I love painting live. For me it's more than just me getting to create a painting in front of people. In fact that's only a surface way of looking at it. I like to look at it from a much deeper view. For me it's really about a creative collaboration between me and the others involved (if at a church: it's with the worship team, the pastor or speakers, the congregation, and other artists; if during a concert or other public event: its with the band, the audience, speakers, and other artists), and for me it's also a creative collaboration with the Spirit of God...no matter where I am or who else I'm collaborating with. We learn from and teach each other throughout the process. It's all about listening and seeing. And together we make something beautiful.
Today I had the wonderful opportunity to paint live during both Sunday morning services at Vineyard Boise church. I painted side by side with fellow artist, live painter, and art minister, Jessie Nilo....accompanying Pastor Trevor Estes during his sermons introducing a new 22 week series about the parables that Jesus chose to use for teachable moments. It was such a fun experience getting to collaborate together...all of us (me, Jessie, Trevor, the worship team, the congregation...and the Holy Spirit). And it was a beautiful experience.
So how does this work? Well...every time I collaborate to paint live the process is just as unique as the amount of unique collaborations I'm involved in. If I'm the only one painting there's a whole process I go through to prepare. And if I'm painting with others there's a whole other process that takes place.
I have a very specific style to my paintings (very emotive, expressive, mixed media, with lots of layers)...but when painting together with other artists I've learned to allow for an intertwining of styles (mine and the other' artists). This can be challenging but it can also be inspiring. I've also learned that sometimes adopting a different style to fit a specific moment can be refreshing as well as necessary.
For this particular moment...
The plan for the series has been in preparation for awhile and Jessie was approached about having artists paint live for each of the 22 weeks to help illustrate the parables. Jessie brought me into the plan a couple of weeks ago to join her in designing/planning and facilitating/implementing the live painting throughout the series (including overseeing other artists who will join us). But it was only a week ago that we talked through the overall design plan for all of the paintings that would take place throughout the series (landing on a very graphic design style that would be simple for other artists to do and for people to connect with). And it was just a few days ago that we were able to sit down and actually plan/prep for what we would be doing for this first launch Sunday. It was in that moment (after reading the passage that would be featured) the simple graphic design of the images for this Sunday popped in my head. I believe this was guidance from God (because truly I'm not a graphic designer-Jessie is, and the moment I sketched out a little graphic design style thumbnail of what I saw in my head Jessie was in total agreement that it was what we were to use...we didn't change it at all). And just as quickly, the color pallete came to us also. It was really exciting to be on the same page in the process as we were working together to do these paintings.
But that was just the beginning of this collaboration...
The passage for today...Matthew 7: 24-27
The Parable of Building Your House
Pastor Trevor speaking about how to read and receive the Parables of Jesus.
It was a great experience to get to illustrate what he was speaking about. It was like getting to bring his words to life. Though Jessie has painted a few times during sermons Trevor has spoken, this was my first opportunity to paint while he spoke and I really had fun.
Jessie and I getting ready to paint.
We've been friends for 13 years and though we have painted side by side before, this was only the 2nd time she and I have gotten the opportunity to paint together on the same canvas! It was pure joy to work with her in this way.
Painted during the first service.
The house built on a rock.
When the storms come the house stands firm.
4ftx4ft latex paint on masonite.
Jessie Nilo and Lisa Marten.
Painted during the second service.
The house built on sand.
When the storms come the house falls.
4ftx4ft latex paint on masonite.
Jessie Nilo and Lisa Marten.
After both services Jessie and I were approached by many people who gave us feedback about what they experienced while we painted as Trevor spoke. It's always a meaningful thing for me to interact with those who are viewing the live painting, to gain their insight and feedback about their experience and what their "take away" is. This is the additional collaboration piece...the viewers. I believe all live art needs viewer participation.
And this is where I really get to see the behind the scenes work that the Spirit of God does...as I learn about how the simple act of painting live can add meaning to an experience for someone (whether it's in a church or a concert or a public or private event). This is where I learn that it's not just about me painting in front of people...there's so much more going on at a deeper level...in collaboration.
