Traveling Artist: New Beginnings

Taking Art and Ministry Around the World

Full time working artist,  Lisa Marten , takes her creative talents, Heart for people , and love for god  to local communities near and far as a full time art minister.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”  And I said, “Here am I, send me.” -Isaiah 6:8

"tHIS IS MY PRAYER FOR YOU: THAT YOU WILL NOT ONLY LOVE MUCH, BUT WELL."~PHILIPPIANS 1:9

As you may know...I’ve been a full time working artist for 13 years. I utilize many different mediums and a variety of artforms within my art business revelatorART. Along with a way of life and my income, Art is a form of worship to God for me. I partner with God throughout my creative process. My desire is that His heart may be revealed to people through the art I create. I have a degree in Psychology and have utilized art therapy with children and adults and have seen the healing and therapeutic results of art when people allow themselves to connect to their hearts through creativity. I’ve been a volunteer art minister and leader with the arts ministry VineArts at the Boise Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise, Idaho for the past 7 years where I’ve served people through creative activities and artistic focus within ministry.  I’ve worked side by side with other arts ministers connecting with artists and getting to see people gain a deeper understanding of themselves as creative beings created by God. Throughout the years I’ve traveled around the world (sometimes for exploring and sometimes to serve and help in other countries-I’ve even lived overseas).  Regardless what the trip might be for, I’ve always found myself doing art and connecting with other artists on my travels. My training in all of these areas (whether organized or organic) has prepared me for something new and inspiring. Recently I’ve recognized how I can join both art and ministry together by traveling to places where I have connections (people I’ve met who are already living and serving abroad to communities small and large) to bring art as a form of ministry and worship to those communities in creative ways. It’s this endeavor that I want to bring to your attention to share my heart with you about. I’m going to be taking art and ministry around the world.

THE WHOLE WORLD IS MY CANVAS!

Upcoming Travels in Art and Ministry

As you can imagine, I’m looking forward to my future travels around the world bringing art as ministry to communities near and far.

Each place I’m sent to (with it’s differingculture and demographics) will require different kinds of art ministry.

“we get to PAINT on people’s lives.”

~Dean Estes, Artist and Art Minister

One place I might work with a small group doing individual artistic activities with them as examples to help them connect closer with themselves and God.

“everyone gets to PLAY.”

~Jessie Nilo, Artist/Art Minister and Director of VineArts

Another place I might work with a larger group doing  art activities that exercise community by allowing them to work side by side with each other to create something together.

Some places I’m to go to I already have had confirmation for, and other places I’ve yet to know for sure...but wherever I am sent, whoever I’m to meet with, and whenever I’m to go, I know that it’s going to be a creative adventure!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO PARTNER WITH ME IN MINISTRY?

Would you be willing to partner with me in prayer as I take these steps on this creative journey? You see, we’re in this together. I really do believe I take you with me wherever I go. You’re a part of this adventure as much as I am. I appreciate your prayers and your encouragement more than you realize.

And If you’d like to help financially towards travel expenses and/or art supplies, any contribution would be a blessing and appreciated. Contact me for details. revelatorart@yahoo.com  

I will be writing about my adventures on my art blogsite: www.revelatorart.blogspot.com . You can receive the posts in your email by subscribing to it on the site. And if you’d like to be kept up to date on a more personal level via email where I will be posting prayer requests and updates, please contact me: revelatorart@yahoo.com  and let me know and I’ll be sure to add you to my email newsletter list.  Thank you.

STAY TUNED: SOON I WILL ANNOUNCE AN UPCOMING TRIP FOR APRIL...

2011: a year of travels, art ministry, live painting, and new beginnings

2011 has been a year full of rich experiences including travels, connections in art ministry, painting live, and realizations of new beginnings. I’m looking forward to 2012!

No matter where I seem to go in this world I am led to be who I am: an art minister with a heart to connect with others through art.

Travels

my journey to middle earth:

In February I left the frigid temperatures of Idaho and traveled to the balmy beaches of North Island, New Zealand where I stayed with friends in the surfing village of Raglan on the west coast. Little did I know when I began to plan the trip 3 years ago how important the journey was going to be to my heart, to my soul, to my spirit, to my creativity. 

Although I grew up on the beaches of Hawaii, this year I got to try something I’d never done before...I got to go surfing! And not only did I get to go surfing, I got to go surfing at one of the top surfing beaches in the world! Raglan Beach, New Zealand! Thank you Tash for loaning me your board and for the pointers! I loved the feeling of riding those waves! Next time...I’m gonna actually get up on that board! Hahaha!!!

Some of the things I got to do in New Zealand involved a journey to Middle Earth & visit to  the actual site of Hobbiton; a drive to Rotorua (a geo-thermal area); an authentic Maori tribal dance experience; surfing, sunning, & running on beaches; trekking through the bush & hiking to waterfalls; a visit to Narnia and the actual beach of entry; and  connecting with artists and art ministers.

STATESIDE:

Laity Lodge.Kerrville, Texas
Retreat for Pastors & Ministers to artists:

In May I had the fun opportunity to travel to the third annual Retreat for Pastors & Ministers to Artists held at Laity Lodge in Kerrville, Texas. Speakers David Taylor & Frederica Green & Singer/Songwriter/Musician Brooke Waggoner & Artists Phaedra Taylor & Shannon Newby shared their hearts & talents with us.  I traveled with 3 other art ministers from our VineArts Leadership team at Boise Vineyard. This was my second retreat to attend and it truly felt like coming home as we reconnected with art ministers we had met last year from all over the States & the world. This year I had the chance to meet many new art ministers and enjoyed the heart to heart conversations & fellowship. Art ministry can look very different within  various Christian denominations, churches, universities, communities, and work places...but regardless of our differences, we all share one faith in God and one heart to connect with artists  & creative hearts. And we desire to see the creative process of making art valued & expressed within our world and we recognize that we can learn from each other. These people are a part of my “tribe”!

Biola University.Los Angeles, CA

CIVA Conference:

In June I traveled to Los Angeles, California to attend the biannual conference for CIVA (Christians In the Visual Arts). It was my first time attending a CIVA conference (though CIVA has existed since the 80’s). I had the wonderful privilege of traveling to the conference with our Director of VineArts, Jessie Nilo where we also met up with New Renaissance Founder/Author/Pastor/Artist J.Scott McElroy. Jessie & Scott were both on the list of speakers in the breakout sessions of the conference. The conference is held to gather professional artists who are Christians from around the States & the world to dialogue about  the very unique position we all hold in this world….to be leaders & make a difference in our world & communities (whether that’s the marketplace, entertainment media, universities, research, cities, churches, etc.) through the talents we have been given. As I sat in on the sessions & conversed with artists throughout the conference I found myself inspired, encouraged, and honored to be counted amidst such talented & quality people!

Seattle, Wa:

In August I took a trip back to my old home city of Seattle. It was a chance to reconnect with old friends who I hadn’t seen in years (some of whom I hadn’t seen since college graduation 19 years ago!), hang out and enjoy the things I love about the city and have conversation with emerging artists.  One of the highlights for me of the trip was a spontaneous opportunity to view a very special art exhibit at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral. It was an international traveling art exhibit that was displayed throughout the sanctuary and side chapel. "icons in transformation" by artist Ludmila Pawlowska was an absolute inspiration to interact with in such a beautiful setting. I was personally encouraged and inspired through the art and found myself wiping away tears as I connected with many of the pieces. Ludmila's expression of the ancient artform of iconography, through mixed media abstract paintings and sculptures, gave the modern worshipper a fresh perspective to connect with the Divine through contemplative prayer and art. And speaking of contemplative prayer & art...this year I’ve been a part of two small groups & an on-line community that have taught me the beautiful ancient prayer forms & it has enriched my prayer life!

Austin, Texas:

In November I flew to Austin, Texas for the first time. I went  to visit friends and experience the music & art of the  City of Music. Like the trip to Seattle, I went to reconnect with old friends and found myself encouraged by the connections with artists that I happened upon and inspired by the art exhibits I was able to take in and experience. I visited the Blanton Art Museum and had the amazing honor of seeing an international traveling art exhibit by  Nigerian artist El Anatsui. I fell in love with his work and was moved & inspired by his art. "With over 60 works installed from his "When I Last Wrote to You About Africa" exhibit. From early wood trays and ceramics, to rare drawings and paintings, to sculptures made from driftwood, to his most recent luminous metal wall hangings [like the photo below] the exhibition traces connections among global, local, and personal histories, and shows how, through transforming materials once overlooked or discarded, El Anatsui seeks to find meaning in the power of culture and memory." I also had the chance to visit several churches in the Austin area and connected with art ministers with thriving art ministries. And I experienced the Austin Studio Tours where I got to tour several local artists studio spaces & talk to them about their art & creative processes. Austin was FULL of cool art & music and I barely touched the surface while I was there!!!

 

“We get to PAINT on people’s lives.”

~Dean Estes, Artist & Art Minister

Painting Live: In Churches

CLF in March:

In March I traveled to Ontario, Oregon with a team of artists from VineArts. We joined with the church, Christian Life Fellowship, for their monthly Worship Night.  Three of our team painted live to the worship music during the service. This was a fun & exciting night to be a part of. CLF has a thriving art ministry led by Art Director Jen Rold (who is originally from VineArts at Boise Vineyard).

CLF in May:

In May I was able to travel once again to Ontario, Oregon with a team of artists from VineArts. We very happily joined up with the church, Christian Life Fellowship for their monthly Worship Night. Three of our team painted live to the worship music during the service (one of our team included a young artist from CLF to join her). We were also joined by a hip hop dance troop that performed too! 

 

Art & Worship Events

“Everyone gets to PLAY.”

~Jessie Nilo, Artist/Art Minister & Director of VineArts

Discipleship Group:

One of the things I absolutely love to do is help facilitate Art & Worship events for groups small & large. There something so cool about watching people who don’t normally think of themselves as artists, stand side by side & create something together as a way of worshipping God. In July I partnered with VineArts Leader Dean Estes & we worked together to bring the special experience to a small group of 20 somethings who desired to experience a creative way to connect with God and with each other.

Youth Group:

In October I joined with several VineArts Leaders to help facilitate an Art & Worship event for the youth of Boise Vineyard Church. This was a large group of about 60 youth all painting side by side on canvases, in small groups on the floor and on tables. It was a creative way to express to God their love through color and words and the act of creating in community. I really do enjoy these kinds of events as I get to watch people (young & old) connect to God in a deeper way through art.

Painting Live: On the Streets

ART IN THE BAR IV: The Knitting Factory, Boise:

In October I partnered with performing artist, Luke Schafer & singer/musician Naomi Psalm to perform live at Art in the Bar IV in downtown Boise. It’s a quarterly happening that joins over 40 local artists & performers together under one roof in a bar to bring our talents to the public for free. My artist partners & I meshed our talents of painting, dance, & music to create two choreographed performances for all those who attended.  It was very well received and I had a blast!

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: Freak Alley, Boise

In November I once again partnered with performing artist Luke Schafer (along with two other performers, Krysta Nebeker & Jeremy Busack) in a choreographed performance of painting, dance, music, & drama for the Dia De Los Muertos Festival in downtown Boise. We  performed in Freak Alley (a large colorfully mural painted alley way between buildings that has been dedicated to the arts of the city). Once again, the performance was well received and word is getting out about us!!!

NEW BEGINNINGS

 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Who shall I send and who will go for us?” and I said, ”Here am I. Send me.”~Isaiah 6:8

When I was in New Zealand I was drawn to the Maori artwork of the Koru symbol (the swirl you see above). It’s meaning is “new beginnings”. It reminds me of a wave bringing curling with power, it reminds me of the ancient prayer tool of the labyrinth swirling peace to the center. It, partnered with many other things, began to speak to me about my life and the direction of my life’s work through art & ministry. Throughout my time in New Zealand I came upon the symbol several times and even found myself wearing it around my neck. The symbol has become a reminder to me that God is stirring new things within me and doing new things through me as I set my face towards God’s face to go wherever He sends me, to utilize my talents, and to love people in new & creative ways. I’m an artist, a lover of life, an art minister, a warrior painter, a dancing child, a worshipper of God,  I’m all about relationship. This artist knows the beauty of allowing everyone to play & partnering with God to paint on people’s lives. I’m riding the waves into new beginnings.

Stay tuned for another newsletter update titled: Traveling Artist.

“this is my prayer for you that you will not only love much but well.”

~Philippians 1:9

STAY TUNED: upcoming creative catharsis, artistical adventures, & painting prints

i'm working on writing my 2011 year-end newsletter "coffee talk with Lisa"...once i'm finished creating it, i'll post it on my blog here....AND i'm also working on writing my art ministry support letter (what's that? you ask) well, i'm heading out on some creative adventures soon (i'm gonna be traveling more, taking my art out to the streets, on the road, & around the world to various local communities near & far as a creative way to connect with people's hearts) so stay tuned, cuz i'm in the process of writing a newsletter about this exciting artistical journey i'm on & i want you to know about it. i'll also be posting that to my blog here once i'm finished writing it...AND soon i'm gonna have some prints of my paintings ready to sell to ya if yer interested (and if ya know me, ya know that i normally only sell originals, so this will be a special deal!) and i'll post that info (the paintings, sizes, prices) once i'm ready to take orders...SO keep watching here for more info!

Art in Austin

Howdy to all y'all! I recently traveled to Austin, Texas for a couple of weeks. It was my first trip to the City of Music and I thought I'd spend some time experiencing some of the art that it offered.

Museums/Galleries:

The Blanton Museum of Art

www.blantonmuseum.org

I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits at this downtown art museum!

They currently have a large exhibit featuring Nigeria's internationally reknowned artist, El Anatsui. I fell in love with his work and was moved and inspired as I engaged with his art.

"With over 60 works installed from his "When I Last Wrote to You About Africa" exhibit. From early wood trays and ceramics, to rare drawings and paintings, to sculptures made from driftwood, to his most recent luminous metal wall hangings [like the photo below] the exhibition traces connections among global, local, and personal histories, and shows how, through transforming materials once overlooked or discarded, El Anatsui seeks to find meaning in the power of culture and memory."

 El Anatsui, "untitled" 2007, aluminum and copper wire, 144 in. x 195 in.

The Blanton also had several other exhibits featuring more classical European drawings & paintings [like the photo below of a portion from an Italian icon].

Arthouse by AMOA (Austin Museum Of Art)
This gallery had an insightful exhibit titled "The Anxiety of Photography" which I didn't get any photos of but I enjoyed the creativity of the installation art.

The Pump Project
www.pumpproject.org

During the Austin Studio Tours I had the opportunity to tour the studio space which houses 36 artists under one roof. There are twenty three "studios available for working artists, gallery facilities, the Women Printmakers of Austin's printing studio, and a large flex space available for workshops, classes, photo shoots, and short-term installations and other resources to emerging and established artists throughout Austin." it's funded and supported in part by the City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division.

I was able to talk with a few of the artists, within their private studios, about their art & their creative processes. This was a complete joy for me, as it one of my favorite things to do...connecting with other artists!

 the studio space featuring the paintings of Phillip Nichols www.philnicholsart.com and mixed media artist Kafka Lenton www.kafkalenton.org

I was able to speak with Phil about his paintings and he was taking a small break from working on the center painting of the Capitol building in Austin with a large Native American face over it.

 the studio space of painter Melinda Watters www.milliecarter.wordpress.com

I was able to talk to "Millie" about her paintings and found out that she was a fellow believer who works with a faith based artist mentor program  in Austin called Fireseed www.fireseedanthology.wordpress.com .

Murals:

I enjoyed viewing several colorful murals painted throughout the city of Austin and surrounding areas. I really love it when communities allow public art.



 a butterfly mural

 a large oak tree mural within Becker Vineyards in Stonewall, Texas

Art within Churches:

I had the chance to visit a few churches in the Austin area while I was there and art seems to be thriving within their cultures. As an art minister myself, I am always interested in the differing flavors of how art and artists are featured, utilized, equipped within different types of churches and communities.

Hope Chapel

www.hopearts.org

This church has been doing art for years formerly led by Arts Pastor David Taylor and currently led by Arts Pastor Brie Tschoepe. Their arts ministry values collaboration between artists for in-sanctuary themed exhibits & installations.



 I had the opportunity to help Brie with an installation she was working on for the sanctuary.

Church of the Hills

www.churchofthehills.org

When I walked into this church I found a wall featuring artwork by several artists within the congregation who create art during the worship services and prayer times. I was encouraged by the variety of styles and mediums utilized. This particular church values co-creating with the Spirit for the edification of the Body.



 the art wall featuring several artists who create during worship services and prayer times.

True Life Fellowship

www.truelife.org

This church didn't have a lot of art displayed where I could see it but I was told that they have artists paint sometimes during their worship services.



 this was the painting i saw the moment i walked into True Life. it's a representation of the Holy Spirit.

Collaborations of My Own:

While I was in Austin I also had the chance to collaborate with others to do some art. As I mentioned above, when I visited Hope Chapel I was able to briefly help with an in-sanctuary themed installation. BUT I also had the opportunity to teach some splatter painting to a friend of mine who had never ever allowed herself to let the paint fly. And in the process we worked together on a few canvases to create some artwork for her living room. THEN I spent some time with some other friends and had a wonderful time doing some art with their 3 year old daughter. We enjoyed coloring together on a huge piece of paper that we stretched out over the dining room table.  

 this is the center painting that i collaborated on with a friend...this isn't the finished piece it was half way done when i took this photo. i did the brown drippy splotchy patch and my friend did the colorful splatter.

this is me with the little 3 year old as we created a huge colorful crayon drawing together. it was very free-form and organic.

I know there probably was a ton more art stuff I could've experienced while I was in Austin but this was a good sampling that I was able to experience. 

I want to take a moment to introduce you to a photographer I know...

Photography by Sarah Goetter

Hey there my Idaho friends...check out the CREATIVE photography of my friend Sarah Goetter. Not only does she have a FANTASTIC artistic eye, she has a HUGE compassionate heart for the children of the world. If you're interested in getting photos taken...consider booking a photoshoot with her. She will donate a massive portion of the money to World Vision to help feed children around the world in very practical ways.

Oh by the way...Here is a bit more info in Sarah's own words:

 

"Hello friends. I'm really hoping to be able to raise money for World Vision Donations. My heart just breaks for these families and children across the world that have needs so much greater than we could imagine. I want to be able to do something, no matter how small.

For any photo session booked this Christmas season, I will be donating 75% of the fee to World Vision. This organization provides families with the means to not only have food, but helps train them to continue producing their own food by providing goats or chickens, there are small business loans for women, books for schools, fishing gear.

To learn more about World Vision or to purchase a gift for a family in need, use the link below. Praying your Thanksgiving and Christmas season will be meaningful and blessed.
http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?go=gift&&section=10389 "

 

If you live in the Boise, Idaho area and if you're interested in contacting Sarah for prices & details and a chance to take part in a creative & purposeful photography experience...email me at: revelatorart@yahoo.com and i will pass on your email to Sarah.

Performing In Rememberance

photography by Casey McManus. McManusPhotography.net c.2011

Wednesday, November 2, 2011: Dia de los Muertos Festival. Freak Alley, Boise, ID.

In collaboration with Boise artist Lisa Marten and Lukas Evergreen, a continuation of their avant-garde movement in creating visual art through performance,

Would like to present:

The Dances of Anita and David

First; Our birthing, introduction to canvas, and the world and space we live in as humans

Second; The Dance of Anita

Transformation

Third; The Dance of David

Fourth; Liberation through the death

Fifth; The finale

Dance of Dave: dedicated to Lisa's Uncle Dave:

 Dave died tragically at the age of 52 on Thanksgiving Day in 2000. He was a father figure to me during a time in my life when I needed fatherly guidance. He was an artist & encouraged me in my creative pursuits. He taught me how to build relationship with people and to love people for who they are. I loved him very much. His death affected me deeply, deeper than I could handle. It took me 10 years to work through the anger phase of my grief process after losing him. This year I'm ready to celebrate his life! This dance is in honor of Dave.

Dance of Anita: dedicated to Luke’s Aunt Anita:

                My aunt Anita has such a relevant purpose in my life to this date. I never knew her. Only do I have the stories of her life that have been generously shared by my family. Those stories have progressed my visual art as well as today, my performance art. She was sweet, excited and loving like her sisters, my aunts.  She was brave and strong like her brothers, her father, my uncles, my dad. She was nurtured with the wisdom and loving arms that my beautiful grandmother cared for me in. By that alone I know that Anita was filled with God’s love, His purpose, and is now in His arms. Anita we dance in celebration of your memory. On that special day, we will dance together, with all of our family, together, and whole.

Special thanks to the Day of the Dead dancers portraying the living elements Hardships and Blessings:

Krysta Nebeker

Jeremy Busack

photograph by A.Morehouse

photograph by S. Coffield

*I have video of our performance that was taken on my camera but with much regret I'm having trouble uploading it to the blog.