SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
Along with walking in the woods, sipping a cup of tea, or diving into deep convos with friends, we firmly believe that seeking wisdom and knowledge from other artists is of the utmost importance to staying inspired. After all, we were made to create in communion, not alone in our own wandering.
Check out some of our ongoing lists of books and podcasts that ignite our creative souls.
"Walking On Water" by Madeleine L'Engle
"The Artisan Soul" by Erwin Raphael McManus
"Called to Create" by Jordan Raynor
"Art + Faith" by Makoto Fujimura
"Adorning the Dark" by Andrew Peterson
"The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron
New Algorithms of Beauty / Art & Faith Conversations
“We need to be interrupted by in order to live transformative lives and write new algorithms of beauty for a world hungry for wonder.”
A thoughtful pondering by host, Libby John, of the role creativity plays in the midst of lives dictated by technology and stress. This is a short, yet impactful episode that explores the truth that creativity is a gift of mercy.
Creator of Heaven and Earth / The Artist’s Creed
Brought to you by the Rabbit Room creative community, Steve Guthrie interviews fantasy author, Helena Sorenson, on the importance of the unseen, seeing the same reality through different modes of perception, the presence of light and dark, and the beauty of story.
For fans of Tolkien and Lewis, this episode will resonate deep in your literary-loving souls, hopefully unleashing new revelations on the wholeness of God’s story.
Morgan Harper Nichols / Typology
A bit of a detour from our regular art and faith conversations, but fascinating nonetheless. An interview between Ian Cron, Enneagram expert and artist Morgan Harper Nichols about how our personality types play into how we emote, feel challenged, create, and find inspiration. You’ve probably seen Morgan’s fanciful, color-forward, abstract digital illustrations and poetry all over Instagram and social media.
If you’re interested in Enneagram studies (particularly around type 5, like Morgan) and how that relates to your craft, then this episode will definitely provide some food for thought.
Derek Webb – Doubt, Honesty, Art, Liturgy / The Deconstructionists Podcast
An honest interview with renowned singer/songwriter/producer, Derek Webb and his take on everything that we salivate over when it comes to creative conversation. Bask in his wise words and 20+ years of experience in the music industry.
If you are craving an honest POV on the universal struggles of a creative human and love breaking down the ‘certainty’ that religion often preaches, this is right up your alley.
Creativity and the Christian / Food Trucks in Babylon
A live studio panel discussion about redeeming creativity in the modern-day Church between a professor, pastor, and hip-hop artist.
A great listen for those artists that have felt tension or misunderstood around their giftings within the confines of the congregation. This episode is an insightful hour that ministers to both the theologian and the creative and manages to locate the sweet spot where those two tracks (need to) meet for the glory of God and betterment of the Church.
Disenchantment & The Reemergence of Wonder / Makers & Mystics
This provoking episode begs the question, ‘What does it mean to be in mystery?’ As artists we often have a leg up on the ability to delight in the unknown and experience enchantment. In a world that is increasingly devoid of that, how might artists step in and bring the population back to a state of reverence?
For the average maker and mystic, or even the skeptic and jaded, whom dare to sit in the holy space of spiritual unknown.
Creativity / The Liturgists Podcast
The first episode of The Liturgists Podcast where they take a look at creativity through the lenses of science, art, and faith. Science Mike, Michael Gungor, and Hillary McBride explore various questions around the topic of ‘being creative’.
Recommended for those that get excited over a bit of theological digging, scientific study, are primed for intrigue, and to perhaps come away with even more questions.
Makoto Fujimura / Holding Up The Ladder
An inspiring interview with renowned artist, arts advocate, writer, thinker, and filmmaker. Makoto speaks on his passion for culture care, particularly through stewarding versus competing with our surroundings. He also dives into his practice of ‘Nihonga’, or slow art.
If you’re the contemplative type that desires to responsibly care for your generation and community as a disciple and artist, this will absolutely feed your soul.
The Story of our Creativity / The Deep Place: On Creativity and Spirituality
A discussion between photographer Joy Prouty and poet Joel McKerrow, as they share the stories of their own creative journeys. We’re invited into the discussion through the reflections of how their creative practice has been shaped and carved and moulded by the events of their lives.
This episode will feed your desire to soak in honest narrative and invite you to reflect on your own catalyst moments, follow the call, and push through the fear.
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