The Calling of an Artist

Hi, friends! Today I want to take some time to share a little about something I've been processing lately. Please know that these are just my thoughts, and I have very little knowledge or experience in this area. But hopefully someone will find this encouraging.

A couple weeks ago, I came across this quote from Emily of New Moon, a novel by L.M. Montgomery (the author of the Anne of Green Gables series).

“It had always seemed to Emily, ever since she could remember, that she was very, very near to a world of wonderful beauty. Between it and herself hung only a thin curtain; she could never draw the curtain aside – but sometimes, just for a moment, a wind fluttered it and then it was as if she caught a glimpse of the enchanting realm beyond – only a glimpse – and heard a note of unearthly music.”

When I first heard these words mentioned on a podcast, they moved me to the core. Some deep, inner part of me shouted, that's it. That's me.

It feels awkward to share this very personal experience with you. However, I can't help but wonder if some of you had a similar reaction to this quote. Maybe you've always felt a little odd, or overly sensitive, or inexplicably drawn to beauty. Maybe you're on a quest to uncover the meaning in everything*, or are aware of a powerful sense of longing you can't quite explain.

I've felt all these things for as long as I can remember, even before I had the words to articulate it. At times I've been ashamed of these parts of myself. Out of a deep desire to serve and please God, I've tried to shove my artistic passions aside and focus on the more "important" aspects of my faith, such as prayer, volunteering at church, etc. Of course, these things are wonderful and vital, too. But I've sensed Jesus repeatedly calling me to meet with Him in the wild and whimsical realm of creativity.

One thing I feel like God has been showing me lately is how art has the power to awaken hope in people. So many of us feel utterly overwhelmed by fear, anger, loss, illness, and the craziness of our world. A beautiful piece of art can serve as a reminder that Light will overcome the darkness, and there is more to this Story than what we can physically see. How incredible is that?! I believe art that is formed out of a rich relationship with Jesus is particularly powerful.

Also, here's a fascinating fact: Bezalel, an artisan mentioned in Exodus 31:1-5, is the first person in Scripture to be described as "filled...with the Spirit of God".

I realize I've only scratched the surface with this topic! I hope it doesn't seem like I'm saying artists and contemplatives are somehow more special or important than other people. I'm so grateful that some people's creative talents enable them to be amazing laywers, teachers, dads, accountants, or pastors. We each have a unique and critical part to play in demonstrating the Love of Jesus. However, for those of you who strongly resonate with the quote at the beginning of this post, I hope all this emboldens you. If anything, hopefully you feel a little less alone.

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* (I just wanted to give a quick disclaimer related to this phrase. I think it's wonderful to be full of curiousity and willing to ask hard questions. I also believe it's important to accept that there are things we'll never understand, and this is where childlike trust in Him comes in. But there's beauty in the journey. :)