Art & Faith Conversations

Host, Libby Johnson, will guide you through a spiriutal practice that focuses on peace.  Through prayer, lectio divina style reading, and question prompts to ponder, this episode will lead you in a devotional style practice of gathering your scattered thoughts and calming your anxious heart. This is an episode you can return to again and again as a way to start your day by centering your throughts on scripture and prayer.  artandfaithconversations@gmail.com Follow Me On Instagram @artandfaithpodcast  @vividartistryco Connect with Libby and the Podcast

Andrew Nemr is an international tap artist, TED Fellow, speaker, mentor, and writer.  Andrew started tapping at the age of 3 being mentored by Gregory Hines starting at a very young age. He's a solo artist in dance, visual art and music but also travels the world as a speaker, mentor, and coach in a variety of settings and has had his life story featured in an independent film by Windrider called Identity.   We discuss a significant moment in his life when he hit a wall and experienced burnout throughout his whole body, mind, and spirit in a visceral way. Andrew shares vulnerably what that expereince was like, how he got through it, and offers insight to artists who may be close to experiencing burnout themselves.  Andrew regularly offers a 4 week spiritual formation course you can find more about and connect with him at: https://andrewnemr.com Andrew's TED Talk Libby and the Podcast  

Jaclyn Williams is a preacher, chaplain, educator, and performing artist. She is an assistant professor of the practice of preaching and chaplaincy at Fuller Seminary. She joins the podcast to talk about embodied preaching and the unique style she has of integrating her performing art skills to enhance her pedagogical practice with students. As well as her MDiv and PhD in theological studies, she also holds an MFA in theater and has a background in dance. We discuss the connections between the process of craft as an artist and the process of spiritual formation and how artists can be significant contributors to teaching formational practices.  Donate to support new episodes Sign up for podcast updates Instagram @artandfaithpodcast  Email: artandfatihconversations@gmail.com      

Mark Buchanan is a professor of pastoral theology at Ambrose University. He has authored several book on spiritual formation and rhythms of the soul. He joins the podcast to talk about his book, God Walk-Moving at the Speed of Our Soul. We discuss the spiritual practice of physically walking and how formative it is for our faith when we slow down enough to keep pace with a 3mph God. We talk about how walking affects our memory and our attention spans and rehumanizes us in an increasingly digital world.  Mark Buchanan  Order the book God Walk Donate to support new episodes Connect with host Libby John Instagram @artandfaithpodcast Email artandfaithconversations@gmail.com 

Julianna Rubio Slager is the artistic director and co-founder of Ballet 5:8 dance company out of Chicago. She returns for the second time to the podcast to talk about the powerful language of the body through dance and how it can speak in ways words cannot. We discuss misconcenptions about the body and dance among church culture and the importance of making peace with our bodies in surrender to God's work in our lives. Julianna is known for her unique ability to engage audiences in discussions of life and faith through her choreography. She has created over 50 works for the Company and School during her tenure at Ballet 5:8. In 2023 she was awarded the coveted position of National Visiting Fellow at the School of American Ballet. Ballet 5:8 Support the Podcast Connect with Libby Instagram @artandfaithpodcast  

Dr. Curt Thompson is a leading psychiatrist in the field of interpersonal neurobiology and spiritual formation. We discuss why art and artists are invaluable to understanding what it means to be human and to live a purposeful life.  Curt specializes in helping others seek and discover the intrinsic desire we all have to feel known, loved, and connected and shares how beauty and creativity play a crucial role in that pursuit. He is the author of several books such as Anatomy of the Soul, The Soul of Shame, and his most recent book on suffering, The Deepest Place. https://curtthompsonmd.com Support the Podcast Connect with Libby Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

David Taylor returns to the podcast to talk about his latest book, A Body of Praise-Understanding the Role of our Physical Bodies in Worship. Click to Order A Body of Praise We discuss our five senses as the way we experience God's closeness and grace and how artists give us language and portals to engage our senses more fully in worship and life. David aruges that the body is not merely a neutral spectator or something to overcome but that God has an essential purpose for good for our bodies in worship.  David Taylor is a theologian, author, speaker, priest, and director of initiatives in art and faith. A professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, he has lectured widely on the arts, from Thailand to South Africa. He has written for The Washington Post, Image Journal, Theology Today, Worship, Religion News Service, Christianity Today, and Books & Culture, among others. He lives in Austin with his wife Phaedra, a visual artist and gardener, and his daughter Blythe and son Sebastian. Music for the podcast provided by Gray North Contact Libby John: https://vividartistry.org Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast Support the Podcast

Jane Boutwell is an artist who describes herself as having an inquisitive mind, a heart connected to nature and a soul yearning towards God…a child of dirt and dance…a beauty bringing blessing writer… a poetic painter and potter. Her creative work includes tactile, intuitive, and deeply-in-touch-with-nature ways of being in the world. She finds her passion in a variety of creative mediums and expressions which include gardening, quilting, writing, painting, sketching, ceramics, dancing, creative coaching, podcasting, and family life with her husband and four children in the Atlanta Georgia area.  We take a deep dive into a mini series she featured on her podacst, Growing Creative, about living a life of listening and how vital it is as a practice for our creative and spiritual lives.  Visit Jane's work at: The Birdhouse Retreat Center https://www.janeboutwellstudio.com Connect with the Podcast: https://vividartistry.org IG: @artandfaithpodcast Donate to the production of new episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast  Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info  

Justin McRoberts returns to the podcast to talk about his newest book, Sacred Strides: The Journey to Belovedness in Work and Rest. In this episode we discuss the myth of finding balancing but rather discovering the tensions and rhythms in different seasons of life. We also talk about the significance of practicing a day of Sabbath and the pitfalls of focuisng on utitliy in our creative and spiritual lives. Jusitn is a speaker, author, mentor, and musician. Some of his previous books include It Is What You Make of It and the books of prayer collaboration project with Scott Erickson. https://justinmcroberts.com Donate to the production of new episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast  Or Text ARTANDFAITHPODCAST to 53-555 and follow the link for more info

Week 5 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well as poetry and scripture.  Visit Lent Week 5 to go deeper Music provided by Dear Gravity Journal Prompt Questions: What are some ways you can slow down and be cared for in this season? How might you need to re-position yourself to see beauty? Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Week 4 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well.  Visit Lent Week 4 to go deeper Music provided by Dear Gravity Journal Prompt Questions: What are some things that make you feel securely planted? What kind of a season do you sense you are becoming ready for? Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco

Week 3 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. Each Lent episode is an exceprt of a more in-depth writtten series that includes movement prayer and visual art as well.  Visit Lent Week 3 to go deeper Music provided by Dear Gravity Journal Prompt Questions: What are the main daily influences on your imagination and your senses? Take inventory for a couple of days and write down the things you devote attention to. What are some tangible daily rhythms you could work in that would cultivate beauty in your life? Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco

Week 2 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent with poetry, an embodied prayer practice and journal prompts. The audio recordings are an excrept of an in-depth written Lent series that also includes movment prayer and visual art.  Visit Lent Week 2 to participate. Music provided by Dear Gravity Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Week 1 of a series of audio meditations to guide you through the season of Lent. The audio recordings are an exceprt of a more in-depth written Lent series that includes movment prayer and visual art.  Visit Lent Week 1 to participate  Music provided by Dear Gravity Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast  

Melanie Penn returns to the podcast to talk about some of her latest music and how creative work is needed now more than ever. She describes beauty as an act of defiance against the dark times of the world and how artists play a significant role in healing from the events since 2020. We discuss the many changes and new norms we've all experienced including some big changes and loss that happened in her own life. Melanie has a backgournd in classical voice training before becoming an independent recording artist. During a career touring in Broadway musicals, she felt compelled to write her own songs and recorded her first album in 2010 which received critical acclaim. She has since released several albums including her Immanuel project in 2017 which rose to #1 on Amazon's Christian worship and holiday charts. Her most recent albums, More Alive Vol 1 and Vol 2, she released from 2020-2022. Clips featured in this episode are from Vol 2. She first appeared on the podcast in Aug. 2020 on Season 5 Episode 16 titled, "Creative Clarity" which can be found on all streaming platforms. Melanie Penn Support the Podcast More Info

Bette Dickinson returns to the podcast to talk about the inspiration for her series of paintings in her new book, Make Room in Advent: 25 Devotions for a Season of Wonder. Bette appeared as a guest on the podcast in Septemeber to tell us about the book. In this episode we dive deeper into why the Church needs to integrate more art into spiritual practices and how art actually makes room in our lives for God to speak. We discuss right and left brained church and artists as being essential workers in leading others into deeper, more meaningful spiritual lives. The book is available to order anywhere books are sold. At the end of the episode Bette leads a visio divina practice and a breath prayer. To view the painting for the visio divina, text "wonder" to 55444 or click Visio Divina Bette Dickinson The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. To support our ongoing efforts you can  text "artandfaithpodcast" to (202) 858-1233  Donate  Website: https://vividartistry.org Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast  @vividartistryco

Phaedra Jean Taylor is a visual artist exploring the disciplines of encaustic painting and watercolor. She is inspired by ideas of play, journey, memory, and belonging which we discuss as being healing concepts in her spiritual journey after being raised in a thrid generation Jehovah's Witness family. Her art making is hard to describe without hearing her incredible conversion story when she met the real Jesus for the first time while studying art in college. Raised on the rocky shores of northern Scotland til she wast thirteen, her family then transplanted to Texas, where she learned to love open spaces and quiet landscapes. She completed her BFA in sculpture at the University of North Texas, where she was also awarded the Most Outstanding Student in the Visual Arts award. She interned at the Chinati Foundation, in Marfa Texas, shortly thereafter where she was profoundly influenced by spending hours in the company of the works in the collection. Phaedra and her husband, Anglican priest and theologian, David Taylor, have been collaborating reecently to make creative liturgical resources for families and others that pair images and prayers to meditate on. https://www.phaedrataylor.com Support the podcast with a financial gift Donate The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Visit our website  https://vividartistry.org Instagram: @artandfaithpodcast

Co-authors, Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore, recently released their first book, Liturgies for Hope-Sixty Prayers for the Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between. Hear the story of how the prayers orginated as anchors of hope for their church in NYC in 2020 at the height of the pandemic to becoming a published book. The liturgies include everything from the ordinary moments of life to the dark days of the pandemic and act as guardrails to beauty as the authors descirbe it. Hear the origin story of their friendship and collaboration, the doubts and struggles they've had in their own prayer lives and don't miss the Liturgy read at the end. Audrey Elledge lives in New York, where she works at SparkNotes and serves at Church of the City New York. Audrey is the recipient of the Academy of American Poets Prize and the Virginia Beall Ball Prize. Born and raised in Louisiana, Elizabeth Moore now lives in New York, where she works at Penguin Random House and serves with the Church of the City New York creative team. To order the book: https://www.amazon.com/Liturgies-Hope-Prayers-Everything-Between/dp/0593442806 The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Donate Website: https://vividartistry.org Follow us on Instagram:  @artandfaithpodcast @vividartistryco        

Rachel Marie Kang is an author and poet releasing her frist book, Let There Be Art: The Pleasure and Purpose of Unleashing the Creativity within You. The book serves as an invitation to create right where you are and dispels the myths that art is reserved for only an elite few. She explores the ordinary acitivities of life such as cooking, play, silence, and laughter and invites readers to discover the creativity within all of us  and encourages us to create right where we are with what we have. Rachel is a NY native and founder of The Fallow House. She has a degree in English with Creative Writing from Nyack College and has contributed to Chrisitianity Today, Provers 31 Ministries and (in)Courage.  Let There Be Art is avaialbe for pre-order with bonuses and a release day of Oct. 11. See link for details https://www.rachelmariekang.com/lettherebeart Support the podcast with a financial gift Donate  The podcast is an extension of an arts collective that creates spiritually formative resources through embodied expressions. Visit our website  https://vividartistry.org

Mike Yeager, executive pastor, producer, and songwriter at Awaken Chruch in San Diego talks about thier newest project, Move of Heaven. Mike received his PHD in structural engineering and spent time in Florence, Italy studying cultural heritage and structural assessments of buildings and monuments. We discuss how his heart was drawn back to the church and then to music when the church wanted to respond to the tumultous, cultural times with writing songs.  Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning Stephen Blake Kanicka(Kanye West, for KING & COUNTRY) and mixed by David Cook(Chris Tomlin, Shawn Mendes), Move Of Heaven pushes the artistic envelope with a modern pop, sonic landscape mixed with spiritual warfare anthems, leaning deeply on faith to drive action. Find Awaken Music: https://awakenmusic.com Give a gift to support more podcast episodes: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast Follow the podcast: Instagram  

On 9/11 I was flying home to the United States from Switzerland when the pilot came on the intercom and said we'd be landing in Newfoundland due to attacks on the U.S. I share my story every year in written from so decided to put it in audio form on the podcast. It is one of hope and mercy on one of the darkest days in history. Please consider a dontation to the podcast to help continue the production of these episodes and continue to share our stories with one antoher.  Donate amount of your choice here Follow the podcast https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ To read or share the written version of the story visit: https://vividartistry.org/blog-1/2022/9/10/my-911-story Email: artandfaithconversations@gmail.com

Bette Dickinson is a prophetic artist, writer, and speaker who invites audiences to connect with God through visual parables of the spiritual journey. Bette earned her MDiv through Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and has worked with ministries like InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, World Vision, Infinitum, and Kensington Church to awaken the soul through beauty and wonder. She tells about her new book, Making Room in Advent-25 devotions for a season of wonder. Each devotion features an original painting to draw you in and fill you with wonder through a fresh telling of the Advent story from the gospel book of Luke. The book is available for pre-order til Sept. 13 which includes bonuses and a 30%off discount for the Art & Faith podcast listeners. Enter the code ARTFAITH at check out for the discount! Order the book: https://www.ivpress.com/making-room-in-advent Links for Bette: https://www.bettedickinson.com https://www.instagram.com/bette_dickinson/ Support the podcast with a financial gift of your choice: https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast or text artandfaithpodcast to (202) 858-1233 Follow https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/    

 A short seaon finale wrap up episode with host, Libby John, who shares some of the honest truths about keeping a podcast going. She also gives a commission to artists to be confident in their role as "border-stalkers" who don't ever feel like they quite fit in like artist, Mako Fujimura, talks about in his book Culture Care. Don't miss the special benediction blessing she shares at the end. To support the podcast and help continue the production of these episodes please visit to make a donation! Your support is much appreciated! https://givebutter.com/artandfaithpodcast OR you can text artandfaithpodcast to: 202-858-1233 to donate    

Gregory Andrus is a photographer, author and speaker who has a powerful story of overcoming alcoholism and homelessness. After a near death expereince, he found he'd been given a second chance at living. This became a catalyst to him discovering his artistic gifts and callings to highlight the diginity of others through sharing the portraits and stories of total strangers he meets along the coast. This project became known as Portraits of the Jersey Shore which Gregory compiled and released in a book.  He just released a second book of beautiful photography called Sand, Sea & Rescue which features the brave, young lifeguards of the Jersey beaches. Gregory wanted to bring attention to the stories of those who run towards danger to help rescue others to give them a second chance at life as well.  To find Gregory's work visit: Portraits of the Jersey Shore https://www.facebook.com/portraitsofthejerseyshore Follow the podcast on IG and please leave a kind review where you listen! https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/

Michael Gatlin, along with his wife, have served as senior pastors of the Vineyard Church in Duluth, MN since 1997. Michael is also a member of the National Board of the Vineyard movement and has helped plant many churches over the years. Before his full time career in pastoral ministry, Michael worked as a designer and also had a thriving vocation as a watercolor artist. He has walked through many highs and lows in his art and faith journey and shares a unique perspective as a pastor and an artist who continues to pursue beauty and joy in everything no matter how challenging life can be. To connect more with him: https://duluthvineyard.org https://jmichaelwatercolors.com We reference the Brehm Residency, to find out more visit: https://www.fuller.edu/brehm-center/brehm-for-artists/ The podcast and more: https://vividartistry.org/podcast-1      

Allison Davis is a writer and photographer who chose to embark on an adventure of photographing the west coast of the United States in 30 days. It was the height of the pandemic, her calendar of doing wedding photography was wiped clean and she was ready to take a risk. Fueled by passion and faith, she set out to capture all that she could with her camera in a 30 day trip along the west coast. Not knowing what each day would hold, she found herself bearing wtiness to unfathomable beauty all along the way. She encourtered endless wildfire smoke, high winds on the edge of cliffs, sun breaking through the darkness and countless other captivating moments. She's compiled them all into a book called, Revealed at the Edge, which is available to pre-order and includes prayerful meditations as a compantion to the stunning landscape images.  To find more out more visit: https://www.revealedattheedge.com https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/revealedattheedge/west-coast/ https://www.AllisonDavis.co To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit: https://vividartistry.org  

Ryan Diaz is a writer, a poet and a theologian from Queens, NY. He  talks about the deep well of cynicism he had found himself in even though he had been active in the church most of his life. It was his return to reading and writing poetry that revivied him and awakened him to the awe and wonder of God all around him. Ryan is an award winning writer, poet, and theologian from Queens, NY. He holds a BA in History from St. Johns University and is completing a MA in Biblical Studies. His writing has appeared in publications such as Transcendentals, Dappled Things, Ekstasis, and Premier Christianity. His first poetry book, For Those Wandering Along the Way, debuted in 2021.  You can find his book at https://bookshop.org/books/for-those-wandering-along-the-way/9781666716559 To connect with the greater work of the podcast visit: https://vividartistry.org Follow us on social media https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/     

Hosts, Joy Ike and Libby John, wrap up 2021 with reflections on the year and how things have gone. They then each share a few of their favorite things they've been enjoying recently which range from a favorite album or podcast to a favorite food or spiritual practice. Links to favorite things shared in the episode: Sara Groves New Album Being Known Podcast by Curt Thompson Alaya Naturals Collagen & Biotin Commoners Communion Prayers & Podcast The Podcast: Contact the podcast Music Provided by Dear Gravity: Music for the Podcast       

An audio contemplative meditation on Advent with scripture reading, reflection and poetry. "Into the Darkness" reflects on the dark or desert places we find ourselves in, waiting for God to answer our prayers. Through this Advent meditation, we are reminded that we are witnesses to the light and the darkness has not overcome it.  Poetry by Madeline L'Engle "Into the Darkest Hour" Music provided by Dear Gravity https://deargravity.net Join our mailing list to stay connected to the podcast https://vividartistry.org

Matt Tommey is an author, mentor and woven sculpture artist based in N. Carolina. He teaches and leads visual artists through his mentorship program, The Thriving Christian Artist, where they gain skills in their craft and business but also in co-creating with the Holy Spirit. in his new book, "Prophetic Art", he talks about what prophetic art is, some misconceptions about it and simple ways to invite the Holy Spirit into the creative process. https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/what-is-prophetic-art.html Prophetic Art Book Art & Faith Conversations Podcast    

Josh Tiessen is a visual artist based in Ontario Canada. He has coined his style as narrative hyperrealism and often juxtaposes animals in abandoned remnants of human civilization to highlight irony and parody, the hallmarks of postmodern art. As a teenager, ranked among the world's foremost realist artists, Tiessen was juried in as the youngest member of International Guild of Realism, Artists for Conservation and Society of Animal Artists, elite groups of the top nature and wildlife artists worldwide. As a young adult, Art Renewal Center designated him “Associate Living Master,” and New York based gallery Jonathan LeVine Projects awarded him First Place from 2000 artists in their international competition Search for the Next Great Artist. LeVine presented the emerging artist's debut international solo exhibition in May of 2019. His thematic body of work titled, "Streams in the Wasteland" exhibited in 2019 and is now available in its entirety in a hardcover monograph book. Each painting has an original score of music composed by his brother, Zac Tiessen, and is included with the book or available to listen on Spotify and Apple Music.  https://www.joshtiessen.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/0995333726?ref=myi_title_dp Support the podcast and learn more at https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Carolyn Arends is a singer/songwriter, speaker, author and teacher. She also serves as Director of Education at Renovarè Institute, founded by Richard Foster who authored the transformative book, Celebration of Discipline. Carolyn joins the podcast to talk about two new recent albums she just released, stories behind the songs and how her art has been spiritually formative over the years as her roles evolved from music to writing and teaching as well. Carolyn shares some fun stories from her past music touring with Rich Mullins and her early career in Christian music and she offers deep insight on how artists can continue to co-create into the future with God. To find out more about her work and Renovarè visit: https://www.carolynarends.com https://renovare.org To support the production of these episodes visit: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Justin McRoberts is an author, speaker, artist and creative coach. His newest book, It Is What You Make Of It, is about creating something great with what you've been given rather than accepting circumstances as they are. Justin has authored several books including his prayer book collaborations with illustrator, Scott Erickson which was featured in Season 5 episode 1 if you'd like to hear that interview. For more information on Justin's work visit: http://justinmcroberts.com For a bonus clip of this interview visit: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast 

Ekstasis is a digital and print publication where art meets academia and kingdom meets culture. Conor Sweetman, founder and senior editor, describes the vision behind Ekstasis as publishing work that slants toward the triumphant and glorious aspects of life in Christ, framed through life, the arts and literature. Ekstasis was recently acquired by media organization, Christianity Today, which Conor is excited about and he bases the aesthetics of the publication on the work of Beautiful Orthodoxy, as defined by Christianity Today.  To read essays and order print copies of Ekstasis visit: https://www.ekstasismagazine.com https://www.instagram.com/ekstasismagazine/ To connect with the podcast find us on IG https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ Or visit us: https://vividartistry.org/podcast-1

Scott Sauls is a pastor and writer who talks about making Christianity beautiful again by responding to the world with the gentleness of Christ rather than perpetual anger and divisiveness we see in culture. Scott has served as a pastor to many artists while leading Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, TN as well as during his years he served at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. We talk about the pitfalls of Christian celebrity culture, the tortured artist syndrome and also his newest book, A Gentle Answer. To find out more about Scott and his writings visit: https://scottsauls.com Connect with the podcast on IG or Patreon: https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Andrew Lazo joins the podcast to talk about community, creativity and what he's learned from C.S. Lewis and the historic, literary group the Inklings. We also discuss why the Narnia books are some of Lewis's most mature works and how the deep friendship between Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien influenced them both greatly in their faith, writing and creativity. Andrew Lazo is an internationally-known speaker and writer specializing on C.S. Lewis and the Inklings. Andrew earned his Masters in Modern British Literature from Rice University where he was a Jacob K. Javits fellow in the Humanities. He is a frequent speaker around the U.S. and U.K. and has written several articles on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. In 2009, Andrew published Mere Christians: Inspiring Encounters with C.S. Lewis. In 2014 he also was honored to transcribe, edit, and publish a previously unknown book of C.S. Lewis,’ “Early Prose Joy,” which was Lewis’s very first spiritual autobiography. Andrew currently attends Virginia Theological Seminary preparing for priestly ministry in the Episcopal Church. He also serves as a Distinguished Lecturer while concurrently pursuing his doctorate in the Romantic Theology program at Northwind Seminary. You can find out more about his work on his website and also hear him regularly on the Pints with Jack podcast. http://www.mythoflove.net Connect with Art & Faith Conversations: https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ https://vividartistry.org

Sho Baraka is a recording artist, performer, activist, and writer. He joins host, Joy Ike, to talk about his new book on the power our creativity has on repairing a broken world. The combination of his academic history and music career brings a unique perspective to the exploration of faith, creativity and justice.  Sho has served as adjunct professor at Wake Forest School of Divinity and was an original member of the hip hop consortium, 116 Clique with Reach Records. His book, He Saw That It Was Good-Reimagining Your Creative Life to Repair a Broken World, is available for pre-order and releases on May 18th. https://www.barakaology.com Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Christine Hiester is a spiritual director, artist and musician. She describes spiritual direction as more of a companionship and a journey of deep listening alongside another person in the presence of God. She talks about how she came to spiritual direction through the avenue of art making when she experienced a deep depression and felt like the ability to pray was torn from her. We also talk about when and why it's a good to seek out spiritual direction. This episode concludes with a 5-6 minute guided prayer meditation on our identity as the Beloved. For details on Christine's upcoming mini retreat May 29th, connect with her through her website or Instagram. https://www.shapingtheriver.com https://www.instagram.com/shapingtheriver/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Songwriter, Andrea Sandefur, joins me to talk about a role she felt called to as an encourager and caretaker of the creative souls of her church. She tells the story of when and how she felt called to that role and how she carries that out with an artists event she helps curate at her home church in Wasilla, Alaska. Andrea is a songwriter and also a contributing host to Theophany Media's podcast called "Creatively Christian." Learn more about her work at: https://andreasandefurmusic.com https://theophanymedia.com/creativelychristian/ Art & Faith Conversations is listener supported. To give a one time financial gift or ongoing support of as little as $2/month to help keep these conversations going visit: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Contributing host, Joy Ike, talks about the freedom we find in the giving away of our creative gifts and the risk that it takes to realize we don't need to hoard the things we've been given. She says, "you can't add to what you have when your default is to bury it in the ground and protect it from the world."  Joy is a music artist from Philadelphia. NPR's All Things Considered describes her work as poetic and perfectly complemented by a unique blend of neo-soul, with just the right dash of pop. Joy is also an artist consultant and coach and helps others develop their unique voice in their craft and career.  Visit her website to view her work. https://www.joyike.com Connect with her: Instagram: @joyikemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyikemusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joyikemusic Spotify: https://spoti.fi/34WhzXK email: joyikemusic@gmail.com   Join the podcast community: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Guest host, Joy Ike, joins the podcast with an episode about sound and how it affects the clarity of our vision. She states, "The noisier things get, the harder it is to see." She shares her thoughts and questions about the power of sound, including music, and how the things we hear can either distract us or re-orient our focus.  Joy is a music artist from Philadelphia. NPR's All Things Considered describes her work as poetic and perfectly complemented by a unique blend of neo-soul, with just the right dash of pop. Joy is also an artist consultant and coach and helps others develop their unique voice in their craft and career.  Visit her website to view her work. https://www.joyike.com Connect with her: Instagram: @joyikemusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joyikemusic/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/joyikemusic Spotify: https://spoti.fi/34WhzXK email: joyikemusic@gmail.com   Join the podcast community: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Visual artist, Merna Liddawi, started out as an educator in math and science but turned to painting in her adult life. Now a full time artist, she describes her work as creating a contemplative space of stillness and beauty through sacred geometry, symbolism, and the use of pure elements and materials. Born in the Middle East in Jordan, she draws on her Orthodox roots to connect her work and her faith as she continues to explore the divine mysteries of life. https://www.mernaliddawi.com The podcast is an independent, listener supported production. Join the community and help continue these conversations: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Hannah Anderson is the author of several books with Turning of Days: Lessons of Nature, Seasons and Spirit being her fourth release. It's a collection of devotional essays and illustrations described as a respite for our restless, disoriented, and fatigued world. Hannah's poetic way with words paired with her husband, Nathan's detailed illustrations, readers are invited into the natural world to slow down and reflect on nature's testimony about who God is.  You can pre-order the book through the link: https://www.moodypublishers.com/turning-of-days/ Learn more about Hannah's work: https://www.sometimesalight.com  

Maria Fee is a painter who works with paper, canvas and paint to create work that explores fragmentation, cultural mixing referred to as mestizo, alienation and hospitality. She is the director of the national artist residency program at Brehm Cascadia which is part of the Brehm Center of Fuller Seminary. We talk about the residency and the need artists have for the church but also the  need churches have for artists and why. Find out more about Maria's work at: https://www.mariafee.net Music provided for this episode by Greg LaFollette.  

Caroline Cobb is a singer/songwriter who's music has been compared to the likes of Rich Mullins, Andrew Peterson and Sandra McCracken. Her newest album release, A Seed, A Sunrise, is full of songs that shape the upcoming season of Advent. Through imagination, artistry and poetic language, Caroline tells biblical narratives through her storytelling style of writing. Although these songs were recorded before the upheaval of 2020, we talk about how they seem to be a timely piece of art that pushes back the darkness. We talk about the creative process behind her writing, how stories through songs shape us and the life goal she set in 2011 that served as a catalyst for her future in music and the albums that would follow.  https://www.carolinecobb.com To connect with the podcast follow on Instagram or Facebook @artandfaithpodcast To give a financial gift to support this independent work: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast      

Author, Diana Oestreich, is a Iraq War veteran who served as a combat medic in the Army National Guard. She's an activist, sexual assault nurse and the key relationships officer at Preemtive Love, a global relief organization working to end war. Her new book, Waging Peace, is her story of going from soldier to peacemaker when she heard God's call for her to love her enemies in the most unlikely place: the battlefield of Iraq. We talk about how the art of writing and story telling has helped her heal from war trauma. Her stories have also been able to serve as a bridge to connect others across their political, ethnic or religious divides. Diana is available to speak at your group or visit your book club. Learn more by visiting her website: https://www.dianaoestreich.com To order her book https://www.amazon.com/Waging-Peace-Soldiers-Story-Putting/dp/1506463703/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=waging+peace&qid=1604070156&s=amazon-devices&sr=1-1    

Kathleen Hudson is an oil painter based in Lexington, KY who creates landscapes in her studio and en plein air. Her style is influenced by close observation of fleeting and beautiful moments  in nature which she hopes to capture in her paintings and leave the viewer with a sense of longing. To pre-order Revelations of the Artist book https://www.artserveint.org/rota Visit Kathleen's website https://www.kathleenbhudson.com  

Karisa Keasey is a studio artist who aspires to bring about change through her work. She is most known for her recent book, "When You Can't Go Home", the story of 10 refugees and their families along with 30 portraits. For every book sold, 50% of the profits goes to World Relief to help the efforts with refugees.  To pre-order Revelations of the Artist book https://www.artserveint.org/rota To visit Karisa's website https://karisakeasey.com  

Matthew Bird is is an award winning watercolor artist, illustrator, designer and teacher. Matthew has five children's books published and his paintings have been used as greeting cards for The Smithsonian Institution, National Geographic, the National Audubon Society, and the National Wildlife Federation. He paints still life and seeks to find beauty in the ordinary through his work. To pre-order the book https://www.artserveint.org/rota Visit Matthew's site https://matthewbird.com

Jennie Kimbrough is a visual artist who works in acrylics and encaustic with mixed medium elements. Through her work she dives into questions about communication with God, living in a broken world and the contrast of our temporal nature of our bodies to the eternal nature of the soul. Through layering of transparent materials she suggests space, the passage of time and the fragility and ephemeral quality of her subject matter.  To pre-order the book https://www.artserveint.org/rota Visit Jennie's website https://www.jenniekimbrough.com

Lori Putnam is a Contemporary American Impressionist who sees harmony, rhythms, patterns, color and shapes as her subject matter. She has served as an Artist Faculty Demonstrator for the Annual Plein Air Convention for six years and has been a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at many notable events. Lori teaches to sold out workshops and has received numerous awards and accolades for her work.  To pre-order the book https://www.artserveint.org/rota Visit Lori's website https://loriputnam.com