Building Bridges through Creative Pursuits

[bèlla]

Have you considered the possibility your creativity and hobbies are beacons of faith to the world? Can you envision the bridges that can be built through these mediums? Sharing an activity with friends and strangers can the plant the seeds He desires to harvest.

How might you use your creative pursuits to glorify God? If you are currently doing this, please share your experiences. We’d love to hear.

~Bella

 

[Dave-W]

Indeed. I have a Jewish former co-worker that comes to our synagogue to hear me play bass. In the mean time, he and his wife are also hearing the gospel.

 

[bèlla]

Indeed. I have a Jewish former co-worker that comes to our synagogue to hear me play bass. In the mean time, he and his wife are also hearing the gospel.

Mazel tov! Is he interested in bass as well? Or have you wowed him with your talent? ;-)

 

[Dave-W]

Mazel tov! Is he interested in bass as well? Or have you wowed him with your talent? ;-)

Probably more the latter.
I don't think he is musical at all. (other than a good listener)

BTW - my son and I got to back up** Marc Chopinsky a few years ago at a conference, and Paul Wilbur joined us on stage for several songs.

**Caleb on drums and me on bass.

 

[bèlla]

Probably more the latter.
I don't think he is musical at all. (other than a good listener)

That’s okay. In fact, it’s more than that. God is wooing Him through music and you are the instrument. In the process, He’s impacting his heart with His word.

Someone else might have utilized evangelism tactics and he’d be at home instead. That was the door which needed to open. ;-)

BTW - my son and I got to back up** Marc Chopinsky a few years ago at a conference, and Paul Wilbur joined us on stage for several songs.

**Caleb on drums and me on bass.

Wow, you’re really good!

 

[Dave-W]

Wow, you’re really good!

Thanks! So is my son.
And my youngest daughter is even better than him. (she taught him)
A professional musician friend of mine (bassoon player in 3 symphonies and part time conductor) said she is the best drummer he has ever heard.

(hope you don't mind if I brag on my kids)

 

[bèlla]

Thanks! So is my son.
And my youngest daughter is even better than him. (she taught him)
A professional musician friend of mine (bassoon player in 3 symphonies and part time conductor) said she is the best drummer he has ever heard.

(hope you don't mind if I brag on my kids)

Don’t apologize. That’s incredible! God’s gifting is evident. Have you considered playing together or working on a project?

 

[Dave-W]

Don’t apologize. That’s incredible! God’s gifting is evident. Have you considered playing together or working on a project?

My wife and I did a CD of original worship music about 25 years ago. I am in the planning stage of another one.

 

[Dave-W]

As to the working together part, since we are spread out from the east coast to the Rockies, it is a bit difficult. but we are going to try to make that work.

 

[bèlla]

As to the working together part, since we are spread out from the east coast to the Rockies, it is a bit difficult. but we are going to try to make that work.

That’s incredible. Please let me know when it’s published. It’s a beautiful witness and may be the beginning of future projects. God willing.

 

[Dave-W]

OK - it is quite a ways off at this point.
But you can sample my previous recording on Youtube; download it on Amazon or iTunes and get a hard copy from CD Baby.

David and Sharon Waggoner and Friends - Topic
♫ Rejoice - David and Sharon Waggoner and Friends. Listen @cdbaby

 

[bèlla]

OK - it is quite a ways off at this point.
But you can sample my previous recording on Youtube; download it on Amazon or iTunes and get a hard copy from CD Baby.

David and Sharon Waggoner and Friends - Topic
♫ Rejoice - David and Sharon Waggoner and Friends. Listen @cdbaby

Thanks for sharing the link. I’ll have a listen this weekend.

 

[Chris V++]

Have you considered the possibility your creativity and hobbies are beacons of faith to the world? Can you envision the bridges that can be built through these mediums? Sharing an activity with friends and strangers can the plant the seeds He desires to harvest.

How might you use your creative pursuits to glorify God? If you are currently doing this, please share your experiences. We’d love to hear.

~Bella

I have a Christian themed art blog with a lot of free instructional demos but I doubt I'm making any impact Christopher Vasil Fine Art

Beyond that I have probably 500 paintings that I would like to somehow use in ministry. I was thinking about figuring out a charity art auction. Maybe set up an ebay auction where the winner has to pay the reserve to some predetermined charity, like Food for the Poor, or ChildFund, and once I get confirmation that payment was tendered I could ship the art direct to the donor. I approached a pastor over email with a similar idea to raise money for the church or one of its ministries, but it wasn't received very well. I also have fantasies about teaching painting to poor kids, but that will never happen. I remember seeing a 60 minutes piece about a Chess player who coached poor kids into being notable champions.

Dave I didn't know you are musical. That's awesome.. I tried to listen to your music but it's not loading. Will try again later.

 

[bèlla]

I have a Christian themed art blog with a lot of free instructional demos but I doubt I'm making any impact

Why do you say that?

Beyond that I have probably 500 paintings that I would like to somehow use in ministry. I was thinking about figuring out a charity art auction.

That’s a great idea. Do you know anyone that can help you with it? And why won’t your idea for teaching children happen?

 

[Chris V++]

And why won’t your idea for teaching children happen?

I don't think there would be enough interest. Kids don't seem to get serious about stuff like painting till late teens. Most schools still have art departments or part time elective instruction. Plus you can find great instruction on youtube more readily. Chess would be different. I could maybe do something like that.

That’s a great idea. Do you know anyone that can help you with it?

Thanks. Not yet. I could do it locally myself on facebook or Craigs list. I could deliver the work and have them write the check payable to the charity. It costs a lot to crate and ship art, especially if framed, so I wouldn't know how to do that nationally on my current budget, unless I'd get it covered in the auction sale, but then the payment would have to be divided between myself and the charity. It's a pity cause I know of a local hospital that has raised money thru an art auction. Also a local Church hosts an annual outdoor art fair where they have painters, jewelers etc pay for booth space to sell arts and crafts to tourists. The church gets money from the booth space earnings. The vendors will donate something for a silent auction which brings in more money for the church. I used to donate a painting of the beautiful historic church itself and those always sold at silent auction. Amazon is killing the art market anyway. Search for fine art on Amazon and you'll get thousands of options for mass produced imported art sold and costs that wouldn't even cover the materials.

 

[bèlla]

I don't think there would be enough interest. Kids don't seem to get serious about stuff like painting till late teens.

Have you considered offering art lessons online? You could target homeschoolers. There’s a thriving community of young learners whose parents are looking for quality resources. As Creativebug demonstrates, art is in demand. It’s just a question of finding your place in the market.

Most schools still have art departments or part time elective instruction. Plus you can find great instruction on youtube more readily. Chess would be different. I could maybe do something like that.

YouTube serves a purpose but is no comparison to quality instruction. Most use the platform to build their network, drive traffic to their website, and grow their list to have more people to sell to.

My daughter wanted to take culinary classes. The local ones won’t accommodate her schedule. She could hunt through YouTube or select the reputable choice with access to 250 classes for a yearly fee. Guess which one she selected? ;-)

What is your end goal? Charity, building name recognition or a bit of both?

 

[Chris V++]

Thanks for the advice. I never heard about Creativebug before. I did teach a color mixing workshop on Wetcanvas once and had a lot of fun doing it and the students said they got a lot out of it.

What is your end goal? Charity, building name recognition or a bit of both?

That's a good question. As a Christian I'm supposed to contribute something to the advancement of the kingdom, and the only thing I have to offer is the art. I don't need to make a living at it since I have a career job already. I wouldn't want charity fundraising connected with my name, since that would be self serving in my case, so i'd do that as anonymously as possible, but at the same time I would like to make a mark in the art world for doing something innovative and ground breaking, something to be remembered for (who wouldn't right?) but that should be kept separate from Christian charity / ministry.
When I approached that church about a charity art auction I tried to communicate that it wasn't for self serving reasons, but I presume they didn't buy it.
If i could quit my day job and make a living wage selling art I would, but don't have the right contacts. I came up with a formula for how most nationally know pros have succeeded in fine art. They all win competitions, teach workshops or teach in art colleges, get write ups in art magazines, and have gallery representation.

 

[bèlla]

Thanks for the advice. I never heard about Creativebug before. I did teach a color mixing workshop on Wetcanvas once and had a lot of fun doing it and the students said they got a lot out of it.

You’re welcome. It’s a neat site. Creativity is a popular subject at present. You may want to dig deeper and see if you could do the same.

That's a good question. As a Christian I'm supposed to contribute something to the advancement of the kingdom, and the only thing I have to offer is the art.

Have you asked the Lord to reveal your purpose and kingdom mission?

It sounds like you’re getting in the way. You need to let the Lord order your steps. The things you’re worrying about may be the opposite of what He wants.

Anonymity doesn’t point anyone to Him. We must see godly examples in our midst. Hiding in the shadows won’t inspire other artists to step up and present their work for His use and glory.

A light hidden beneath a table reduces its effect. God uses people in the shadows and the spotlight. Before you determine which applies to your situation I’d ask Him first.

I don't need to make a living at it since I have a career job already. I wouldn't want charity fundraising connected with my name, since that would be self serving in my case, so i'd do that as anonymously as possible, but at the same time I would like to make a mark in the art world for doing something innovative and ground breaking, something to be remembered for (who wouldn't right?) but that should be kept separate from Christian charity / ministry.

My design education will cost over $150K plus living expenses. Do you think I’m eating that and won’t make a profit? Of course not!

The profits will fund operations in the US instead of third world countries. And a charitable foundation that funds projects close to my heart. I’ll be able to provide legacies to insure my grandchildren and their descendents can fulfill their purpose unencumbered.

I’m committed to philanthropy but I require more oversight and accountability. The foundation will give me peace of mind.

I came up with a formula for how most nationally know pros have succeeded in fine art. They all win competitions, teach workshops or teach in art colleges, get write ups in art magazines, and have gallery representation.

Is that the life you want? Be honest.

 

[Chris V++]

My design education will cost over $150K plus living expenses. Do you think I’m eating that and won’t make a profit? Of course not!

Oh boy I'm a little anxious for you now, not because I don't think you won't succeed, but that's a a big monthly payment even at a reasonable interest rate. I pray some of those expenses will be covered for you by external sources.

Have you asked the Lord to reveal your purpose and kingdom mission? It sounds like you’re getting in the way. You need to let the Lord order your steps. The things you’re worrying about may be the opposite of what He wants.

That's a tough one. The most clear message I ever got back from asking that was 'do the next right thing.' and 'keep climbing up and eventually you reach the summit. ' Nothing very concrete We all get little tasks He puts in front of us but I 've never had any confirmation of any purpose, unless compulsion qualifies as confirmation

Is that the life you want? Be honest.

I thought so. I've met a few of those guys. They fly around the country and abroad conducting workshops in exotic locations, sell paintings that take hours to complete to collectors or museums or corporations for tens of thousands of dollars, and get to be told how wonderful they are by the media elites and academics. lol I don't know if you've ever seen that sitcom about the afterlife called The Other Place starring Ted Danson who plays a fallen angel. One of Danson's lines about souls that end up in Hell was "Every artist that ever lived, ever. "

 

[bèlla]

Oh boy I'm a little anxious for you now, not because I don't think you won't succeed, but that's a a big monthly payment even at a reasonable interest rate. I pray some of those expenses will be covered for you by external sources.

I’m not borrowing anything. It isn’t that much when you have the resources or products to fund the venture.

That's a tough one. The most clear message I ever got back from asking that was 'do the next right thing.' and 'keep climbing up and eventually you reach the summit. ' Nothing very concrete We all get little tasks He puts in front of us but I 've never had any confirmation of any purpose, unless compulsion qualifies as confirmation

Did that relate to your art? Have you tried fasting or asking others to pray on your behalf?

I thought so. I've met a few of those guys. They fly around the country and abroad conducting workshops in exotic locations, sell paintings that take hours to complete to collectors or museums for tens of thousands of dollars, and get to be told how wonderful they are by the media elites and academics.

It sounds like you’re ambivalent about earning an income for your art and have created or permitted conditions that support the ideology.

You can’t assist anyone without the means. You can be well paid and ethical. God needs people at all echelons of society. You can’t depend on unbelievers to fund your efforts. Some might but you have to do what you can in your own stead as well. Otherwise you’re subject to their whims.

If you opt for a different method you’ll have organizations asking for donations instead. ;-)