Gimel Peterman ended up on our radar not only for the great caricature and comic art ability he possesses , but how hetook action when we it was time to create and launch his very first art blog.
Gimel shared with us not only how God blesses his talent, but even how He’s blessing his family’s battle with cancer.
Gimel Peterman
Check out our discussion:
1. Tell us who you are and what you do as an artist/designer:
I am someone that wanted to make my “mark” in this world through the medium of visual arts and then I bumped into the Cross of Christ. I assumed I could go around it and still serve the Lord, but you can’t; it’s the only way to truly serve God. And on top of that it destroys everything that God didn’t plant within you by His own hands. Meaning, the Cross didn’t take away my talent, but it took away my motivation, inspiration, ambition, and destination concerning the talent.
As an artist/designer, I listen and follow. My heart is to make the mysteries of God tangible and palatable through the style of Cartooning, as well as, taking the pride of men and humbling it a taste through Caricature art.
2. Now tell us about your artistic/creative background:
At the age of 11, my mother decided to take away all my toys (evil, right?), and of course this left my imagination to discover another venue. I began to draw out the stories deserted in my mind; I needed to get them out. I immediately bought the farm and began to invest in the soil, meaning, I taught myself how to draw. I had my first art gallery when I was 17 years old, got accepted into Savannah College of Art and Design, but I had no money. Moved from Florida to Colorado and attended Colorado Institute of Art, but my surroundings were falling apart. Moved from Colorado to Georgia and attended Atlanta Institute of Art, but my character was unstable. I was running in my own ability toward a destination I could not afford to go into. Then the Lord gave me this precious stone: “If you will seek, first, My kingdom (Lordship) and My righteousness (nature), all these “things” will be added to you (I will foot the bill). I did it initially to get the “things,” but then the worst thing happened to my agenda…I fell in love with my Creator; I willing embraced the Cross, became His disciple, and made Him my “background.” Amazing!
3. What role does God play in your life and in your work?
He’s the Main Character; I’m distracted and frustrated without Him. My work is only good to keep fires going, if I don’t have God. If I don’t draw while considering Eternity and my friendship with the Lord, then life and labor is a waste.
4. What advice can you give the rest of us?
1. Become nothing, so that He can be all things…Love the Lord your God with ALL
2. Talent is a gift that easily becomes a judgment when you don’t invest in it and it can become a snare if you don’t give it back to Him.
3. The only currency (item of trade) God gave to man was…Time; spend it wisely, because we all have to settle our accounts.
5. What’s the latest project that you’re most excited about?
My oldest daughter was diagnosed with cancer a year ago, the grace of God has been with my family throughout the medical process of dealing with this issue. She is in her “maintenance” phase and the cancer is no where to be found. The hospital staff noticed the Lord’s grace over and in our family’s lives and asked me to write/illustrate a book to help families going through similar situations. The book will be suitable for both children and adults. I can’t wait to see what God will do with my “two fish and five loaves.”
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Wonderful testimony Brother. God is good! All the time. I am fired up to hear your story, because it only confirms that God is true. He is not a man that He should lie. I too could not afford to go back to school, and He made a way for me by faith. On top of that I have Scleroderma, a life threatening form of Multiple Sclerosis and He sustains me through it as well. We should talk further when you get a chance.
Be blessed Brother,
Christopher
Very nice work.
I agree with you about time.
I think that your faith is profound “I can’t wait to see what God will do with my “two fish and five loaves.” I can’t see what God will do with the too,
Blessings,
Jo