Reading Response #2.5
🔍Thoughts on Imagine (p. 17-30)
I’m really excited to read more out of this book. I’m very curious to understand more about how Christians should incorporate their faith in their work in a way that accurately represents their worldview and still engages with the culture. Steve Turner’s observations about how “Christian art” is viewed by the world really resonated with me. I’ve definitely noticed how “Christian art” seems to be limited to the narrow Christian subculture, and doesn’t have much effect on the overall culture (18, 20-21). (That needs to change!) I’ve also noticed the general lack of role models when it comes to well-known Christian artists––thus leading to the implication that Christians can’t create good, relevant art, and/or that it is wrong of them to try (22). (Though I must say, I know of dozens of good Christian songwriters and singers. I think today’s Christian artists are getting better about crafting music in a way that non-Christians can engage with.) As far as the rest of the Christian artist population goes, I want to see us joining in the discussion that our pop culture is initiating.
I agree with Turner when he says that he doesn’t think art should be made to convert people (29). I feel like I can respect Christian songs, literature, movies, etc. more when they aren’t trying to force-feed people Christianity, if that makes sense. I love artwork produced by Christians that start discussions and challenge ideas by subtly planting seeds of ideas and thoughts in people’s minds. That’s the kind of art I want to produce, something that makes people pause and see the world in a different light. I want to see Christian artists sharing their views through their art, but still being respected by the culture for their integrity, character, and excellent work. I don’t like this hiding in the Christian corner thing, having no impact on the world. I think God made artists to create, and that our identity as Christians should permeate our lives and alter our work, setting us apart. But I also think that can be more challenging to do through fine art and image-related art than it is through writing and music.
🔍Thoughts on Emerge (p. 9-18)
First of all, the fourth introduction made me laugh. I love Don Perini’s sense of humor.
I’m eager to read more to discover how to live a creative life. Pereni claims that creativity “takes discipline and hard work,” and that it’s not a “genie in a bottle.” He also says that it takes “determination, process, and good habits to come up with great results.” I think both of these are accurate. I could totally relate with his description of his awkward board meetings where his colleagues expected him to produce creative solutions instantly. I’ve never been to a board meeting, but school has offered me enough experience to know that creative solutions aren’t always instantaneous. I can also understand how good, creative results––ultimately a creative life––requires determination, discipline, and hard work. It’s not always easy to summon inspiration or practice creative skills. It takes hard work! I’m eager to see how Perini incorporates Christianity in the process of leading a creative life. I’m really hoping both Imagine and Emerge change me as an artist and broaden my understanding of what it means to be a Christian artist.
🔍Thoughts on Liu Xiaodong’s interview
The explicit subject matter in some of Lui’s work leads me to believe that he is not a Christian, so it’s interesting to hear his view of Jesus. He finds Jesus to be the ultimate role model for artists, because Jesus “transcends himself.” Liu believes that one of the roles of an artist is to help others transcend themselves through art. To be honest, I’m not sure what he means exactly, and I’d love to discuss his views further.
Liu also believes that artists have the unique ability to break national boundaries. Artists maintain a kind of innocence, because all they can do is imagine and show others their unique views through their work. I kind of like this view of artists, because it centers on the fact that art, like music, is universal, despite language barriers and political differences.
📷Image Above:
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