What defines Christian Art? Lately this genre has illustrated or portrayed the principles of Christianity all the while remaining PG-13. Precious Moments figurines, Veggie Tales DVD’s, and pastoral paintings by Thomas Kinkade may immediately spring to mind. But all that is changing. Although some boundaries help, playing it too safe can stifle creativity. So what can Christian Art do better? And how can we define this genre differently? These are the questions we posed to a group of artists (who also happen to be Christian).
Sean Curran
Writer who admires the work of Neil Gaiman
What defines Christian art?
I think the main problem I see with “Christian art” is that it is annoyingly self-conscious, and attempting to somehow either force Christianity into some work of art, or else somehow attempting to define (and in some cases, redefine) Christianity through the work of art itself.
It’s forced. It sucks. I mean, be an artist, for the love of God, and let what you love be what you make.
Artists could take a leaf or two from Tolkien and start thinking of themselves as Subcreators. I think Christian art would then be much better off.
Relish the act of creation. Savor what you are laboring on. Love your work, and stop trying to get it to be some particular thing when it isn’t going that way. Let it live, and see how it grows.
More in the series: What defines Christian Art?
- Christian Art: Devoted to reality
- Christian Art: Be proactive
- Christian Art: Don’t worry about the message
- Christian Art: Love your work
