Week 9, 10, & 11
Question of the week
What is “the art world”? Who is involved? Who isn’t? Why?
How important is knowing about the personal history of an artist when viewing their artwork? Does knowing an artist’s religion change the way you understand or appreciate their work?
Has art that has been meaningful to you been made by Christians or non Christians? Is this question irrelevant? Explain your answer.
I think the art world is a world that is composed of like minded people whose focus and intent is to live a creative life in anything and everything that they do and create. I think anyone that wants to be involved in the art world can be but it is not just as easy as saying you are. I think it requires a dedication and commitment to participating in and giving back to the community. Whether that is a time commitment, creating works, or studying the history and world of art.
I think knowing about the personal history of the artist is so important when viewing their work. I think it is so important because I think their history absolutely affects who they are when they created that piece of art and could tell us more about a piece of art that we wouldn’t necessarily understand without that information. I think knowing that information kind of ties everything together in the end.
Art that is meaningful to me has been made by both Chritians and non Christians. I think this question is irrelevant because I don’t go looking for just Christian artists or judge artwork based on if the artist is a different religion. Obviously, when I am looking for art for a religious reason or meaning that is important but in any case as long as the artwork is not bad and does not go against God, the artist’s religion is irrelevant to me.
Question of the week
How is the art you make different from the art you like to look at or engage with as a viewer?
Has reading the Bible ever provided you guidance about looking at, thinking about, or making art?
Besides the fact that I am not as skilled as the artists I engage with, I think my art and theirs are actually very similar. I enjoy drawing and painting beautiful sceneries and tend to like the more muted natural colors in my work. I think it is very telling where I am in my creative works and journey just by seeing a picture of the work or person I am studying during that time period. Also, I tend to like art and artists that are very detailed in their drawings and paintings. I tend to stay away from the small yet realistic details myself but can appreciate and actually enjoy it when I can look at other artists works’ that display such great detail.
I have touched on this subject in past weeks but I think that the bible provides me guidance in all that I do. Specifically for the art I look at and create, I just want to make sure that it is work that glorifies God. I do not want to create something that questions my character or faith in God. From scripture, we know we are made in the image and likeness of God. I think I use the fact Humans are set apart from all other creation because we are made in His image. We are special and made to be creative and unique individuals in God’s eyes. I regularly use those words to remind me of my purpose and God’s divine plan and role in my life.
Question of the week
How should art be used in church? What should that look like? What shouldn’t it look like?
In what ways does God “renew” our minds?
I think art should be used in the church in order to bring the community and congregation together. I think it should refrain from making a political statement on behalf of the church because then I think the art is playing a role in tension and separation. Instead, keep it focused around the main teachings and understandings of the Christian faith. It should be something that the congregation can use in order to glorify God and welcome believers.
I think God renews our minds by giving us trials, circumstances, or experiences that play a role in shaping who we are. By going through new experiences, we learn new things and gain more knowledge. I think this is a way God allows us to grow and renews our minds. New circumstances allow me to understand new perspectives.













