Art Beyond Propaganda Artists long to create something meaningful and to connect with their audience, and this inspires them to create art beyond propaganda. As W.H. Auden described it, “Propaganda is monologue that is not looking for an answer, but an echo.” We as Christians are called to be in conversation, not a monologue. How […]
Imagination “The man who has no imagination, has no wings” – Mohammad Ali “Imagination means nothing without doing” – Charlie Chaplin To offer hope to this world, it requires imagination. Imagination is mysterious. We cannot observe it in a test tube. We cannot measure it in inches, or liters. Yet it is essential for a […]
Should Christians Create Shock Art? Part Two As we continue our discussion this week on the topic of Shock Art, let’s first do a quick review. In the previous blog article, we discussed how Scripture offers us a model for creating shocking art. The Bible shows how it is perfectly legitimate and a viable tool […]
Should Christians Create Shock Art? Shock Art and The Bible Many Christians have asked us the question, should Christians create shock art? It’s a valid question. And it’s important to understand the answer to the question and the history behind it. You see, at AEM we believe Christians involved in the arts should feel free […]
In the next video in our series Christianity & Creativity we wrestle with the concept of freedom and boundaries. Complete freedom is a myth. You need boundaries, structure and the ability to make choices. Your spiritual life and your creative life operate out of these same principles. This is how God designed you! If you […]
Creativity Requires Vulnerability Creativity requires vulnerability. Any time you begin to express or create something new, and present it to others, there is the hope of acceptance and the risk of rejection. We cannot take new risks and new chances in our art and in our life without being vulnerable. It is part of who […]
For the Good of the City Our city of dreams Los Angeles is built on dreams and ambition. Even back in 1890, Andres Arroyo said, “Los Angeles is not a culture. It is a commodity.” Long before the entertainment industry arrived, L.A. was selling a dream of a better life. It is probably why the […]
Depicting Evil in Art Depicting evil in art and entertainment is a given if we plan on creating honest work. Encountering evil people, movements and temptations are part of life and a part of the art and entertainment we create. Evil must be understood to be portrayed, but at what cost? If we don’t understand […]
Christianity & Creativity: Imago Dei In this second video in our series on Christianity & Creativity we discuss the concept of the Imago Dei. If we realize we are made in God’s image (Imago Dei), we realize our creativity comes from Him. The best way to understand our Christianity and creativity is to examine how […]
Stop saying artists are prophets Artists hate being labeled. Why? Labeling is a failure to see the unique, and to distinguish what is precious. For years, many ministry leaders and well intended friends have called artists prophets. This was done in the hope of affirming their gifts and recognizing their abilities. The irony of saying […]