I think the most important concept discussed in Addicted to Mediocrity by Franky Schaeffer is that there is no "right way" in art. God gave us all different abilities and talents, and if we express ourselves in any way, shape, or form, then we have succeeded. I think Shaeffer tries to push his readers to be different because my art may not be the same as the girl beside me. AND THAT IS OKAY. We need to accept the fact that we were designed to be different; it would be boring if we were all the same. In chapter 5, Shaeffer writes that "art needs no justification." This could not be said any better, and I think that is an important concept that we need to take away from this book. I have said this in earlier blogposts, but it is SO IMPORTANT for us to realize that we do not need other people's approval in order to be successful in art! If we create something for God, and we are proud, then there is nothing else we have to worry about. People in our world today need to focus on expressing themselves, and stop worrying about who is going to approve/disapprove of their expression. If you want to wear something different from everyone else, wear it and embrace it. If you want to get a new hairstyle, go get a new hairstyle! I am a strong believer that happier people are those who express themselves without worrying about what other people are going to say about it.
For Christian artists today, I think it is important to remember all of this because there is so much negativity in our world. There are so many people out there that are just waiting to bring others down. If we wait for the approval of people, we will be waiting an entire lifetime. Artists need to remember that God is our only judge [Matthew 7]. Christian artists in our world need to keep in mind the true goal: to bring others to Christ. So if people reject your artwork, or just do not like it, tell them thank you for their opinion and use that as motivation. DO NOT LET IT BRING YOU DOWN. If the true goal is to bring other people to Christ, then artists need to make sure that all of their artwork is leading people to Christ, not leading them away.
Also, I think Christian artists need to be different!! As Christians should stand out in our corrupt world, Christian artists should stand out just as much. Not necessarily just by their work, but also by their actions and way of approaching life. Do not just create something because you have to. Really put your heart into it and make it express who you are as a person! If you are going to take the time to create something, you might as well make sure that it reflects you as a person. If is does not express you, is it really yours?
I am so so excited for the rest of this year. The first quarter went by pretty quickly, but I still made a few things that I am proud of. The majority of my first quarter pieces were just helping me get back into the swing of things. Most of the stuff I made.. I have made in past years. But I did try out new slab bowls - and I loved them! I am excited to start new things and begin creating my pieces for the sale in December!
For Christian artists today, I think it is important to remember all of this because there is so much negativity in our world. There are so many people out there that are just waiting to bring others down. If we wait for the approval of people, we will be waiting an entire lifetime. Artists need to remember that God is our only judge [Matthew 7]. Christian artists in our world need to keep in mind the true goal: to bring others to Christ. So if people reject your artwork, or just do not like it, tell them thank you for their opinion and use that as motivation. DO NOT LET IT BRING YOU DOWN. If the true goal is to bring other people to Christ, then artists need to make sure that all of their artwork is leading people to Christ, not leading them away.
Also, I think Christian artists need to be different!! As Christians should stand out in our corrupt world, Christian artists should stand out just as much. Not necessarily just by their work, but also by their actions and way of approaching life. Do not just create something because you have to. Really put your heart into it and make it express who you are as a person! If you are going to take the time to create something, you might as well make sure that it reflects you as a person. If is does not express you, is it really yours?
I am so so excited for the rest of this year. The first quarter went by pretty quickly, but I still made a few things that I am proud of. The majority of my first quarter pieces were just helping me get back into the swing of things. Most of the stuff I made.. I have made in past years. But I did try out new slab bowls - and I loved them! I am excited to start new things and begin creating my pieces for the sale in December!