Patrons of the arts helped shape culture, bringing about social change of many kinds in the history of Western Civilization. Today, we can do the same as “micro-patrons” of creatives who may need a boost now and again. Our nation is in need of gifted artists telling the story of faith and life in settings beyond the four walls of a church building. Many complain about culture. They fear where things are headed. They also see their young artists swallowed up by “the world” only to reinforce cynicism about art itself. But, something can be done about it! We can complain about culture, copy culture or CREATE culture. What is your choice in the matter?

With Emilie’s Kickstarter.com campaign, I fear her being lost in a sea of so many “trying to make its” and then people not seeing her real talent and potential. And, of course there is always a question that makes sense, too. Why so much money? Well, it is not as much as you think. It is a very modest amount that if our family had the means to fully fund would do so in a heart beat! However, we really do need help. We have been hit very hard these past 12 months more than any other season and besides incurring debt, we believe this option makes sense. This campaign is really for a small recording project after all. But, it could launch a career. And, you can be a part of making that happen.

We need you to consider a being a micro-patron, and enjoy the music as well. This is not charity, it is making a statement that you want to help develop talent that will create culture in a world that needs it desperately. I encourage you, if this project is not fitting for you then look around and find a young artist to support!

Are you willing to become a micro-patron?

Emilie’s Kickstarter.com Campaign

I hated wood shop. We made tie racks. I did not wear ties in sixth grade. But, making a sculpture in art class enchanted me. While some were creating ash trays, pencil holders and primitive dishes or mugs I embarked on controversy. I made a bust of Richard Nixon. Why? Well, an artist does things for reaction and even in Middle School politics were fun. This was the late 70s after all.

So, I made Nixon with the jowls and all. Everyone was interested in what I was creating. People sneered, giggled, smirked and some gasped that I would make the image of a fallen Republican. My family of Democrats would even love this when I took it home, I thought.

The day we came to class to fire our pottery and sculptures I opened the cabinet to discover Richard as flat as a pancake. Everyone was a suspect, including the liberal-hippie art teacher. Wow! How could anyone have the gaul to turn my creating into a blob?

Not to worry. I rolled the former President into a flat surface and created something fun and useful for the ten minutes remaining. My creation became a large die pencil holder. People liked dice hanging from their rear view mirror so maybe this could be cool.

It turned out OK and at least my grade did not suffer. However, I realized that as an artist I was not going to get much appreciation at times. Being misunderstood does not make you an artist, but artists surely are misunderstood.

By the way,  I remember having that thing in my room until I got married.

Most of my readers know already that I love good coffee. So, when Cafe Bravo opened in Murrieta I was hopeful for a good experience. They deliver! The rosetta was a nice touch, too. Cafe Bravo is a local boutique roasting company. Their beans are made right here in the valley and are tops! Look for their grand opening.

It seems clear to me that in many areas the Christian Church in American, in particular the Evangelical branch, is doing some things in art fairly well. One of those is music. Sure, when it comes to visual art, and even film, we are still working in baby steps to influence and be on the edge. But, in music, the influence on culture in the West is apparent in what we see on the surface both in form and in substance. Here are some observations to support this.

• Currently 5 of the top 10 American Idol participants are active in their local churches. In fact, many of the past winners and top contestants are. It should also be no surprise that even though lip syncing is big on American Idol, it is rare if ever to see that happen in a church service. You do not even have to go to a huge church to find great music, either it seems.
• Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay mimic the form of gospel and church worship. Do people feel “spiritual” in those concerts? Chris Martin’s upbringing in the church comes out in his sing along form. Bruce steals the form of a black gospel service with his performance and call and response antics.
• Schools in America are decreasing music education, which has left the local church as one of the last few places where musical people can cut their teeth. This is nothing new, though. Elvis sang in his church’s choir, too. Where is the best place to learn to sing these days?
• Christian musicians are more and more in the mainstream of our music scene with groups like Switchfoot, The Myriad and with many other writers having music played in TV ads and broadcasts. The platform of Christians in the music scene is influential, if still small. But, it is there. Yes, there is a Christian music scene, too. The thought here is that beyond that we see the influence and impact on what we listen to each day.
• The tech in church services matches and exceeds how most hear live music today. Go to an AES show and you will see the new audio technologies with three applications: stadiums, clubs and houses of worship! So, churches today are literally influencing the technology of how music is heard to entire culture. Companies now know this and market to the church.
• Simply, the artistry of church musicians is now recognized, whether it is sitting next a Grammy award winner a couple months ago who is a church music guy or the response from industry people who now take note of the good. Yes, there is that “Christian ghetto” some of us will still hope to break down, but as far as art is concerned, it is happening inside the Church these days.

What is “good art” is usually defined by those who pay for the art. Music is sold as a grass roots medium for the most part, but churches invest in music. This is why it is way ahead of other areas of art. When we start investing in film, visual arts, story telling and more we then might see our impact on culture grow.

I caution us to not derail our baby steps by simply complaining about how bad we are doing but to envision how we can create. The next step is to not just impact or influence, however. How can we “create culture”

We had a staff meeting where we were to draw a face of what we feel like about our job. And the “Focus” thing is the one thing we would change.

Any thoughts?

Randy Elrod is a friend who has impacted my life in ways he may never know. He has a new book of his water colors out called “Beauty Is Calling” and is offering it at a discount price right now of $19.99 (a $60 value). Besides the enjoyment of this book as a collection of art, you will be supporting Kalien, a center that mentors young artists.  Go to Randy’s blog to find out more and purchase the book.

This is the desert island with a fun house.  Below is my obsession addiction…coffee.

OK.  So what clues are in these sketches?  Ideas?

Well, you can see a train, bridge, mountains and a volcano.  I am not sure, it could be a fire.

What does this doodle say?

I guess I am wanting to go fast and beat that storm?

What say you?

I like this one.  Does this remind you of anything?  Hmm.

Obvious what is on my mind in meetings–especially with being on a diet, folks.