A Very Personal Philosophy of Art

Before I start, a few things about my background: I have a degree in art and minored in English. I love everything arty: art, music, words, drama, photography, poetry, architecture . . . all kinds of creative expression. I have worked as an artist, both creatively and teaching. I enjoy visiting galleries, museums, historic buildings, and attending concerts and plays. I have a wide appreciation of visual, spoken, and musical expression.

_____________________________

According to Jesus’ Great Commission, our reason for being on this earth is: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20). This is disciple making.

Another Christian life purpose verse is 1 Corinthians 10:31. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

We’re supposed to think about whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (from Philippians 4:8).

Here’s a Bible verse about making beautiful things, in this case probably the furnishings of the Old Testament tabernacle, And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it (Psalm 90:17).

My philosophy of art is inspired by these four Bible references.

I’m noticing that, in almost all Christian art forms, the mood has drifted towards darkness, questioning, brooding, and representations of suffering and pain. Whether it’s a play, a reading, visual art, or a song, it’s evident that the fashion of the day, in Christian circles, is toward darkness. I understand that art portrays reality. And, the reality of today is not very pretty. But that’s the reality of the world, the unsaved world.

My personal opinion is that this is not the direction Christian artists need to be going. As Christian artists, our goal should be to glorify God, to attract people to Him, edify other Christians, and reflect God’s beauty in our work. A Christian’s reality should be full of hope, the sure hope, the victory that Jesus has won for us.

I don’t think for one minute we’re to be “ostrich Christians,” unaware of the problems and suffering around us. But, as artists who know the Lord, we have the answer—the answer—for this lousy world.

We should do work that actually reflects Christ.

How can we do this? 

1. Produce a positive message. Whatever the medium, make sure the work conveys something that is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and full of praise (from Philippians 4:8). If it doesn’t go in that direction, something isn’t right. I know we like to push boundaries and find new ways of expression, but there are some eternal Christian guidelines that should be followed, if we’re to please God with our art.
2. Exclude the ugly, extremely dissonant, dark, crude, weird, nude, or images of suffering or torture. They don’t help anyone’s thoughts or meditations.
3. Focus on representing Truth in our art. How can we make God’s Word, God’s attributes visual? How can I represent Truth in words, song, or melody? When someone listens to this or sees this, will they see Jesus?
4. Make it beautiful. If it’s music, give it melody and phrasing. If it’s spoken, be positive and uplifting. If it’s a play, make sure the moral tone is right and the outcome is redeeming. If it is visual art, strive for beauty of form, line, texture, and color. You can even represent Christian themes. In photography or cinema, honor God. (He made everything beautiful. Capture it!)

I don’t think every representation needs to be rosy posies and yellow light, like in a Kincaid painting. (It’s quite okay if you like his work.) I think you can use abstract art, close harmonies, surprising shapes, and communicate a wholesome, Christian message. You will certainly be different if you’re not like the world.

I believe you can ask questions, but those questions should also be answered. Pushing boundaries is okay—as long as they don’t get pushed into what the world is saying. We should be pushing into the light, towards the truth, towards the message of redemption. Our art should encourage.

We who are Christians can be refreshingly different. We can prod people to think about what’s honest, pure, lovely, and all the other adjectives in Philippians 4:8.

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us:

and establish thou the work of our hands upon us;

yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

(Psalm 90:17)

Do you have any ideas about honoring God with creativity? Please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your thoughts.