Middle East in Jordan, she draws on her Orthodox roots to connect her work and her faith as she continues to explore the divine mysteries of life.

The podcast is an independent, listener supported production. Join the community and help continue these conversations:

https://www.moodypublishers.com/turning-of-days/

Season 6 EP 5: God Revealed in Nature

Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:19:07 +0000

Hannah Anderson is the author of several books with Turning of Days: Lessons of Nature, Seasons and Spirit being her fourth release. It's a collection of devotional essays and illustrations described as a respite for our restless, disoriented, and fatigued world. Hannah's poetic way with words paired with her husband, Nathan's detailed illustrations, readers are invited into the natural world to slow down and reflect on nature's testimony about who God is.

You can pre-order the book through the link:

Learn more about Hannah's work:

https://www.sometimesalight.com

Season 6 EP 4: The Artist & the Church

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 07:05:58 +0000

Maria Fee is a painter who works with paper, canvas and paint to create work that explores fragmentation, cultural mixing referred to as mestizo, alienation and hospitality. She is the director of the national artist residency program at Brehm Cascadia which is part of the Brehm Center of Fuller Seminary. We talk about the residency and the need artists have for the church but also the need churches have for artists and why.

Find out more about Maria's work at:

https://www.mariafee.net

Music provided for this episode by Greg LaFollette.

Season 6 EP 3: Advent, Hope, and Song

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 15:10:37 +0000

Caroline Cobb is a singer/songwriter who's music has been compared to the likes of Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson and Sandra McCracken. Her newest album release, A Seed, A Sunrise, is full of songs that shape the upcoming season of Advent. Through imagination, artistry and poetic language, Caroline tells biblical narratives through her storytelling style of writing. Although these songs were recorded before the upheaval of 2020, we talk about how they seem to be a timely piece of art that pushes back the darkness. We talk about the creative process behind her writing, how stories through songs shape us and the life goal she set in 2011 that served as a catalyst for her future in music and the albums that would follow.

https://www.carolinecobb.com

To connect with the podcast follow on Instagram or Facebook

@artandfaithpodcast

To give a financial gift to support this independent work:

https://www.dianaoestreich.com

Season 6 EP 2: The Art of Peacemaking

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 15:05:49 +0000

Author, Diana Oestreich, is a Iraq War veteran who served as a combat medic in the Army National Guard. She's an activist, sexual assault nurse and the key relationships officer at Preemtive Love, a global relief organization working to end war. Her new book, Waging Peace, is her story of going from soldier to peacemaker when she heard God's call for her to love her enemies in the most unlikely place: the battlefield of Iraq. We talk about how the art of writing and story telling has helped her heal from war trauma. Her stories have also been able to serve as a bridge to connect others across their political, ethnic or religious divides. Diana is available to speak at your group or visit your book club. Learn more by visiting her website:

To order her book

https://www.amazon.com/Waging-Peace-Soldiers-Story-Putting/dp/1506463703/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=waging+peace&qid=1604070156&s=amazon-devices&sr=1-1

Revelations of the Artist-Kathleen Hudson

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 08:37:45 +0000

Kathleen Hudson is an oil painter based in Lexington, KY who creates landscapes in her studio and en plein air. Her style is influenced by close observation of fleeting and beautiful moments in nature which she hopes to capture in her paintings and leave the viewer with a sense of longing.

To pre-order Revelations of the Artist book

https://www.kathleenbhudson.com

Visit Kathleen's website

Revelations of the Artist-Karisa Keasey

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 08:11:48 +0000

Karisa Keasey is a studio artist who aspires to bring about change through her work. She is most known for her recent book, "When You Can't Go Home", the story of 10 refugees and their families along with 30 portraits. For every book sold, 50% of the profits goes to World Relief to help the efforts with refugees.

To pre-order Revelations of the Artist book

To visit Karisa's website

https://karisakeasey.com

Revelations of the Artist-Matthew Bird

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:57:01 +0000

Matthew Bird is is an award winning watercolor artist, illustrator, designer and teacher. Matthew has five children's books published and his paintings have been used as greeting cards for The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, the National Audubon Society, and the National Wildlife Federation. He paints still life and seeks to find beauty in the ordinary through his work.

To pre-order the book

Visit Matthew's site

https://matthewbird.com

Revelations of the Artist-Jennie Kimbrough

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:36:45 +0000

Jennie Kimbrough is a visual artist who works in acrylics and encaustic with mixed medium elements. Through her work she dives into questions about communication with God, living in a broken world and the contrast of our temporal nature of our bodies to the eternal nature of the soul. Through layering of transparent materials she suggests space, the passage of time and the fragility and ephemeral quality of her subject matter.

To pre-order the book

https://www.jenniekimbrough.com

Visit Jennie's website

Revelations of the Artist-Lori Putnam

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 07:13:08 +0000

Lori Putnam is a Contemporary American Impressionist who sees harmony, rhythms, patterns, color and shapes as her subject matter. She has served as an Artist Faculty Demonstrator for the Annual Plein Air Convention for six years and has been a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at many notable events. Lori teaches to sold out workshops and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.

To pre-order the book

Visit Lori's website

https://loriputnam.com

Revelations of the Artist-Lauren Midgley

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 06:51:50 +0000

Lauren Midgley is a conceptual fine art photographer who creates evocative and thought provoking imagery. Her photographs blur the line between reality and a dream scape and provide a safe space for conversations about faith, doubt, trauma and healing.

To pre-order the book

https://www.iamwonderandlight.com

Visit Lauren's website

Revelations of the Artist-Mat Barber Kennedy

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 06:09:00 +0000

Mat Barber Kennedy is a painter who uses primarily watercolour. He represents daily life through depictions of aging machines, tools, and buildings that are constructed in layers, adapting over generations and decaying in pieces. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts and a member of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours and of The American Impressionists Society. In 2008 he was awarded the Turner Medal in London.

To pre-order the book

http://www.matbarberkennedy.com

Visit Mat's website

Revelations of the Artist-Tram Colwin

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:40:39 +0000

Tram Colwin is an artist and designer of custom prints, art work and stationary goods. Tram creates out of a desire to capture beauty in nature and everyday life. Born in Vietnam, her family immigrated in 1996 and found their home in Bentonville, Arkansas where she grew up. With a love for art, Tram got her degree in Fine Art and eventually launched her now full-time business, Tram Colwin Art.

Her work has been featured on WeddingChicks.com, in FLUX Hawaii and At Home Arkansas.

To pre-order the book

https://www.tramcolwinart.com

Visit Tram's website

Revelations of the Artist-Allison Streett

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 05:18:29 +0000

Allison Streett is a sculptor who works with the human figure. She describes in her bio that she hopes to provoke insights into ourselves and those around us, challenge us to acknowledge our true relationship to each other, and invite us to imagine a more just future.

To pre-order the book

https://www.allisonstreettstudios.com

To connect with Allison

Season 6 EP 1: Convergence of Our Stories

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 06:49:08 +0000

Freedom Rodriguez is a visual artist who along with his wife, Nancy, run ArtServe International which serves under resourced populations through art and empowers youth to dream beyond poverty and find hope for the future.

Freedom joins me to tell us about his vision for his newest project, Revelations of the Artist. It's a collaborative book of over 20 artists works and statements about their faith and artistic journey. Through the proceeds of the book, the vision is to fund a creative arts center in Ecuador. The Rodriguez's have many experiences from their global travels with working across cultural and economic divides to develop relationships through art.

You can pre-order your own copy of the Revelations of the Artist and be a part of their incredible vision by visiting:

Season 5 Finale: Art as a Mediator

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 02:57:54 +0000

I give a wrap up summary of season 5 highlights and reveal an exciting announcement about a current creative endeavor.

As I look ahead to Season 6, I talk about the powerful impact creativity can have as a mediator in these divisive times in our world. Art serves as a bridge to connect people and places that would otherwise remain divided. Listen and share the episode!

Connect with the podcast

https://www.facebook.com/artandfaithpodcast

Season 5 EP 16: Creative Clarity

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 03:58:57 +0000

Singer/songwriter, Melanie Penn, has experience in various realms of music from classic voice training to Broadway musicals to independent recording artist. Compelled to write her own songs, she overcame her own lack of confidence and challenges and recorded her first album in 2010 which received critical acclaim. She has since released several albums and singles including her Immanuel project in 2017 which rose to #1 on Amazon's Christian worship and holiday charts. Melanie shares about the various aspects of shaping her artistic voice, mentors, spiritual practices and the message of clarity she hopes to bring through her music.

https://www.melaniepenn.com

To support the podcast visit:

https://refineretreat.com

Season 5 EP 15: The Art of Surrender

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 02:10:04 +0000

Kris Camealy talks about her newest book, Everything is Yours, an intimate and honest journey of how the art of letting go led her to the depths of God's love. As well as a writer, Kris is founder of Refine(the retreat) and the Refinery artists guild. She hosts an annual retreat for women and curates space for creative and spiritual practices.

Click the links to out more about her work or to order her books

https://www.amazon.com/Kris-Camealy/e/B00B3LLNEC%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Season 5 EP 14: Portraits of Shared Humanity

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 05:51:29 +0000

Artist, Hannah Rose Thomas, began a journey of healing when she was asked to organize an art project for Syrian refugees in 2014. She went on to continue this humanitarian work of art and empathy and had the privilege to hear the stories of women in Northern Iraq and Nigeria who had survived incredible trauma and violence. She taught them to paint their own portraits which became a process of healing in restoring their own personhood, something they said was of their highest value. Many of the women painted themselves with tears of gold coming down their face and Hannah has since began compiling her portraits of the women into a book with that very title, Tears of Gold. She describes her work as giving a voice to the voiceless and uses the paintings as tools of advocacy to bring about change.

Her work has been shown in Houses of Parliament, European Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Lambeth Palace, The Saatchi Gallery and Durham Cathedral. Three of Hannah's paintings of Yezidi women were chosen by HRH The Prince of Wales for his exhibition Prince & Patron in Buckingham Palace in 2018.

She is a Durham graduate in Arabic and History, with an MA from the Prince's School of Traditional Art in London. Hannah will be beginning her PhD at Glasgow University in September 2020 with the UNESCO 'Art Lab for Human Rights and Dialogue.'

To connect with her and see her work visit:

http://hannahrosethomas.com

To connect with the podcast:

https://www.ballet58.org/butterfly

Season 5 EP 13: Dialogue Through Dance

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:07:18 +0000

Julianna Rubio Slager is co-founder and artistic director of professional dance company, Ballet 5:8 based out of Chicago. Her vision in establishing the company was to bring more dialogue of hope to the Chicago art scene. She serves as resident choreographer with a mission bring something significant to the audience that would otherwise remain veiled through thought provoking and breath taking dance.

With their spring tours getting canceled, Ballet 5:8 is hosting online performances of their work.

Click here to RSVP to their critically acclaimed performance of "Butterfly" about the Jewish artists who were held in the same concentration camp during WW2. It's available April 19-21st for viewing w/ tickets being on a pay what you can basis to help cover the wages of the dancers for their canceled season due to COVID-19.

Season 5 EP12: Art as an Essential Mercy w/ Makoto Fujimura

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 07:19:58 +0000

Makoto Fujimura is an internationally renowned artist, writer and speaker. He has written three books including Culture Care and has served as Presedential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009.

His work has been featured in galleries worldwide and he continues to be recognized as a cultural influencer. A graduate of Bucknell University he is also the recipient of four Doctor of Arts Honorary Degrees.

We talk about the artist's response to the global pandemic and how beauty and mercy become essential in a crisis.

https://www.makotofujimura.com

Season 5 EP 10: Honest Realism

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 17:08:51 +0000

Visual artist, Jenedy Paige, paints in the representational tradition of art and describes herself as a realist in every sense of the word. Beginning with prayer and journaling, she then paints the things she's experiencing such as joy, loss, sorrow and ambition.

Her stunning imagery draws the viewer in to experience these things as well. Her book, Coming Full Circle, is a journey of loss and the healing she encountered after her son passed away from a tragic accident. Connect with her and her work at:

http://www.store.jenedypaige.com

http://www.jenedypaige.com

https://www.instagram.com/jenedypaige/

Season 5 EP 11: What is Essential?

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 07:59:33 +0000

Illustrator, Jared Boggess, joins me to talk about the reorientation of what we deem essential in response to COVID-19. We are waking up to a new normal and finding that what we need and crave is human contact, religious practice and art. These are strange and uncertain times, but how we respond will be a marker on history. Join me for conversations that draw you out of isolation and into communal thought about our humanity and basic needs.

Jared is the founder of Fish Coin Press and creates evocative illustrations that tell a visual story based on biblical narratives. He is launching a new kickstarter project along with 10 other illustrators from around the world to create scripture trading cards. Their hope is to help people engage with the biblical text in new ways no matter their doubts or religious background.

https://www.fishcoin.press

https://www.instagram.com/fishcoin.press/

Season 5 EP 10: Meditative Prayer and Poem

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:15:26 +0000

A meditative practice for Lent. A 5 min episode that includes a short prayer to reset our daily rhythms and focus our very breath on freedom. Included is a poem designed to listen to daily as you set your mind and heart on slower living, remembering what is most important.

http://www.jaejinmusic.com

Season 5 EP 9: Passion and Purpose

Thu, 13 Feb 2020 06:01:38 +0000

Jae Jin is an independent singer/songwriter based out of Baltimore, MD. After a relapse with a terminal illness while in college, Jae was compelled to give up everything and change the course of his life from pursuing a medical degree to pursuing music. In the last 5 years he has released four albums, auditioned for The Voice, played over 500 shows and is the 2019 winner of the John Lennon songwriting award. He has also branched out into acting and appeared on House of Cards and other independent films.

Find his music on all digital platforms or visit his website:

Blog post of 15 daily reminders:

http://www.jaejinmusic.com/blog/2019/1/12/15-daily-reminders-to-myself

Podcast Patreon:

http://www.margueriteanglinart.com

Season 5 EP 8: Color is My Instrument

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 05:35:55 +0000

Marguerite Anglin is an acrylic trained finger painting artist based in Philadelphia, PA. She creates skycapes filled with vibrant colors that evoke mystery, wonder and inspire a spiritual connection. She once used traditional brushes but after a bout with writer's block she took a hiatus from painting. When she returned to the canvas, she used only her fingers and began to create more abstract images.

Marguerite is a trained architect by day but considers herself a visual storyteller through her art work. She has a passion to unlock creativity in everyone and hosts workshops and gatherings to teach others how to use their fingers to paint.

To view her work and learn more go to:

https://www.instagram.com/margueriteanglinart/

Season 5 EP 7: Waking Up to Beauty

Thu, 09 Jan 2020 04:35:55 +0000

Licensed professional counselor, Meredith McDaniel, talks about her new book, In Want & Plenty, releasing later January 2020.

Through guided journaling, Meredith walks alongside readers as a voice of healing and an encouragement to wake up to God's provision even when life hasn't gone as expected.

We talk about the importance of engaging with disappointments or pain in order to move forward and come alive to our own unique stories. We also discuss the power creativity can have to lead to inner healing and become the evidence of our Creator's hand in our lives.

To find out more, pre-order the book and receive the pre-order bonuses visit:

https://www.meredithmcdaniel.com

https://www.instagram.com/meredith_mcdaniel/

The podcast:

http://www.sandramccracken.com

Season 5 EP 6: An Honest Narrative w/ Sandra McCracken

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 06:13:42 +0000

Sandra McCracken is a singer/songwriter with a folk gospel sound that has a way of captivating audiences to sing along no matter the setting. I talk with her about her new collection of Christmas songs that is a mix of originals, familiar tunes and an old gospel favorite that she describes as the centerpiece of the album. We also discuss her spiritual practices as an artist and how she's developed such an honest narrative throughout her music. Her albums are available on all digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music

Or visit:

To learn more about the podcast, visit:

https://www.saragroves.com

Season 5 EP 5: Advent & Art Making w/ Sara Groves

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 07:15:47 +0000

Sara Groves is a singer/songwriter from St.Paul, MN. She has been nominated for 7 Dove Awards and written and recorded several albums over the years. Her and her husband run Art House North, a 110 yr old church they have renovated to serve as a space that cultivates creativity for the common good.

Sara also has a passion for justice and partners with International Justice Mission(IJM) as an advocate for victims of human trafficking through her music and art making.

You can find out more about events at Art House North or find Sara Groves' music at

https://www.arthousenorth.com

To learn how to be an advocate go to:

https://www.ijm.org

Support the podcast at:

Season 5 EP 4: The Artist's Sending Benediction Prayer

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:49:05 +0000

A commissioning benediction prayer for artists written and read by host, Libby John. Artists are often undervalued or overlooked by their faith communities and as a result don't receive the blessing of prayer that they need. However, it's the artists who are willing to reside in the tension between the dark and the light, the now and the not yet. These are not easy places to dwell in but it's the artists who give us a language to interpret these deep things of life we don't have words for. This prayer is a commissioning and affirming of the artist's creative gifts and a benediction for wherever they may go.

https://www.facebook.com/artandfaithpodcast/

Season 5 EP 3: New Algorithms of Beauty

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 03:23:51 +0000

Host, Libby John, talks about creativity being the great interruption that shakes us awake from the numb distractions of the world. We often think of it as the other way around. That scrolling through our phone or streaming our favorite show is what interrupts our creative thinking. Instead, Libby brings to light that creativity is a gift of mercy that we need to be interrupted by in order to live transformative lives and write new algorithms of beauty for a world hungry for wonder.

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Instagram

Patreon

Music by Dear Gravity

https://deargravity.net

Season 5 EP 2: The New Creation

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 04:58:00 +0000

Host, Libby John, discusses art and the promise of the new creation. With each creative act, we sow into the beauty of the earth and participate in God's promise to make all things new. We bear the distinct signature of a creative God with the gift of our imagination and creativity. It's when our imagination wanes that we get discouraged and apathetic and forget our true identity as bearers of beauty. This episode talks about our divine purpose as innately creative human beings and that there's always hope of a new beginning.

https://www.amazon.com/Glimpses-New-Creation-Worship-Formative/dp/0802876099/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IQ17MIZEBOL5&keywords=glimpses+of+the+new+creation&qid=1567490597&s=gateway&sprefix=glimpses+of%2Caps%2C426&sr=8-1

Season 5 EP 1: Art, Prayer, and Imagery

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 07:09:59 +0000

Authors, Scott Erickson and Justin McRoberts join us to talk about their newest book, May It Be So: 40 Days Through the Lord's Prayer. Scott's powerful, contemplative imagery is paird with Justin's, distilled thoughts and prayers designed to help us become aware of our conversations with God.

Justin is an author, musician, and retreat leader. He is also the curator and host of The @Sea Podcast. He lives in Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and 2 kids. For more information go to

www.justinmcroberts.com

Scott is a touring painter and performance artist who mixes autobiography, biblical narrative and aesthetics to create art that speaks to our deepest experiences. He and his wife, Holly, live in Portland with their three children. For more information go to

www.scottericksonart.com

The Essential Body w/ W. David O. Taylor

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 06:06:35 +0000

Returning guest, David Taylor, professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, theologian and pastor, just released his latest book, Glimpses of a New Creation-Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts. I invited him to talk about the chapter he wrote specifically on the kinetic arts as part two of the podcast's mini series on dance and the human body. We discuss the conflict and negative perspectives church culture has towards dance and how embodying worship is essential to our God given humanity.

You can find David's book at:

Read more of his writings and thoughts at:

http://artspastor.blogspot.com

Designed to Dance w/ Phillip Attmore

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 16:42:39 +0000

Phillip Attmore has been dancing, singing and acting since age 3. He has shared the stage and screen with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Sir Richard Harris, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Bette Midler, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines and many more.

He is a three-time Astaire Award winner, ACCA Award winner, Playbill "Breakout Performance" Award winner and NAACP Theatre Award nominee, and he has been recognized by the sixth season of Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance" as one of America's "Top 20" dancers. In addition, Phillip has appeared as a guest artist on several television and variety shows including "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", "The Today Show", "Maya and Marty" and "The Tony Awards".

Phillip is based in NYC but travels all over the world as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, poet, writer, director, creative consultant and speaker. He is currently performing in 42nd St. and receiving national acclaim for his role as Billy Lawlor.

https://phillipattmore.com

The Writer's Way with Shawn Smucker

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 05:30:22 +0000

Shawn Smucker is an author who hails from Lancaster, PA. He began his writing career with ghost writing and co-writing for others. His first book he co-wrote was for his aunt, to tell her story of founding Auntie Anne's soft pretzels. Eventually he felt encouraged to write his own novels as well and he released the first one, The Day the Angels Fell in 2014. A couple of books came after that and Shawn just released his latest novel, Light From Distant Stars. It tells the story of a boy grown up to be a man who suddenly loses his father which bring back his memories of childhood. The book causes you to wonder how accurate your memory of reality truly is.

It is now available for ordering, visit:

http://shawnsmucker.com/my-books/

For bonus content with Shawn, visit:

https://www.anthonyvasquezoncanvas.com

Fashion and Divine Inspiration with Carmelita Greco

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 06:32:24 +0000

Carmelita Greco is a designer of her own line of clothing and also founder of Luz Art gallery in the L.A. area. Luz Art is a fine art gallery described as exploring the connections between culture, contemporary thought and divinity. Carmelita had a desire to create a space that could be an advocate for sacred art and dialogue. Through unique exhibitions and gatherings, Luz is able to be that for its surrounding community. Carmelita has a passion to follow God's leading in bold ways through her creativity and with what's next for the gallery.

Check out the artists they feature here:

https://www.luzart.com

For Carmelita's original designs visit:

http://carmelita.co

The Marginalized and Art with Anthony Vasquez

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 06:18:02 +0000

Anthony Vasquez tells about the years he spent in India where he co-facilitated an International Artist Residency and worked with the organization Art for Change. Through his experiences he discovered his passion for mentoring other artists in being culture makers. Anthony talks about the daily rhythms of tea and community building through creating art alongside the marginalized and the humility it can teach us all when we share each other's experiences.

His paintings reflect stunning imagery that mix reality and the unseen to emit strong emotive experiences.

Installation of Ordinary Things with Kristen Cochran

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 05:48:20 +0000

Kristen Cochran is a visual artist based in Dallas. She experiments with materials she describes as antiheroic such as old work garments that have been formed to reflect the work of its owner's daily life. Kristen talks about her creative process, her versatile use of materials such as clay, copper, bread and garments and exploring the concept of work.

http://kristencochran.com

A Pastor and a Painter with Greg Holmes

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 05:11:34 +0000

Greg Holmes is a pastor in the Dallas area. He began his studies in the arts as a painter but decided to choose seminary instead. Not until recently did Greg return to painting and to discover just how valuable it was to have in his life. He continues his work as a pastor but now makes working on his art a daily discipline which he says makes him a better pastor and a better human. Greg shares his unique perspective on how artists and the church can work to have a better relationship.

You can find out more about Greg's work at:

http://www.gregholmes-art.com

Studio Art in NYC with Wayne Adams

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 14:06:40 +0000

Wayne Adams is a Brooklyn-based artist who received his B.F.A. from Calvin College and M.F.A. from Washington University in St. Louis. Adams has exhibited throughout the Midwest, New York and Vienna, Austria. Wayne has served as the Board Chair of CIVA for the last several years and I talk with him about what the CIVA community has meant to him. Wayne is a studio artist who explores biblical themes through a contemporary art lens. He shares with us some of his practical disciplines and creative processes and his thoughts on being a Christian in the contemporary art world.

His recent shows include, "The Flat Files Year Three" TSA, Brooklyn, NY (2015) "Wayne Adams is Speaking in Tongues: A show of objects and images organized by the unrelenting voice of interpretation" Barrington Center for the Arts, Wenham, MA (2014), "Works Off Canvas" Denny Gallery, NY (2013), "Control Alt Delete" HKJB, Brooklyn, NY (2011), "Adams | Miracle" STOREFRONT Gallery, Brooklyn, NY (2010).

https://wayneadamsstudio.com

Classically Trained in Music with Micah Behr

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:44:08 +0000

Micah Behr received his Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Wisconsin in 2014. He resides and works in Madison, WI as a professional viola player and collaborative pianist. Micah has experiences playing chamber music and in orchestras, but recently has found himself frequently composing music for the local church. He serves as the artist in residence and worship director at Geneva Campus Church, and released an EP of retuned and new hymns earlier this year. I talk with him about his classical music training and whether it helps or hinders his work with contemporary music in the local church.

Installation Art with Leslie Iwai

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 08:10:17 +0000

Leslie Iwai is an installation artist from Middleton, WI. She approaches her work with two questions: How Is It? and What Is It?

She shares with us about her creative process and the surprising way she discovered that she was called to be an artist. Leslie has several installations that have been on display in various venues. To preview her work visit:

https://www.leslieiwai.com

Print, Illustrate & Create with Ned Bustard

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:50:14 +0000

Ned Bustard is a graphic designer, children's book illustrator, author and printmaker. Some of his works include It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God, The Chronicles of Narnia Comprehension Guide and Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups.

With his hand in so many projects, I talk with him specifically about his creative process and the balance between commissions vs. personal projects.

He is the creative director for Square Halo Books, curator of the Square Halo Gallery, designer for CIVA and serves on the boards of the Association of Scholars of Christianity in the History of Art. and The Row House, Inc.

https://www.worldsendimages.com/index.html

https://www.etsy.com/shop/WorldsEndImages

Curating Space with Eva Ting

Tue, 09 Jul 2019 07:24:28 +0000

Eva Ting is the coordinator for the W83 Ministry Center of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. Her background is in art administration and she is passionate about creating spaces for art that allows different communities to intersect and interact. She talks about the impact that sharing the space of the W83 center has on the surrounding neighborhoods. In creating space for art that allows people to intersect it thereby builds relationships and cultivates ongoing conversations.

https://www.150w83.com

Summer Series: Art & Empathy

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:20:40 +0000

Live discussion with author and advocate, Belinda Bauman and visual artist, Natalie Salminen Rude, on the partnership of entering empathy through works of art. Belinda founded One Million Thumbprints(OMT) which exists to end violence against women and girls in conflict zones. She recently released her book, Brave Souls-Experiencing the Audacious Power of Empathy, to tell the stories of the women she met in Congo. The transformational work of empathy Belinda witnessed among their sisterhood to help each other heal from violent crimes of war against them is what changed Belinda's life. One woman in particular gave Belinda permission to tell the world her story and signed her name with her thumbprint.

Belinda realized she needed creatives and artists to help share these stories that were too difficult to hear unless wrapped in the beauty of artistic expression. Natalie, a visual artist who specializes in encaustic, was commissioned to do a painting for OMT and part of the weekend events was her revealing the painting at singer/songwriter Josh Garrel's concert. Josh Garrels has collaborated with OMT in the past and wanted to highlight it at his recent concert in Minneapolis.

Prints are available to purchase and go towards the efforts of meeting the needs of women in war zones.

https://nataliesalminen.com/the-commissions-project-3/the-commissions-project-prints/

To find out more about OMT and purchase Belinda's book:

https://www.ivpress.com/brave-souls

https://onemillionthumbprints.org

Season 4 Ep 15: Atheism and Pop Culture

Wed, 22 May 2019 17:24:48 +0000

Kutter Callaway joins me to discuss his book, The Aesthetics of Atheism, co-authored by Barry Taylor. We explore the questions raised in the book about the radical idea that what if Christianity needs atheism. Kutter explains how the aesthetic dimension of the absence of God or religion in popular culture, actually provides deeper theological insight and points to the core of Christianity. We discuss the contemporary horror genre such as the Netflix series, Stranger Things, and how the art we are seeing today is a response to the repeated trauma this next generation is experiencing.

Kutter is assistant professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also co-director of the Reel Spirituality Institute and serves as a consultant and advisory board member for various film and TV studios. He has authored several other books which you can find on his website.

https://www.kuttercallaway.com

He hosts The Kutter Callaway Podcast at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kutter-callaway-podcast/id1435004474

https://soundcloud.com/user-635740617

Join Art & Faith Conversations on Patreon and hear bonus content from this episode:

http://www.strahanmusic.com

Season 4 Ep 14: The Folk Psalmist

Fri, 10 May 2019 16:17:40 +0000

Musician Strahan Coleman, joined me from New Zealand to talk about his recent project Prayer & Vulnerability. The album is a collection of songs reflecting on a dark time he experienced with his health and resulted in depression and anxiety setting in. The songs are paired with a collection of poems he wrote as prayers when he'd lost the ability to even sing and he learned of God's deep love and friendship in his darkest hours. Hear his brutally honest stories behind these songs and prayers and the beautiful vulnerability he expresses in his music.

Find all of his music and his new Prayers Vol 1 book here:

https://strahanmusic.bandcamp.com/merch

To join the podcast on Patreon and become a supporter:

https://nataliesalminen.com

Season 4 Ep 13: Life in Haiku

Fri, 03 May 2019 17:54:56 +0000

This live podcast episode was recorded at Studio Haiku in Duluth, MN. My guest, Natalie Salminen Rude, is a visual artist who specializes in encaustic style painting and has also been practicing the art of haiku for several years. We talk in depth about the invitational nature of haiku that can lead us into conversations with our Creator. Natalie shares with us how it has informed and influenced her creativity and also shaped her prayer life. Haiku has shown Natalie the value of pausing and taking notice of the present, even when life feels chaotic or confusing. She shares tips on how to get started writing haiku and also shares several of her own in this episode.

For more information on Natalie's work visit:

The Q&A from this interview is available on Patreon! Become a supporter and join our community!