Makers by Nature: Letters from a Master Painter on Faith, Hope, and Art

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.