Melanie A. VanderWal
Artist’s Statement
It tends to be the case that Christian art is overlooked because of its explicit and often overbearing message. Because of this I have grown a passion for well-made and educated Christian art. Ultimately my faith is not separate from my praxis as I long to redeem art and prepare a way for the kingdom.
Art is a form of language of which “does not offer itself freely and vaguely for interpretation” it speaks to each individual in, “significant and definite ways” (Hans-Georg Gadamer, Truth and Method). As Gadamer points out, the nature of a piece lends itself to a unique and significant experience. With this in mind I am implicit in my approach when depicting a Biblical message. My work is made with the understanding that it can speak uniquely to an individual through their prior experiences and the creative imagination.
The power of imagery is a persuasive tool given to me by God that I believe opens a door in which the Holy Spirit can work in the hearts of its viewers. With my primary audience being Christians, it should challenge the viewer in such a way that a greater and deeper understanding of the Biblical text is gained as well as a conviction to put faith into practice. As my art inclines an educated audience to re-evaluate Biblical text and its meaning for them, it is my hope that a non-Christian audience will also engage with my work and be drawn to scripture to discover its deeper meaning.
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