Resource: Makoto Fujimura, “Letter to a Young Artist”, makotofuimura.com

Summary:  In a winsome evangelistic letter, Makoto Fujimara speaks to the heart of his fellow artists as he presents the Gospel starting from the artist’s joy in creativity points them to the “author of creativity.”

Report:  As an artist and pastor, Makoto Fujimara seeks to share the heart of the Gospel with young artists.  He opens by calling the young artist to remember the joy he/she has in creating rather than simply pursuing art for fame and gain.  Pointing out that every journey needs a destination, he points to “future grace” and shows them the landmarks on the way. 

Ultimately, he appeals to nature of art and creativity being love:   “The Good Book tells us that we are loved. Because of that love, which exceeds our own love, we can move out to take risks in creativity. Love is the ultimate fruit of the Spirit and our total dependence on the true source of creativity will nurture love. Art, ultimately, is expression of that love. Therefore we cannot create but by sacrificial love. We need to redefine art and its effectiveness by how it helps us to love one another sacrificially.” His letter is a beautiful example of translating the Gospel across worldview spheres into the language of the artistic community.

http://www.makotofujimura.com/writings/a-letter-to-a-young-artist/#