A podcast exploring Art and Faith through conversations with artists and believers. We aim to deepen our Theology of Art together, and put a spotlight to the incredible work of Christian artists both locally and across the country.
~Soli Deo Gloria~
Intro/Outro Music:
Song:Just a working Day by Kathrin Klimek. Source:Free Music Archive. License type: CC BY
In this episode Jon and Nate have an honest (and slightly chaotic) discussion about the complexities of a relationship with God, and provide an update about what's next for Artists of the Way!
In this episode Jon and Nate discuss various popular Christ-Figures in storytelling, and the concept of the "Christ-Figure" itself and the merits of such a character. What is it that makes a Christ-Figure a Christ-Figure? Can any character live up to that title? Or are we meant to catch these glimpses of Christ in many characters?
In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Alexis De Weese about the relationship between artists and the digital world, and how we can pursue hospitality and health in an age that increasingly seeks to dehumanize us. Alexis De Weese has created marketing strategies for million-book bestsellers and even NBA All-Star champions for the past decade within the publishing industry. Lex works as the senior marketing manager with Zondervan Reflective, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. She researches ...
In this episode Jon and Nate discuss works of art and artists whose art rings with the Kingdom of God. They read excerpts, discuss how they resonate with them, and how we as Christians and artists can keep the Kingdom of God present in our art. *Unfortunately our video recording was corrupted, so this is an audio only episode.
In this episode Jon and Nate chat with Dawn Day. Dawn has been a mime for 40 years, and involved in performing arts for most of her life. We discuss her experience getting into mime, why it matters, and what it takes to pursue that art form. Dawn has trained with the Betsy Herskind School of Ballet, Mimeistry International, Push Physical Theatre, and was mentored by Pris McDonald, and has worked Silent Light Mime Ministry, and her own solo Mime Ministry.
In this episode Jon and Nate discuss the value of simplicity in our faith and art, and how that intersects with humility and being present with God and with those around us.
In this episode Jon and Nate invite Christine Hall back to the podcast. They discuss how theatre affects our mental health, and Alive Theatre's next production, Pride & Prejudice, performing June 20th - 28th. To find out more about Alive Theatre and Christine's work you can follow them on Facebook or Instagram ....
In this episode Jon and Nate discuss Jon's favorite film of 2024, Conclave, and how it depicts the church, approaches faith, doubt, and mystery, and how we can be discerning in the art we intake.
In this episode Jon welcomes a new co-host, his friend Nate Knobloch. In this episode they begin a discussion around their favorite films from 2024, beginning with The Wild Robot, it's depiction of parenthood, and what is says about our relationship with God's creation.
In this episode Jon invites his friend Walt Williams onto the podcast to discuss his recent return to theatre and God's provision for Master Arts Theatre in the last year.
In this episode Jon invites his friend Nate Knobloch back onto the podcast to discuss myths, fantasy, and fairy tales, and how this unique genre allows us to engage with mystery, beauty, and deep truth in a distinct way.
In this episode I invite my friend Nate Knobloch back on to the podcast to chat with me about what gratitude means to us as Christians and as artists.
In this episode I discuss the importance of servanthood in the Christian faith, as demonstrated by Christ, and how the idea of serving revolutionizes our approach to our art and others, regardless of the medium we work in.
In this episode I speak with Yohan Daza, a local artist and mental health activist. Yohan has a degree from Kendall College, and worked with Wedgewood Christian Services working with struggling youth. Since then Yohan has had a deep passion for mental health, which has played an active role in his artistic process, where art is closely tied to healing, and space to breathe.
In this episode I speak with Erin McDonald about her work with the Salvation Army in the Creative Arts Ministry, some of the unique work they are doing in the arts world, and what her experience has been working with Muskegon Civic Theatre to create theatre that is accessible for actors with mental or physical disabilities. Erin has a degree in theatre and works with Salvation Army's Creative Arts Ministry, and as a Scenic Designer for Muskegon Civic Theatre.
In this episode I speak with Spencer Davis Milford, the actor portraying Frodo in the newly revived Lord of the Rings the Musical. We discuss the kinds of art he finds engaging and likes to produce, what some of his favorite projects have been, and the experience of playing Frodo in Lord of the Rings.
In this episode I discuss art that is gentle, simple, and has helped keep me grounded this year! Often we pay attention to those works of art that are challenging, important, or groundbreaking, but sometimes we just need something simple and restful that helps us reconnect with our humanity. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html
In this episode I speak with the creative team for Godspell, our assistant director Anna Eaton, music director Abigail Pletcher, and choreographer Ellie Knobloch, as we discuss our hearts behind this production, some of our goals artistically, and what the process of putting this show together has been like. Godspell opens this Thursday, July 18, at the Gezon Auditorium! Get your tickets today at https://artistsoftheway.ludus.com/index.php Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway....
In this episode Jon, Nate, and Jordan continue their discussion about playing Jesus, how it impacted their spiritual life, and chat a bit about their experience with Godspell! Godspell runs from July 18-27. Get your tickets today at https://artistsoftheway.ludus.com/index.php Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html
In this episode I have a discussion with my friends Nate Knobloch and Jordan Awe. Both are in Godspell, and have played (or are playing) Jesus. The three of us unpack our experiences playing Jesus, what that meant to our faith, and how we view Jesus after having explored Him in such an intimate way. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html
In this episode I celebrate our one year anniversary, and unpack some thoughts I've been having about the importance of loving God as Christians. Why do we love God, how do we love God, and what does it matter or do for us? If you want to share ways you try to love God in your life or in your art, visit our contact form at www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/god...
In this episode I speak with Mike Boers, Timothy Bright, Ron Hurd, and Tripp Hurst about their experience in community theatre, and the show they're opening this week, Twelve Angry Men. Twelve Angry Men runs from June 6 to June 22 at Master Arts Theatre, and was directed by Lorna Torres. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.html
In this episode I speak with Pastor Craig Apel about the culture within the church, how we as the church and members can do better in handling church hurt, and how the church and his pastoral calling relates to art and artists. Craig is an alumni of Grace Bible College and Moody Bible Institute, and is currently a retired pastor after many years as the senior pastor of Berean Church in Muskegon, MI. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Gods...
In this episode I speak with Sophia Medawar, a good friend of mine who lives and works in Chicago, IL. We discuss her relationship with God, her relationship with the church, what she's seeing in the lives of her artistic community and how they view the church. We also discuss the role of Christians in Evangelism, and how the standard model for churches in America can be unhelpful for fostering healthy Christianity, healthy church communities, and caring for the felt needs of the world, particul...
In this episode I speak with my priest, Fr. Kris Rolls about the relationship between the church at artists, his own views on how the church should engage with art, and the importance of how the church does what it does, and what that communicates to the world. Fr. Kris Rolls is the Rector of Christ Church Anglican in Grand Rapids, MI, where he has served for the last three years. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.a...
In this episode I speak with my friend Nate Knobloch. We discuss his work as a graphic designer, his recent work in illustration, and how we honor God through excellence, and are invited by Him to joyfully play with the gifts He's given us as artists and followers of Christ. Nate works for as a Graphic Designer for Boileau & Co., and his designs can be seen at he and his wife's Etsy shop Engrained. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about G...
In this episode I invite my friend John Taylor back on the podcast. We speak about the topic of video games. Are they art? If so, what makes them distinctive as an art form? And how do we engage with them in a redemptive way? John is an associate pastor with Crosswinds Church, and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Cornerstone University. Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/contact.html Find out more about Godspell: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/godspell.h...
In this episode Shaye Wilson joins us to talk about how we engage with art in our pain. What kinds of art are we drawn to, why, and how is God present in using art to heal us? Shaye is a poet and author under the pen name lynn w. francis. Shaye has also been seen onstage with Jon several times, and is a hobbyist painter, dancer, and just about anything else artistic! Find out more about Shaye at her website here: www.lynnwfrancis.com Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.artistsoftheway.com/co...
In this episode I reflect on the season of Lent, what God is doing to prepare us for Easter as we reflect on our sinfulness and His grace, and what that means for Artists. How do we embrace the uncomfortable season of Lent in our art? I also looks at my experience in Hamlet last year, and how that became an accidental Lenten practice for me, which informs a lot of my thoughts on how Lent and Art can intersect. Here is the Ash Wednesday devotional I referred to in the episode: https://nashotahcha...
In this episode, Jon speaks with Chris Knobloch, the Vice President, Director, and Writer for God's Helping Hands! They discuss Chris' experience creating art with the goal of discipling Children, what it's like to work with puppets, and the wonderful way God led Chris to His plan for him. GHH comes alongside churches, camps and communities giving exciting and Biblically-sound live presentations utilizing professional full-stage puppetry, ventriloquism, music and dramatic storytelling. Using o...
