Using Art for Ministry
By Sandra Joy Perini
What is Ministry Art? Simply art used for the purpose of ministry. For this article I will stick to the visual arts.
Art that is used for Christian ministry or any other ministry must connect with the viewer and make them think as well as feel something in a deeper way than a pretty landscape or interesting abstract painting. It should promote awareness of ones inner self such as needs, desires and unanswered questions. A beautiful sculpture of a person or animal can be greatly appreciated and admired but does it compel the viewer toward action or to consider a new way of thinking about something?
Ministry Art tells a story and demonstrates a truth that invokes feelings of thankfulness, comfort, security, hope, faith, joy and peace. It can also compel the viewer to rethink spiritual beliefs or convict him of his need to change his behavior or values.
To help you visualize what I mean here are some examples of Ministry Art that I have done. Other names people use to describe what I do include: God Art, Bible Art, Christian Art, Jesus Art, Church Art, Spiritual Art, Evangelical Art and one I don’t care for, Religious Art.
TETELESTAI Cross Sculpture: See yourself in the broken mirror embedded in the cross sculpture. Various sins are engraved into the silvering behind the mirror then painted red symbolizing the blood of Jesus. When the viewer sees himself in a piece of the mirror with the word PRIDE or PREJUDICE or ENVY or LYING; he is compelled to examine himself. Then he sees the nail scared arm of the Savior holding the Roman nail that was used to crucify Him. The meaning is clear Messiah Jesus died to pay for your sins and mine. The last words Jesus said on the cross are sculpted into the background of the piece: TETELESTAI (a common trade/accounting term) meaning Paid in Full or It Is Finished.
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY Tree of Life Sculpture and Drawing: This piece is a relief sculpture of a grand tree generously covered in Gold Leaf flakes. Underneath one side of the tree is a mirror with etched drawing of people in the Heavenly City with the River of Life running through it. All races of peoples are seen enjoying ETERNAL LIFE in perfect peace. They are doing things like playing the harp, guitar, sax, drums, painting, reading, swimming, flying, picking fruit and loving being with one another. Many kinds of animals are depicted but the focal point is THE LAMB and THE LION OF JUDEA. It is a joyous picture and inspires real hope. Behind the other side of the tree the viewer sees three crosses on a hill which appears to be in the distance. I wanted to express the Biblical truth: For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have Eternal Life. John 3:16
FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS Queen Esther Here I made a fine art print of my original oil painting on a surface that can be illuminated from the back. Esther is holding a torch walking into a dark unseen hallway. The painting is framed with a sculptured lattice archway reminiscent of ancient Persian architecture. “For Such A Time As This” in raised letters is sculpted directly under the frame. This verse is from the Biblical book of Esther spoken by Mordecai who told her that perhaps the reason she had been chosen to be queen was to save her people from certain extermination. Even though her actions may cost her, her own life, Esther chose to do the right thing. In front of the painting but behind the sculptured frame is a see-thru mirror. When back-lighting is on the viewer sees Esther but as it dims off the viewer see himself in the mirror. Each of us will come to a cross-road in life when we like Esther have to make a decision. Will you do what is right or take the easy way out?
I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU A sculpture of a woman sitting at her vanity. As she looks into the mirror she sees the reflection of her man leaving her, suitcase in hand walking out the door. I accomplish this visual using a see-thru mirror so when the light comes on behind it the viewer can see the relief sculpture behind the framed mirror. There is another side to this story. I used two lights and programmed a timer so they would alternate coming on and off. When the light goes off her man it comes on the other side of the relief sculpture behind the mirror to reveal the words: I Will Never Leave You. Love, Jesus. Women have had tears well up in their eyes; others react with “how could she know” when I show them I WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU and later share that they are getting divorced. These reactions I have received are a sure sign that this art work ministers to people.
I KNEW YOU Based on the scripture from Jer. 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”. A sculpture in the round having bigger-than-life arms situated on a rotating base with this scripture. One hand holds a clear glass orb with an unborn baby inside. The other hand is touching it. The obvious message is that our creator knew us and loved us even before He formed us in our mother’s womb. It teaches how sacred life is and how precious each one of us is to God. The powerful visual expression of this truth encourages people to feel loved and secure but it can make others rethink their beliefs on abortion.
Included with each artwork I create is the inspiration text for the piece on fine art paper and framed so it can be displayed along with the piece. The details of the message are explained and the truths are backed up with Biblical references.
Ministry Art doesn’t have to be as complex as mine of course but it should have a positive impact on the viewer so he or she is a little bit different after experiencing the art.
