My Art-Making Manifesto

1. We’re made to reflect God’s creativity.

   I believe every person is an image-bearing soul. Since God is the ultimate Creator, that means we’re made to reflect His creativity. So I believe creativity isn’t for a select few… it’s for everyone!

2. Art is an opportunity to enjoy and glorify God.

   I recently learned about Bach signing his compositions with the letters “S.D.G.,” which means soli Deo gloria - for God’s glory alone.
   
   I believe the best art is made from a heart of worship, like Bach’s. I pray my art draws me closer to God, and that it points others to Him too.

3. Prayer is essential for my art practice.

   Overcoming creative resistance is hard! Like Andrew Peterson says, “If you’re called to speak light into the darkness, rest assured the darkness wants to shut you up.”
   
   I feel it so much whenever I pick up a pencil or paint brush or just think about making anything… that little “who do you think you are?” voice in my head. I need God’s help every step of the way, which brings me to something else Bach wrote on his compositions - “J.J.” It stands for Jesu Juva, Latin for “Jesus, help.”
   
   Talk about the absolute best way to get started on anything.
   
   Jesus, please help me to always call on you for help! Amen.

4. Every piece of art is an Ebenezer Stone.

   Every drawing, painting, and vessel is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. He helps me put to death my self-worship and reminds me to rest in His ability to use imperfect things for His glory.

5. God delights in my art.

   …no matter how bad it is!
   
   Like a loving earthly parent, I think God delights in my delight. He watches me soaking in His creation and toiling away to make something that reflects the beauty He’s created… and I believe He is absolutely delighted, regardless of how horrible my final product may be.
   
   I’m forever grateful to serve a Heavenly Father who delights in and strengthens my feeble efforts to glorify Him.

6. Theology fuels creativity.

   God is THE Creator. The more I know Him, the more I thrive in the creativity He’s given me.

7. KNOW GOD | MAKE ART

   The more I know God and study His Word, the more I enjoy Him. Art is one of the gifts He’s given me to enjoy and glorify Him.
   
   I can paint, draw, make pottery, and embark on any creative endeavor knowing that my identity lies not in the outcome of my efforts, but in Jesus Christ, my Savior.