Makers by Nature

An Artist's Look at Theology, Art, and Philosophy Dear Tom, Thanks for writing again-and for this unusually philosophical response to my letter! In response: my theology of art is my theology. Period. I think of God as the Artist and all human artists as eternal apprentices. Consequently, all my thinking about God involves the centrality of beauty and the act of making. As I've said many times, we were made by a Maker to be makers. . . . Bruce In a series of fictional letters, respected artist and educator Bruce Herman passes on wisdom to a younger generation. He explores a wide array of practical, philosophical, and theological issues, such as: - What is art versus craft? What is good art? - What is the calling of an artist? Of a Christian artist? - What do you do when you're stuck in your creative process? - How should Christians relate to the contemporary art scene? - What is beauty, and how is it relevant in our world? Full of personal stories and behind-the-scene looks at Herman's own artistic process, Makers by Nature also features full-color artwork by Herman and several of his former students. Artists and art lovers will find insight, wonder, and encouragement to consider the Maker's invitation to creativity, however it takes shape.

Bruce Herman (MFA, Boston University College of Fine Arts) is a painter, writer, and speaker. His art has been exhibited internationally and is in public and private collections worldwide. He taught studio art for nearly four decades at Gordon College, where he held the Lothlórien Distinguished Chair in Fine Arts. He enjoys sailing, hiking, and carpentry and is married to Meg and has two children and five grandchildren.

Foreword by Malcolm Guite Acknowledgments Introduction 1. Art and Craft: Letters to Ella 2. Glory: Letters to Bryn 3. Paradox: Letters to Elisa 4. Vocation: Letters to Bradford 5. Style: Letters to Angela 6. Spirituality and Art: Letters to Tom 7. Process and Risk: Letters to Steve 8. Tradition: Letters to Brent 9. Prayer and Painting: Letters to Andrea 10. Color and Design: Letters to Matt 11. Desire: Letters to Jamie 12. Failure: Letters to Matthew 13. Hope and Facing: Letters to Jonathan 14. A Servant of the Work: Letters to Katie-Joy 15. Irony and Sincerity: Letters to Mako 16. Loss: Letters to Bobby 17. Hallowing the Everyday: Letters to Katelyn 18. Discouragement: Letters to Jesus 19. The Anxiety of Influence: Letters to Ted 20. Is a Theology of Painting Possible? Letters to Katie Appendix: Works by Former Students Commissioned by Gordon College and Dedicated to Professor Herman on the Occasion of His Retirement from Teaching General Index Scripture Index