The Places You'll Go

[Heather Goodman]

I'm pilfering this question from TWV2.
What has your art and the process of creating taught you about God and yourself?
When I started on the writer's journey, I had no idea what I was in for. Even if none of my books publish, this writing thing would be worth it for how God uses it to work in me.
Thought 1: I learn more through rejections than acceptances not just because of how rejections improve my craft but because rejections force me to look at my relationship with God--the assurance of my identity, and to look at the purpose of my writing--the assurance of His call.
Thought 2: I have in mind a book I want to write, but the protag won't open up to me. A friend asked if that character is like me. More than any other character, I answered. Maybe it's an aspect of you you're not ready to divulge, she said.

[Erin]

Permission to be verbose?

My journey into embracing my creativity has been a long and winding path. I'm still on it.

What has the creative process taught me about God? When He gives us a gift, wires us a certain way, He does it for HIMSELF. Gifts and talents are not intended to be in a vacuum, God expects that every aspect of our person will interact with Him.
During college, I changed my major to art in a process of redefining myself (coming to understand who I really was, is probably closer to the truth) after some difficult bumps and bruises. You might say I was having an identity crisis. Choosing to study art and art history was my token "I'm doing this for ME and no one else" decision. Even though my future in art looked sketchy at best- I thought my only real option as an art school graduate would be to teach preschool and move back in with my parents for the rest of my days- I'm so glad I took the step of faith and chose to engage in a field of study that truly interested me.

It wasn't until 8-10 years ago though, that I began to understand that my lifelong bent toward creativity was not just a "creative gift" or "talent", but that God intends me to use my creativity as another means to communicate with Him. And to communicate about Him to others.

There have been so many times in life when spoken or written words simply fail to capture the joy, pain, confusion, worship, fury...
I find my grasp of the English language completely inadequate for the movements of my soul. Using visual imagery and/or music to relate my heart thoughts to the Lord has been something that has ministered to me greatly. And I know it brings the Lord joy to see that I am finally settling into my creative skin and speaking to Him through the language of art.


What has the process of creating taught me about myself? Hmmm... It's taught me that I am quite contemplative when I can get my hands busy making something. Craftsmanship with my hands allows my brain and heart to connect with each other and work out some of the puzzle pieces to life.

It has taught me that creating is not something I can set on the shelf and take down at will, like a hobby. I simply can't not be making something (usually many somethings). Granted, there are seasons of high yield in the studio and times when things slow way down, but there is always something being dreamed up in my head.
I have found gardening to be another form of creative expression and contemplative thought when I want a change of scenery. Something about being out in the sun, soil, and breeze... guess I'm a naturalist too.

The creative process has taught me some things about other people too, but I think I'll save that for another day. :)