Artist Spotlight: Makoto Fujimura

Hi, friend! I hope your week is going well so far. I recently realized that although I've written a lot about stories, movies, and music on this blog, I've failed to post much about the visual arts. As I was thinking and praying about which artist to spotlight, the world-renowned painter Makoto Fujimura came to mind. Fujimura's style (according to his website) is "a fusion between fine art and abstract expressionism, together with the traditional Japanese art of Nihonga and Kacho-ga". I learned about Makoto Fujimura through his book, Art and Faith: A Theology of Making, which my mom recommended. Although I haven't finished it, so far it's been a very beautiful and insightful read.

Below is the link to Fujimura's art. Enjoy!

https://makotofujimura.com/art

On another note, one truth I've been re-learning this week is that God loves connecting with us through the things we love. Although discipline, sacrifice, and suffering are all aspects of the Christian life, God is a good Father who delights in having fun with His children. Sometimes I encounter God while reading Scripture. Other times I experience Him through a movie, hike, or song. Jesus speaks to us in countless different ways, but His Voice is always kind. As a person who can be very critical of herself, I often find it hard to believe Jesus is proud of me. Yet His grace is far vaster than any of us can fathom.

I pray that you would feel God's pleasure today, and hopefully meet with Him while doing something that brings you joy!

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"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

- Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message Bible)