Moses and the Burning Bush

Moses and the Burning Bush, source unknown

Inexpensive Signed Copy of Book, "The Art of He Qi," Now Available

Here's a wonderful and inexpensive opportunity to own a copy of the book The Art of He Qi, signed by the artist himself, who is also willing to personalize the book for a specific individual.  The book contains 57 of the artist's best pieces throughout his Christian art career and only costs $39 + $3.99 shipping.  Considering that used prices for his other book, Look Toward the Heavens: The Art of He Qi, start at $75 + shipping, I'd jump on this opportunity asap if you love his art like I do (I already own a copy of the latter book).  You can read more about The Art of He Qi on the artist's website and see some images from inside the book.

Visual Arts for Missions in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Here's an exciting promotional video that highlights Visual Arts for Missions (VAM), based in Chiang Mai, Thailand and their commitment to cross cultural art evangelism (VAM is a part of the YWAM global family of ministries).  See below for a description of the video and details about the program.

Indigenous Art for Epiphany

Happy Epiphany and 2014 to everyone!  I hope you've had/are having a blessed Christmas season.  Epiphany is "a Christian feast day that celebrates the revelation of God the Son as a human being in Jesus Christ. Western Christians commemorate principally (but not solely) the visit of the Magi to the Baby Jesus, and thus Jesus' physical manifestation to the Gentiles. Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God" (Wikipedia).  The Magi have long fascinated me, so for today's post I thought I'd share a few examples of indigenous depictions of the Magi's visit to honor the Christ child, which haven't been featured yet on this blog. Two other recent examples I've posted are my Christmas Day post and this image.  Enjoy!

Wise Men from the East by Iranian painter Hossein Behzad (1894 –1968)

Ethno arts… What’s that?

The Star of Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus,
and the Magi portrayed in the Kwoma visual language

Merry Christmas to all!

Check out this article about Wycliffe Australia member Peter Brook and his ethno arts research among the Kwoma people of Papua New Guinea.  Using photography and video Peter documents local artistic expressions, seeking to better understand world views, cultures and cultural art forms.

The article briefly explains the importance of cultural art forms and the challenge to preserve and adapt them in an increasingly globalized world.  It also defines what an Arts Specialist is, and how one's research can be used to benefit indigenous societies and the church.

2014 Indigenous Christian Art Calendars

Greetings in this advent season, as we anticipate the Christ Child's incarnation and also reflect upon the year that is coming to a close.  In anticipation of the year to come, I've found two 2014 calendars (so far) that feature indigenous Christian art.

The first is another art calendar by Missio Aachen, a Catholic Mission organization.  This year's 2014 art calendar features contemporary Egyptian icons by artist Joseph Khalil.  Each icon depicts a scene from the life of Jesus, along with text in German, English and French.  The calendar can be ordered here.

"Wise Men Still Follow the Star" by Native American Artist Jerry Yellowhawk

Wise Men Still Follow the Star, Jerry Yellowhawk

From Wesleyan Native Ministries:

Dr. Jerry Yellowhawk, a Wesleyan Native leader and Respected Elder... placed his faith in Christ in 1953, at age 18. Married to Johanna, he has pioneered new churches and served as district superintendent of the Wesleyan Native District. 

He has also assisted Wycliffe Bible Translators in providing a version in his native Lakota language. In 1995, Oklahoma Wesleyan University conferred a doctorate of divinity to Yellowhawk. 

Dr. Yellowhawk is retired now, but still preaches at the Lakota Chapel in Eagle Butte, SD from time to time, and still influences others to answer the call to minister. His grandson, Steve, is one of those who has answered the call and is now working on his Masters degree in preparation. 

“The sun is setting for me, but there are young men obeying and answering the call,” said Rev. Yellowhawk.

For a 2002 article about Dr. Jerry Yellowhawk, click here.