Christian Artwork

The Christian artwork I now create is becoming as varied as the multiple media I enjoy working in. Without meaning to thumb my nose at art advisers who recommend creating a consistent body of work, my artwork is frequently only unified by content and theme, rather than media or technique.

As you know from reading much of this site, I shy away from making "Jesus pictures". Others may choose to do it differently, and I respect that. However, I attempt to approach the creation of each work of art as a fresh opportunity to

  • testify to the faithfulness of God to me
  • to speak to others, who may not as yet be familiar with His goodness
  • to express my gratitude for blessings too numerous to count, or
  • to simply revel in the exquisite beauty of the world that He has created.

In this attempt, I may not be expert or polished, but I do know that with God's participation and help, I will improve. There is so much joy in the journey, that even the process of growing, as I create Christian artwork is becoming a source of continued delight.

In the Cool of the Day
Mixed Media Relief Sculpture
Sara Joseph

In the Cool of the Day, Mixed Media Sculpture, Sara Joseph

"In the Cool of the Day" is inspired by the conversations Eve must have enjoyed with God - communing spirit to Spirit, in the cool of the day, before sin corrupted that communion. Thankfully, Jesus restored it. I can now commune with God in the cool of the day!

I find that much of what I create invariably resonates with the words of the Bible that I devour in my daily quiet time. The Word in me, often unconsciously, finds expression in the work that I do.

In the past I deliberately set out to create Christian artwork. Now the attitude of reverence and worship, with which I approach the process of art, forms the framework within which each piece is created. I see Christian artwork as a visual manifestation of the Scripture where Jesus assures us that "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; ...... for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." Luke 6:45

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak - except that for artists, much of that speaking is visual communication. Out of that abundance my brush paints and clay takes shape.

All creation of art is visual speak, reflecting a world view, flowing out of a full human heart, which has either filled up on all that God considers good, or with other content. Some of it may be trivial and empty, some vain, or some what God calls evil. Of course, with the shifting shadows of contemporary morality, God's changeless, eternal values can only be gleaned from the Bible.

For those of us who esteem the Bible, God's promise of abundance in our communication, whether verbal, visual, in music or dance, or whatever form of creative expression, is a beautiful promise to trust. I have proven its efficacy in my life repeatedly. You can trust that if He honored it for me, He will for you too!

If you, like me, want to expend yourself in a lifetime of creating varied and expressive Christian artwork, simply feasting on the abundance of God's word will accomplish that feat. It will keep us from drying up, burning out, or being creatively dull.

Somehow God's Word, which we've repeatedly proven to be powerful and alive, when treasured and stored up, will accomplish the task of bursting forth from us in an abundance of creativity and productivity.

Of course, merely reading God's word is not the same as obeying it. In the very next verse in Luke 6, Jesus points out the distinction. "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?" Doing what He commands grants Him Lordship over our endeavors. It brings about His blessing for us and for everything we create. He will never force His lordship over us. He stands at the door and knocks. Only our letting Him in will result in authentic fruitfulness and productivity.

Lily of the Valley
Mixed Media Sculpture
Sara Joseph

Lily of the Valley, Sara Joseph

"Lily of the Valley" is a playful exploration of one of the titles of Jesus from the Song of Solomon.

The possibility of spending my lifetime in such creation of Christian artwork, as a response to God and His living Word, thrills me. Does it do the same for you?

The treasures of the Bible are bottomless, as the Psalmist so aptly put it Ps: 119:96
"To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless."

We have much to explore as a result of His changing, growing Word in us. Our obedience will cause it to root and become firmly established in our lives as truth.

But it will do more! We can also count on it spilling out as meaningful, satisfying expression in whatever media we prefer. Christian artwork created this way will be a unique visual language speaking silently, nonverbally, but powerfully from walls and niches, in quiet and busy places, in sacred venues and common places, everywhere art could be found.

It will be as distinct and unique as you are, since your life is different from mine. and God's working in yours different from His shaping of mine.

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