Communicating Truth Through Art

Colin Harbinson has expressed the thoughts and truths about art among Christians, and in the church, in a way I wish I could. I'd like to share his thoughts and words here to have a place for them in my blog.

"The issue is passionately debated by many Christians involved in the arts. There are strong feelings on both sides. The question in point is whether the arts are for “expression” or “communication?” Those who are intentional about communicating truth through the arts are considered by some to be “using” art to produce a religious tract.

They are accused of prostituting art in order to moralize or evangelize. On the other hand, the Christian who does not use his or her artistic gift overtly in the cause of the Gospel is often perceived as having little commitment to Christ and certainly no heart for the “lost.” Creative expression that does not contain crucifixions, overt references to the Trinity, or portray the whole Gospel is often seen as being of little value, or at worst, symptomatic of a serious spiritual malaise in the life of the artist.

As human beings we have a tendency to move toward extremes. Truth, however, is always held in tension. When it comes to this question of whether the arts should be viewed primarily as a form of expression or communication, it is not “either or” but “both.” Artistic expression will always communicate something of the artist’s perception of reality, whether intentional or not.

When executed with knowledge, understanding, and skill, each will find a legitimate place. If we fail to recognize that fact, we will not only be impoverished artistically and spiritually, but will end up misunderstanding and rejecting each other." - Colin Harbinson (Stoneworks)

I'm heading out to get a canvas for my resurrection painting. I will sketch it out tonight and then start painting tomorrow in celebration of school coming to a close...and then the journey of making and teaching art begins.

I did buy the canvas, but I was too tired to map out the resurrection piece. I painted on the tulips for a while longer, layers are helpful with watercolor as with oil.