Art & Faith Conversations

Julianna Rubio Slager is co-founder and artistic director of professional dance company, Ballet 5:8 based out of Chicago. Her vision in establishing the company was to bring more dialogue of hope to the Chicago art scene. She serves as resident choreographer with a mission bring something significant to the audience that would otherwise remain veiled through thought provoking and breath taking dance. With their spring tours getting canceled, Ballet 5:8 is hosting online performances of their work. Click here to RSVP to their critically acclaimed performance of "Butterfly" about the Jewish artists who were held in the same concentration camp during WW2. It's available April 19-21st for viewing w/ tickets being on a pay what you can basis to help cover the wages of the dancers for their canceled season due to COVID-19. https://www.ballet58.org/butterfly

Makoto Fujimura is an internationally renowned artist, writer and speaker. He has written three books including Culture Care and has served as Presedential appointee to the National Council on the Arts from 2003-2009. His work has been featured in galleries worldwide and he continues to be recognized as a cultural influencer. A graduate of Bucknell University he is also the recipient of four Doctor of Arts Honorary Degrees.  We talk about the artist's response to the global pandemic and how beauty and mercy become essential in a crisis. https://www.makotofujimura.com  

Visual artist, Jenedy Paige, paints in the representational tradition of art and describes herself as a realist in every sense of the word. Beginning with prayer and journaling, she then paints the things she's experiencing such as joy, loss, sorrow and ambition. Her stunning imagery draws the viewer in to experience these things as well. Her book, Coming Full Circle, is a journey of loss and the healing she encountered after her son passed away from a tragic accident. Connect with her and her work at: http://www.store.jenedypaige.com http://www.jenedypaige.com https://www.instagram.com/jenedypaige/

Illustrator, Jared Boggess, joins me to talk about the reorientation of what we deem essential in response to COVID-19. We are waking up to a new normal and finding that what we need and crave is human contact, religious practice and art. These are strange and uncertain times, but how we respond will be a marker on history. Join me for conversations that draw you out of isolation and into communal thought about our humanity and basic needs. Jared is the founder of Fish Coin Press and creates evocative  illustrations that tell a visual story based on biblical narratives. He is launching a new kickstarter project along with 10 other illustrators from around the world to create scripture trading cards. Their hope is to help people engage with the biblical text in new ways no matter their doubts or religious background.  https://www.fishcoin.press https://www.instagram.com/fishcoin.press/

A meditative practice for Lent. A 5 min episode that includes a short prayer to reset our daily rhythms and focus our very breath on freedom. Included is a poem designed to listen to daily as you set your mind and heart on slower living, remembering what is most important. https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Jae Jin is an independent singer/songwriter based out of Baltimore, MD. After a relapse with a terminal illness while in college, Jae was compelled to give up everything and change the course of his life from pursuing a medical degree to pursuing music. In the last 5 years he has released four albums, auditioned for The Voice, played over 500 shows and is the 2019 winner of the John Lennon songwriting award. He has also branched out into acting and appeared on House of Cards and other independent films. Find his music on all digital platforms or visit his website: http://www.jaejinmusic.com Blog post of 15 daily reminders: http://www.jaejinmusic.com/blog/2019/1/12/15-daily-reminders-to-myself Podcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Marguerite Anglin is an acrylic trained finger painting artist based in Philadelphia, PA. She creates skycapes filled with vibrant colors that evoke mystery, wonder and inspire a spiritual connection. She once used traditional brushes but after a bout with writer's block she took a hiatus from painting. When she returned to the canvas, she used only her fingers and began to create more abstract images.  Marguerite is a trained architect by day but considers herself a visual storyteller through her art work. She has a passion to unlock creativity in everyone and hosts workshops and gatherings to teach others how to use their fingers to paint. To view her work and learn more go to: http://www.margueriteanglinart.com https://www.instagram.com/margueriteanglinart/  

Licensed professional counselor, Meredith McDaniel, talks about her new book, In Want & Plenty, releasing later January 2020. Through guided journaling, Meredith walks alongside readers as a voice of healing and an encouragement to wake up to God's provision even when life hasn't gone as expected.  We talk about the importance of engaging with disappointments or pain in order to move forward and come alive to our own unique stories. We also discuss the power creativity can have to lead to inner healing and become the evidence of our Creator's hand in our lives.  To find out more, pre-order the book and receive the pre-order bonuses visit: https://www.meredithmcdaniel.com https://www.instagram.com/meredith_mcdaniel/ The podcast: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast

Sandra McCracken is a singer/songwriter with a folk gospel sound that has a way of captivating audiences to sing along no matter the setting. I talk with her about her new collection of Christmas songs that is a mix of originals, familiar tunes and an old gospel favorite that she describes as the centerpiece of the album. We also discuss her spiritual practices as an artist and how she's developed such an honest narrative throughout her music. Her albums are available on all digital platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music Or visit: http://www.sandramccracken.com  To learn more about the podcast, visit: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast  

Sara Groves is a singer/songwriter from St.Paul, MN. She has been nominated for 7 Dove Awards and written and recorded several albums over the years. Her and her husband run Art House North, a 110 yr old church they have renovated to serve as a space that cultivates creativity for the common good.  Sara also has a passion for justice and partners with International Justice Mission(IJM) as an advocate for victims of human trafficking through her music and art making.   You can find out more about events at Art House North or find Sara Groves' music at https://www.saragroves.com https://www.arthousenorth.com To learn how to be an advocate go to: https://www.ijm.org Support the podcast at: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast    

A commissioning benediction prayer for artists written and read by host, Libby John. Artists are often undervalued or overlooked  by their faith communities and as a result don't receive the  blessing of prayer that they need. However, it's the artists who are willing to reside in the tension between the dark and the light, the now and the not yet. These are not easy places to dwell in but it's the artists who give us a language to interpret these deep things of life we don't have words for. This prayer is a commissioning and affirming of the artist's creative gifts and a benediction for wherever they may go. https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/artandfaithpodcast/ https://vividartistry.org

Host, Libby John, talks about creativity being the great interruption that shakes us awake from the numb distractions of the world. We often think of it as the other way around. That scrolling through our phone or streaming our favorite show is what interrupts our creative thinking. Instead, Libby brings to light that creativity is a gift of mercy that we need to be interrupted by in order to live transformative lives and write new algorithms of beauty for a world hungry for wonder. Facebook Instagram Patreon Music by Dear Gravity https://deargravity.net

Host, Libby John, discusses art and the promise of the new creation. With each creative act, we sow into the beauty of the earth and participate in God's promise to make all things new. We bear the distinct signature of a creative God with the gift of our imagination and creativity. It's when our imagination wanes that we get discouraged and apathetic and forget our true identity as bearers of beauty. This episode talks about our divine purpose as innately creative human beings and that there's always hope of a new beginning. https://www.instagram.com/artandfaithpodcast/ https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast  

Authors, Scott Erickson and Justin McRoberts join us to talk about their newest book, May It Be So: 40 Days Through the Lord's Prayer. Scott's powerful, contemplative imagery is paird with Justin's, distilled thoughts and prayers designed to help us become aware of our conversations with God.  Justin is an author, musician, and retreat leader. He is also the curator and host of The @Sea Podcast. He lives in Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and 2 kids. For more information go to www.justinmcroberts.com Scott is a touring painter and performance artist who mixes autobiography, biblical narrative and aesthetics to create art that speaks to our deepest experiences. He and his wife, Holly, live in Portland with their three children. For more information go to www.scottericksonart.com

Returning guest, David Taylor, professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, theologian and pastor, just released his latest book, Glimpses of a New Creation-Worship and the Formative Power of the Arts. I invited him to talk about the chapter he wrote specifically on the kinetic arts as part two of the podcast's mini series on dance and the human body. We discuss the conflict and negative perspectives church culture has towards dance and how embodying worship is essential to our God given humanity.  You can find David's book at: https://www.amazon.com/Glimpses-New-Creation-Worship-Formative/dp/0802876099/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IQ17MIZEBOL5&keywords=glimpses+of+the+new+creation&qid=1567490597&s=gateway&sprefix=glimpses+of%2Caps%2C426&sr=8-1 Read more of his writings and thoughts at: http://artspastor.blogspot.com  

Phillip Attmore has been dancing, singing and acting since age 3. He has shared the stage and screen with the likes of Hugh Jackman, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Sir Richard Harris, Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Bette Midler, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines and many more.  He is a three-time Astaire Award winner, ACCA Award winner, Playbill “Breakout Performance” Award winner and NAACP Theatre Award nominee, and he has been recognized by the sixth season of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” as one of America’s “Top 20” dancers. In addition, Phillip has appeared as a guest artist on several television and variety shows including “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, “The Today Show”, “Maya and Marty” and “The Tony Awards”. Phillip is based in NYC but travels all over the world as an actor, singer, dancer, choreographer, poet, writer, director, creative consultant and speaker. He is currently performing in 42nd St. and receiving national acclaim for his role as Billy Lawlor. https://phillipattmore.com  

Shawn Smucker is an author who hails from Lancaster, PA. He began his writing career with ghost writing and co-writing for others. His first book he co-wrote was for his aunt, to tell her story of founding Auntie Anne's soft pretzels. Eventually he felt encouraged to write his own novels as well and he released the first one, The Day the Angels Fell in 2014. A couple of books came after that and Shawn just released his latest novel, Light From Distant Stars. It tells the story of a boy grown up to be a man who suddenly loses his father which bring back his memories of childhood. The book causes you to wonder how accurate your memory of reality truly is.  It is now available for ordering, visit:  http://shawnsmucker.com/my-books/ For bonus content with Shawn, visit: https://www.patreon.com/artandfaithpodcast    

Carmelita Greco is a designer of her own line of clothing and also founder of Luz Art gallery in the L.A. area. Luz Art is a fine art gallery described as exploring the connections between culture, contemporary thought and divinity. Carmelita had a desire to create a space that could be an advocate for sacred art and dialogue. Through unique exhibitions and gatherings, Luz is able to be that for its surrounding community. Carmelita has a passion to follow God's leading in bold ways through her creativity and with what's next for the gallery. Check out the artists they feature here: https://www.luzart.com  For Carmelita's original designs visit: http://carmelita.co

Anthony Vasquez tells about the years he spent in India where he co-facilitated an International Artist Residency and worked with the organization Art for Change. Through his experiences he discovered his passion for mentoring other artists in being culture makers. Anthony talks about the daily rhythms of tea and community building through creating art alongside the marginalized and the humility it can teach us all when we share each other's experiences. His paintings reflect stunning imagery that mix reality and the unseen to emit strong emotive experiences. https://www.anthonyvasquezoncanvas.com  

Kristen Cochran is a visual artist based in Dallas. She experiments with materials she describes as antiheroic such as old work garments that have been formed to reflect the work of its owner's daily life. Kristen talks about her creative process, her versatile use of materials such as clay, copper, bread and garments and exploring the concept of work. http://kristencochran.com