It Was Good Part 5

This final part of It Was Good, Theodore Prescott talks about identity, the Artists' identity, and the Christian artists' identity.

Identity

"...much of our identity is relationally conditioned... but their identity - and to a degree their being - changes depending on which relationship their involved in." [1] (310)

Our identity is a little messy because every single person is associated and has relationships with different groups of people or "subcultures". For example, I am associated with Christians, artists, college students, Oregonians, etc.

"For Christians live in relationship to God, and have a rich and deep point of reference regarding their own identity." [1] (310)

Lui Ferreyra
This painting shows how we are all made up of small groups and each person is different. 

There's some controversy about what's acceptable and what not when changing your identity because a person's identity can be changed to a certain extent, but Prescott says,

"While there is the possibility for real growth and change in one's identity, it is neither easy nor inevitable." [1] (311) 

Neither growth or change of our identity is easy or inevitable. A growing identity has to adapt to its surroundings or culture because as it grows and changes, the identity is adding and subtracting qualities or 'subcultures' that the identity is associated with. 

Artists' Identity

Prescott says:

 "Of course art does reveal something about the artist. One cannot create something without exposing their interests, tastes, and skills in some way." [1] (314)

Edward Gorey makes a good point that you can't always learn about an artist from just viewing their art because artists have the ability to exaggerate, distort, fictionalize, and create whatever they want.

"It's logical that artists would want their art, and certainly themselves, to be interesting. " [1] (317)

This architecture shows the craftsmanship, quality, and organization of the artists. It also shows how this could be viewed as Christian art purely because it is good and was made good (well). 

Not all art that is fictionalized, distorted, and exaggerated is interesting. Some of the most interesting paintings I have found to capture my attention are the realist paintings because the paintbrush skill of the artist is emphasized in those kinds of paintings, in my opinion. I do also believe though that artists have to exaggerate, distort, and fictionalize ideas or elements to have a strong communicative message. 

Leland Ryken affirms that "artists are free to portray the subjects they are best at portraying." [1] (320)

Christian Artists' Identity

Well, Christian art would be all about God, right?

What is Christian Art? Prescott says it could variously mean:

1) work that has obvious Christian subject matter like biblical narratives. 2) work whose worldview or spirit is Christian; and 3) work that is and for a Christian audience, to be used in some Christian way. Sometimes people simply mean art that is created by Christians." [1] (320)

"Crucified tree form" Theyre Lee-Elliot.

That is what I believe Christian art should be: Art that is made by Christians because there is such diversity in art that almost anything can have a Christian meaning or theme behind it. I do also agree with the idea that some Christian art has no obvious Christian association, but it is made with the highest of quality, which is then symbolizing the highest quality of God. 

References:

[1] It Was Good. Prescott, Thoedore.