Welcome to Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h.

Welcome to the new e-magazine/blog for Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h., the Inland Empire's Christian fine arts organization! We hope you will find this to be a useful, enjoyable and worthwhile resource. Here are the newest items in the blog. Just click on the titles to go to the articles:

Christian Songwriters' Showcase

Introducing the Book Club

The Psalms Project--get creating!

The December Master Class: Getting Beyond Cliched Art

Fine Arts Bible Study, Part 1

Fine Arts Bible Study, Part 2

Extra Credit: How to Protect Your Original Work

Poetry Corner: Heaven's Snowflake

The Cafe (where we share interesting Fine Arts related links we have found)

Local Profile: Studio On Location

Artist Profile: John "Drumbo" French

Artist Profile: Lynn Yoder, a passion for painting

Happenings: Local announcements and things to do

Also, don't forget to vote in our poll on the right hand side of the screen and tell us what kind of artist your are! So, brew a cup of coffee, herbal tea, or whatever you like, and stay a while. This page will be updated monthly with new articles and interviews. Enjoy!

You are part of a growing group.

Strap Perfect

So, what is Artists' Work B.e.n.c.h? This is a place for Christian artists in the Inland Empire of Southern California to mix, network, relax, share, and learn. What types of Christian artists?

1. Visual arts (sculpture, painting, glass blowing, etc.)
2. Dance (performing, choreography, etc. )
3. Music (playing, writing, learning, singing, etc.)
4. Creative writing (poetry, stories, etc.)
5. Drama/theater (acting, playwriting, directing, etc.)
6. ??????

Artists Work B.e.n.c.h. is for Christian artists: simply, people who are Christians and who are also artists. Some Christian artists make art exclusively for Christians, but many use their talents in secular ways as well (writing screenplays for television, jingles, playing in a philharmonic orchestra, acting in a community theater, displaying their paintings in a gallery, etc.) All are welcome here.

Christians follow the Creator of the Universe, and therefore should be the most creative people in the world. The church has historically been the patron of great artists. Hildegard, the writer of the very first opera, was a nun. Michelangelo, Donatello, Edward Hicks, and many others made art for church and used church subjects.

But, today, Christian art is not considered "forward" or "interesting" in many circles. This reputation is well-deserved in most cases. Christian art has become a punchline. In our own little way we hope to change some of that perception.

What does Artist's Work B.e.n.c.h. stand for?
B=BUILD new Christian artists, ministries, avenues.
E=ENCOURAGE Christian artists to use their talents.
N=NETWORK with Christian artists, churches.
C=COORDINATE opportunities for Christian artists to use/exhibit their talents.
H=HELP Christian artists and help churches utilize artists.

This group is for people who fit one or more of these categories:
1.) Just starting out
2.)Being used mightily for God
3.)Frustrated
4.)Seasoned professional
5.)Curious
6.) Talented amateur
7.)Wanting to learn/improve
8.)Not sure if God can use your talent
9.)Good enough to teach others
10.)Wondering if your talent (flower arranging, calligraphy, photography, etc.) even qualifies as art.

Christian artists--unite! Let's be creative, interesting, and forward thinking enough to lead the artistic world, while still making quality pieces that reflect our worldview.

Fine Arts Bible Study 1

"In the Beginning", Rob Schouten, watercolor on paper, (c) 1987

The Bible begins with the sentence, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1). This proves that there were at least two things around from the very beginning: God, and creativity.

Creativity is the first attribute of God that is mentioned in the Bible. When asked about the attributes of God, often people will cite love, patience, light, holiness, and so on. But, how often do people forget to list creativity when discussing the attributes of God?

***Question to ponder-- Do you think creativity is an important attribute of God that should be celebrated and emulated by His people?***

Jesus’ prayer in John 17 is often summarized “be in the world but not of the world.” That phrase is thrown around by people who don’t like a particular aspect of modern culture, as well as those who want to prove that embracing most aspects of the culture isn’t actually bad.

What does Jesus actually say about the subject? He says, “I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They are not part of this world any more than I am.” (John 17:14-16). Notice that Jesus doesn’t say anything at all about Fine Arts. In fact, he is not talking about professions, talents, or hobbies at all. He is talking about focus and priorities.

People have twisted this to mean that Christians should only listen to Christian music. Music, like all arts, is neutral. It can become good or bad depending on how and why it is created, and how and why it is used. Just because an artist isn’t a Christian doesn’t invalidate his/her work. And, just because an artist is a Christian doesn’t mean that the artist should be forever boxed in by the often bland and uncreative artistic sensibilities of some people in church leadership.

***Question to ponder- How can you reconcile Jesus' prayer in John 17 with your ability to make or enjoy artistic works that are not cookie-cutter Christian?

***What are your thoughts on these subjects? Read the Bible, pray about these two questions, and post your considerate response/discussion under this topic.

Fine Arts Bible Study 2

In Exodus 32, the Israelites use their art in a way that dishonors God by melting down their jewelry and making a golden calf to worship. Just three chapters later, in Exodus 35:30-35, God commissions artists Himself, including those who are to teach art to others.

Interestingly, in verse 30, one of the artists is identified as the grandson of Hur. It’s Jewish tradition that Hur was involved in the whole golden calf incident, although as a detractor, and was killed because of his stance. God chose an artistic legacy and commissioned talented artists.

Later, in Numbers 21, God tells Moses to have a bronze serpent made and lifted up on a pole. So, even though the Israelites used a golden calf sculpture for ungodly purposes, God didn’t simply condemn all art whatsoever. In fact He taught them how to use the art correctly by commissioning godly artists and by inspiring them to make a bronze sculpture that would become their salvation. (Later, Jesus teaches that this particular bronze serpent sculpture was actually a representation of taking our sins upon himself on the cross, so not only was it a piece of art, but it was a piece of “modern” art in that it had a difficult and unobvious interpretation).

In the same way, God didn’t condemn architecture simply because Nimrod made the Tower of Babel. In fact, He commissioned the temple and taught His people how to use architecture to glorify Him.

***QUESTION 1--Why doesn't God "give up" on art despite its obvious misuse in Exodus and other times?

QUESTION 2--In addition to the golden calf story and the Tower of Babel story cited above, God specifically condemns "graven images" or material images of God Himself. Where should lines be drawn between proper/improper use of art for the Christian artist?

QUESTION 3--When answering question 2, does it make a difference if the Christian artist is making "Christian art," or if the artist happens to be a Christian but is not making particularly "Christian art?" ***

What are your thoughts on these questions? Read the Bible, pray about these three questions, and post your considerate response/discussion under this topic.