Even though biblical poetry frequently portrays God as the artist of the universe, as a Creator without parallel, many today seem to see the subjects of faith and visual art as separate, if not divergent. In fact, some even seem to think that Christians should shy away from the greater artistic community.
However, this is not a biblical approach, and Shorter is blessed to have a department dedicated to glorification through this avenue of expression. In fact, the creative arena should be replete with those using their unique talents to bring attention to Christ and all His wonder.
As sophomore art major Elena Harris clarifies, “I believe that God gives us all gifts that are to be used to glorify His name,” and that she therefore “thank[s] the Lord that I have paintbrushes to use, a steady hand and a beautiful world as my canvas.”
Additionally, many Shorter art students say that their faith is a major part of what inspires them to create their art.
Senior art major Jenny Pilgrim said the Lord inspires her “through His own artistic hand.”
“When I see the beauty of creation, what is is the human body, nature or even man-made things that God has given man the ability to make, I am in awe of God and who He is as an artist,” said Pilgrim.
Furthermore, sophomore Lou Blackstone testifies that her faith is, in fact, a large part of why she continues to seek art as a career.
“As a young, and progressively learning, artist, I have to go it on faith quite a bit,” said Blackstone. “From inspiration, to planning for the future based on a continually changing work field, to even finding patience in the most frustrating times, I have to focus on my faith in relation to my work.”
Visual art can also be used as a means of sharing one’s faith, as these art students demonstrate. Pilgrim says the purpose of her artwork is to give God glory.
“When I enjoy the talent He has given me and seek to honor Him with it, He is pleased and receives glory,” said Pilgrim. “My hope is that when the viewer sees my artwork that they will praise God first, certainly not my talent, because they will see the beauty of God somehow displayed.”
Ana Martin
Opinions editor
Similarly, Blackstone emphatically notes that “my work in itself serves as what I would call my ultimate form of worship. The process becomes a progressive act of worship to my Creator, who has given me the ability to create.”
Blackstone says she doesn’t just make art because she can, but because she wants to use her talents to glorify her Savior.
“Inevitably, I create with the intent to reflect the fact that I have been given an amazing blessing in the guise of talent, and it’s all that I can do to glorify God by using it to the utmost end of my abilities,” said Blackstone.
She concludes by saying, “the way I see it, worshiping through throwing a lump of clay or painting an array of colors across a canvas is the equivalent of someone else singing at the top of his or her lungs with hands raised at a Sunday worship service. My head and my heart are focused on God, and I fully believe that when I use my passions, I’m using them for Him.”
