Resources
Occasionally people get in touch to say they’re also exploring how to think about art from a Christian point of view. So I thought I’d put together a list of resources that have helped me.
Books
(Apparently, if you buy these by clicking on the pictures, Amazon give me money. Just thought I should be up front about that…)
Imagine by Steve Turner
This book basically changed my life. As I started to develop an interest in art and culture alongside my growing Christian faith, I had no idea how they’d fit together, or even if they could. Steve Turner’s answer is an emphatic yes. Turner gives a great introduction to the ways Christians have approached the arts over the years, and he explores why they play such a small part in evangelical Christianity. And he suggests that Christians should not just copy the art and culture made by the world, nor should they simply paint pictures of Jesus. Rather, they should be involved in creating the best art which communicates the truth about reality with integrity. This is an easy read and a brilliant starting point for thinking about a Christian approach to the arts.
Art & Soul: Signposts for Christians in the Arts
by Hilary Brand and Adrienne Chaplin
In many ways, this book has a similar aim to Imagine, but in a more indepth way. The book really presents a vision for the way Christians in the arts should think about their work, and how they can communicate the truth through their work. Art & Soul leans heavily on Calvin Seerveld (he’s quoted A LOT), and it was this book that introduced me to his work. A must read for Christians seriously engaging in the arts, whether producing art or engaging with other people’s.
Websites
The L’Abri Ideas Library – a treasure trove of great talks from L’Abri, which was set up by Francis Schaeffer to help people to find honest answers to honest questions about life and faith. Basically everything will be good, but look for anything by Andrew Fellowes or Ellis Potter, and Wade Bradshaw’s excellent lecture on Marcel Duchamp.
Interface Arts Graduates (soon to become Morphe Arts) – some excellent former-colleagues of mine who support Christian graduates working (or hoping to work) in the arts.
