Monday, October 2, 2023

Walking on Water: Reflections on faith and art

Walking on Water: Reflections on faith and art

By: Madeleine L' Engle

Convergent Books, 2016. 206 pages. Nonfiction

In this classic book, Madeleine L' Engle addresses the questions, What makes art Christian? What does it mean to be a Christian artist? What is the relationship between faith and art? Through L' Engle's beautiful and insightful essay, readers will find themselves called to what the author views as the prime tasks of an artist: to listen, to remain aware, and to respond to creation through one's own art.

From the first page, I was gripped by this book. L' Engle has a sharp mind and a feeling heart, and she grapples with many difficult ideas, including: how terrible people can still make transfiguring art; how some "religious" art is more offensive than art made by atheists; how we can BE -- be still and notice the world around us, our feelings, and our connection to that spirit (for L' Engle the spirit of God) which allows the artist (be it writer, painter, etc.) to create their best art. She has a gentle touch with all of these subjects, and champions both the contradictions of life and religion; the power of story in religion; and the beauty of the mystery of religion. I highly recommend this book, which is rich with quotes that L' Engle spent years collecting, as well as her own beautiful and unique wisdom. 

If you like Walking on Water: Reflections on faith and art, you might also like: 

By: Oprah Winfrey
Flatiron Books, 2019. 208 pages. Nonfiction
 
Everyone has a purpose. And, according to Oprah Winfrey, "Your real job in life is to figure out as soon as possible what that is, who you are meant to be, and begin to honor your calling in the best way possible." In her latest book, The Path Made Clear, Oprah shares what she sees as a guide for activating your deepest vision of yourself, offering the framework for creating not just a life of success, but one of significance. The book's ten chapters are organized to help you recognize the important milestones along the road to self-discovery, laying out what you really need in order to achieve personal contentment, and what life's detours are there to teach us. Paired with over 100 awe-inspiring photographs to help illuminate the wisdom of these messages, The Path Made Clear provides readers with a beautiful resource for achieving a life lived in service of your calling-whatever it may be.

The Artists Way
By: Julia Cameron
Tarcher Perigee 2016. 249 pages. Nonfiction

Since its first publication, The Artist's Way phenomena has inspired the genius of Elizabeth Gilbert and millions of readers to embark on a creative journey and find a deeper connection to process and purpose. Julia Cameron's novel approach guides readers in uncovering problems areas and pressure points that may be restricting their creative flow and offers techniques to free up any areas where they might be stuck, opening up opportunities for self-growth and self-discovery. The program begins with Cameron's most vital tools for creative recovery - The Morning Pages, a daily writing ritual of three pages of stream-of-conscious, and The Artist Date, a dedicated block of time to nurture your inner artist. From there, she shares hundreds of exercises, activities, and prompts to help readers thoroughly explore each chapter. She also offers guidance on starting a 'Creative Cluster' of fellow artists who will support you in your creative endeavors. A revolutionary program for personal renewal, The Artist's Way will help get you back on track, rediscover your passions, and take the steps you need to change your life.

MGB

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