Arguably, the most famous work of an artist in church: Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling...
I’m primarily concerned with what makes artists succeed in the the context of church and christian life… Some of us make it work: finding ways to use our gifts… Others struggle and never really find their niche…
What I’ve observed as I work with artists in this context has been pretty interesting… I’m not attempting an exhaustive list, so feel free to add your thoughts in the comments…
The first quality that leads to success is a willingness to be “commissioned.” I am working right now with an artist on some preliminary set and graphics work for a production of Godspell. It’s especially fun for me to cast vision and then let an artist go off to create… but as a leader in church, I recognize that sometimes that creativity needs a bit of direction.
A successful artist will take direction (even from a square)… This is not just the key to success for artists in the church, but it is the key for many areas of commercial art and graphic design.
This leads me to the second quality: humility.
And, wow, do I struggle with this one…
In fact, humility is the underlying foundation for the entire christian existence… It keeps us loving, prevents us from judging and makes it possible for us to collaborate.
I can trace almost every conflict that I’ve had working on artistic projects in church to my own pride.
I hesitate to say that I’m getting better, but I am working on it… This verse helps:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.
-The Bible, Philippians 2:3
The last thing that I want to mention is this: using your gifts should give you pleasure… it should be fun. Many of us grew up in church cultures that looked down upon people who took pleasure from their service, but that’s so backwards.
Your gifts come from God… He created you to be most alive when you paint or dance or sing or do whatever it is that you do… It’s ok to enjoy serving…
Anybody want to add anything? What makes artists succeed? or fail?
Wow. It's Quiet Here...
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