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About
An Artist's Look at Theology, Art, and Philosophy
Dear Tom,
Thanks for writing again-and for this unusually philosophical response to my letter! In response: my theology of art is my theology. Period. I think of God as the Artist and all human artists as eternal apprentices. Consequently, all my thinking about God involves the centrality of beauty and the act of making. As I've said many times, we were made by a Maker to be makers. . . .
Bruce
In a series of fictional letters, respected artist and educator Bruce Herman passes on wisdom to a younger generation. He explores a wide array of practical, philosophical, and theological issues, such as:
- What is art versus craft? What is good art?
- What is the calling of an artist? Of a Christian artist?
- What do you do when you're stuck in your creative process?
- How should Christians relate to the contemporary art scene?
- What is beauty, and how is it relevant in our world?
Full of personal stories and behind-the-scene looks at Herman's own artistic process, Makers by Nature also features full-color artwork by Herman and several of his former students. Artists and art lovers will find insight, wonder, and encouragement to consider the Maker's invitation to creativity, however it takes shape.
Dear Tom,
Thanks for writing again-and for this unusually philosophical response to my letter! In response: my theology of art is my theology. Period. I think of God as the Artist and all human artists as eternal apprentices. Consequently, all my thinking about God involves the centrality of beauty and the act of making. As I've said many times, we were made by a Maker to be makers. . . .
Bruce
In a series of fictional letters, respected artist and educator Bruce Herman passes on wisdom to a younger generation. He explores a wide array of practical, philosophical, and theological issues, such as:
- What is art versus craft? What is good art?
- What is the calling of an artist? Of a Christian artist?
- What do you do when you're stuck in your creative process?
- How should Christians relate to the contemporary art scene?
- What is beauty, and how is it relevant in our world?
Full of personal stories and behind-the-scene looks at Herman's own artistic process, Makers by Nature also features full-color artwork by Herman and several of his former students. Artists and art lovers will find insight, wonder, and encouragement to consider the Maker's invitation to creativity, however it takes shape.
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Reviews
"Bruce Herman has given us, and future generations of makers, an invaluable gift. Years of wisdom and advice given to countless young artists and those who care for culture have been compressed into this book. I am indebted to Bruce for what these letters teach me as an artist."
Makoto Fujimura, artist and author of Art and Faith: A Theology of Making
"'Make out of love, not fear.' 'You must unmake in order to make.' 'Time to bring out the dynamite.' These gems of artistic counsel-the antithesis of cheap praise-have enhanced the lives of students, colleagues, and friends fortunate enough to know Bruce Herman. The epistolary wisdom in this volume ensures that more lives will be ornamented with such rugged counsel as well."
Matthew J. Milliner, professor of art history at Wheaton College, author of The Everlastin