Body Art

by Randy on March 12, 2008 · Comments

Exciting news, I had an article published on Boundless today! I had a lot of fun writing it. The artwork for their article is based on my own drawings too. I hope you like both the article and drawings.

It’s a long one but here is a snippet …

… Artists will be stunted if they are not allowed to express. We have to know that the Lord will open the door for us to do so. He is a Good Shepherd and He will tend to His children and the creative gifts he has given them.

We also must be content. Our culture also idolizes artists in a carnal manner and forms an entirely different stereotype to impose on these gifted people. As artists, we must be content that true expression and fulfillment takes place when we work with our Creator to produce something glorious for Him. Whether one person or one billion … or no other human appreciates your efforts, as long as it brings a smile to your Father’s face … that’s all that really matters. Be content.

I’m happy to say that the arts are coming back in full effect. It’s wonderful to see all the fantastic new talent, concerts, skits, videos, songs, worship genres, quality writing, singers, poets, prose and on and on rising up all throughout the Body of Christ. Yes we all know the Word of God is sufficient. The Scriptures are alive and is the voice of God to us. The very cool part of it is that we also give voice to The Word. We sing it, draw it, dance it, rap it, shout it, paint it, act it, record it, reveal it in glorious ways.

We were created by the Creator to create. So … get busy.

Go read the whole thing.

And here is a hearty welcome to all the Boundless readers clicking through to visit my blog. Glad you are here! I pray for you to be blessed. Plus, if you are an artist in some form or fashion… let’s see some of your work. You can leave links in the comments if you would like.

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Rachel 03/12/2008 11:41 AM 1 point
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Randy,

I just wanted to say, what beautiful art! I found your blog because I went online to look for your art. What a blessing, what beautiful colors and flowing lines. I have a perfect spot, a large wall, in my kitchen/dining room for something just like it! :) And I was blest and encouraged by your article, too. I have often wondered where are the christian artists, playwrights, screenwriters and producers, musicians, etc.? Why aren't they flooding the secular market as well as the Christian one, for surely their creations are as beautiful and, additionally, filled with the Spirit! And then, I was convicted... I have felt this draw toward a particular kind of art and I have been pushing it aside, arguing time, money, obstacles, etc... and suddenly it is dawning on me that maybe it's time to take the plunge, to honor God with a talent that He has very possibly given me.

In any case, thanks for the encouragement. Keep creating!
God Bless!

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George Gonzalez 03/12/2008 01:02 PM 1 point
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Nice Art! I'm A Levite Too! Thanks!

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Daniel Borris 03/12/2008 01:24 PM 1 point
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Randy,
I have admired your art work numerous times and I know, that I know, it is lead by The spirit. Come on, God is evolved, so it is truly the "masters'piece".
I concur with you that the arts are returning to the Body of Christ, as a very creative (a Gift from God and to Him be all glory) Hairdresser, I use that opportunity often to lay hands on their heads and pray for them in the spirit, while I do their hair, with them not even knowing.. By putting Jesus first in everything I do and letting Him work through my hands, the out come is always amazing. It is like sculptured hair cuts, flattering the features only as the Divine can. The color work that is done can only be described as "shear genius". I am reminded how God detests the proud and haughty and lifts up the humble when I point out feature flaws and hair obstinacy's in the narcissistic and uppity echelon. I stand in awe at the transformations that God does through me on the lowly and humble people. They always sing accolades and try to give me praise and I use that time to give God the glory and tell them as a Cosmetologist, I am concerned with condition of your hair, but as a Christian, I am more concerned with the condition of your soul. " we did a extreme makeover today on your hair, but today, this very minute, Jesus can give you an eternal makeover that will last forever"
Congrats on being in the LA Times! you rock!

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Charmaine 03/12/2008 01:33 PM 1 point
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Randy...Wow...I feel like Ive joined a fantastic program already in progress and missed out on the very important "fleshy" parts that set the scene for future understanding of the picture as a whole.

I have been perusing ETC and trying to get a fuller understanding of the person that ventured to start this group "you"

Your life seems to have been a series of not only revelations into the truths that are represenetive of God, but a maturing in that faith as to allow God to coninually reveal His purpose for your life. As in Body Art it seems that you too were surprised at Gods use of those forgotten or little used talents that were always a part of Randy from the begining of time as God knows it. It seems that you have come through many challenges and firey trials in lifes course thus far, but I can see as I read the articles and blogs that you are in tune with the regenerated creature that yoiu are and are willing to be used by our Lord. What a wonderful, worshipful position to be in Randy. How awesome to recognize your creative, artistic self as a special God given way to worship HIM.

I am looking forward to an exciting, thought provoking, and enjoyable time searching the broad scope of discussion that is ETC.

In Christ care and love;
Charmaine

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Charmaine 03/12/2008 03:14 PM 1 point
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Daniel,
Charmaine here. Nice to meet you.
I love the way you expressed the importance of recognizing that creative, artistic ability comes with humbling responsibilities. Taking the eyes off of us and placing it solely on Christ.

As you quoted: "I am concerned with condition of your hair, but as a Christian, I am more concerned with the condition of your soul. ” we did a extreme makeover today on your hair, but today, this very minute, Jesus can give you an eternal makeover that will last forever”"

Amen!
Charmaine

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Cheryl 03/12/2008 07:12 PM 1 point
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Thanks for that article, Randy. A lot of what you said hit home for me. The Lord has used your article to affirm some things He's been saying to me.

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Randy 03/12/2008 09:58 PM 1 point
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Amen Rachel! So...get to work :). I am glad you are encouraged. What kind of art are you thinking about doing?

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Randy 03/12/2008 10:04 PM 1 point
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Groovy! You are welcome.

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Randy 03/12/2008 10:06 PM 1 point
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Dude, you know I love ya' and all. I appreciate your sincerity and love for God.

But I have to admit something.

Reading your comment my mind visualized you praying over a lady, she began to glow like Moses and then, once the masses could look at her again ... she had great new highlights.

:)

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Randy 03/12/2008 10:09 PM 1 point
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Well, that is very cool Charmaine. I am glad you are here and enjoying it. Thank you for participating.

Actually, this blog is very random. It's not like the series LOST though. If you miss a post... you can pick right up with the next one. Plus, there is all kinds of ways to search and browse around.

Glad you are here and thanks again.

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Randy 03/12/2008 10:09 PM 1 point
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You are welcome. I am glad you are affirmed so ... get busy creatin'.

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Cheryl 03/13/2008 12:56 AM 1 point
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T'is my job:) How blessed am I?!?!?! Your thoughts about Levites were what popped out most. My place as part of the tribe of Levi is what the Lord revealed to me when I was confronted with the lie that I didn't belong in the Church. I have never heard anyone else speak about being a part of one of the tribes until your article. Your article confirms my experience with the Lord.

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Amber 03/13/2008 01:07 AM 1 point
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Hi Randy,
I read your article and I just had to find some way to contact you and let you know that right now...it's pretty much the best article that I've ever read on boundless (mostly because I can totally relate). I'm currently in college at an art school studying graphic design, and while I do have plans (I want to work for a magazine), my desire really is that God will use me to glorify Him and speak through me with the work that I do (I know he will too). I liked how you said, "It's not about being an "artist for Jesus." It's about Jesus expressing Himself through His people artistically". Gosh, I love that! Your article was so encouraging, and I'll start praying that same prayer that you mentioned in that article that the "Lord would rescue the artists within the Body of Christ and bring them home". Thank you.

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Randy 03/14/2008 12:20 AM 1 point
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cool :)

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Randy 03/14/2008 12:22 AM 1 point
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Wow... I am very honored. Thank *you* and I can't wait to see some of your work.

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Jeff Dahlberg 03/14/2008 12:38 PM 1 point
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Great article, different from what I expected. If you haven't already, I would consider trying to get your art on neckties.

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Randy 03/14/2008 03:38 PM 1 point
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Thanks Jeff. I have had quite a few people say that my drawing would make for good textiles.

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B.T.Carolus 03/14/2008 11:36 PM 1 point
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That's brilliant...I would wear skirts with those patterns.

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Randy 03/15/2008 02:24 PM 1 point
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cool... I just wish I knew how to do that.

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B.T.Carolus 03/15/2008 02:40 PM 1 point
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Well, you could finance it yourself, talk to a textile mill and get them to print silk for you, then get a clothing manufacturer to sew the fabric into skirts, ties, etc. for you. Then see if you can distribute them through boutiques, or a catalogue company like Anthropologie. Or you could see if you could sell your designs to a textile company. Or you could go through a high-end designer. Or you could contact somebody at a place like FIDM and ask them for more details about how to do it. However you do it, you'd better send me a skirt ;)

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