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How God Speaks to Artist Thomas Blackshear

9 June 2009 5 Comments
"Forgiven" by Thomas Blackshear

"Forgiven" by Thomas Blackshear

I was pleasantly surprised to see that Thomas Blackshear, one of my favorite artists, was interviewed by author J. Scott McElroy in his book “Finding Divine Inspiration”. Scott asks the artist “How does God work with you in your creative process?”

Now if you don’t recognize Blackshear by name, I’m sure you’ve seen his work if you’ve been anywhere near a Christian bookstore within the past few years. One of his most famous paintings, “Forgiven”, touches the spirit of many that view it, even to the point where some have fallen to their knees in tears.

Thomas Blackshear

Thomas Blackshear

Scott’s interview with Blackshear addresses that. Without giving it all away, so that you can see for yourself, here’s a brief overview:

Willing to Wait:

Blackshear describes how part of his process is going to God in prayer, asking that God would reveal to him the vision of the work he is suppose to create and to wait on it to come. He has learned to be patient and wait until God reveals the image rather than getting ahead of God and creating something “pretty” that doesn’t accomplish anything.

Neutrality:

Scott’s interview with Blackshear also discusses that although he may have his own ideas about the next project, Blackshear allows those ideas to take a backseat to the ideas revealed to him by God.

Fasting and Praying:

watcher

"Watchers In The Night" by Thomas Blackshear

I don’t think that God meant for us to play “guessing games” when it comes to hearing His voice. I believe that He’s always speaking, but we have a lot of noise drowning out what he was saying. Blackshear uses the time during  fasts to shut out distractions as he waits to sense what God wants to create through him.

So, are you able to: 

  • Be patient?
  • Be willing to follow God’s instruction, even if it is opposite of your idea?
  • Give God your time so that you can hear His voice, especially over the noise of life?

Post your comments about hearing from God, Thomas Blackshear, or anything related:

5 Comments »

  • Gimel said:

    The Lord’s art work should be what water is to a parshed throat and what bread is to an empty belly…refreshing.

    I pray to be saved from Artistic assumption.

    Thank you, brother, for the reminder.

  • tsnipes (author) said:

    Thank YOU, Gimel.

    Well said.

    Tony-

  • Art Lessons From God » Blog Archive » Your Art Taking on a Life of It’s Own said:

    [...] said that there have been people even falling to their knees in tears while viewing his work “Forgiven”. Now that’s an example of God’s Spirit speaking through His [...]

  • Meagan said:

    I am an artist and i am studying to be an Art teacher. This speaks to me so much! Thank You for using your talents for God.

  • tsnipes (author) said:

    Thanks for your feedback, Meagan.

    Be Blessed as you continue to pursue your teaching career!

    Tony-

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