Starting 2016 with a bit of My Story (another facet of Who I Am..."Traveling Art Minister")

For those of you who are either new to this blog or unaware of what I could possibly be talking about in that title...let me explain. You may not know, that along with being a full time working artist with a business called "revelatorART", I am also a Traveling Art Minister. If you're unfamiliar with what Art Ministry is, what a Traveling Art Minister is, and might be wondering what the heck does this have to do with art and why should I care...let me introduce myself...

My name is Lisa Marten. I’ve been a full time working artist for 17 years. I utilize many different mediums and a variety of artforms within my art business called “revelatorART”, and my performance art company called “Marten Evergreen”. This includes commissioned studio work, contracted mural work, live painting engagements, teaching private art lessons, one person and multi-artist art exhibits and art shows, live performances including painting-choreographed dance-music and spoken word, and number of other creative endeavors that I gain employment for. Along with art being a way of life for me and the way that I gain income, art has also been a way to minister to others. And for me, this is an important part of who I am. What do I mean by all of this? 

Here's a bit of my story... 

I started out as an Art Major at Seattle Pacific University. Art has always been a part of my life. My journey has taken me on some creative adventures. I have a BA in Youth Ministry (’92)-which is about mentoring youth-and a second BA in Behavioral Science (’95)-which is counseling/psychology training. Both degrees are from Northwest University in the Seattle area. I also have a 6 month course completion certificate from The Harvest Ministry College (a ministry/missions/leadership training school) in Glasgow, Scotland ('02).  

Throughout my working career, I have utilized art therapy with children and adults (in professional psychoanalyst therapeutic settings, in public art workshop settings, along with private studio art therapy sessions) and have seen the healing and therapeutic results of art when people allow themselves to connect to their hearts through creativity. I truly care about people's well being and enjoy getting see people discover important things within them as they pursue their own life journeys. It was this connection of art and therapy and ministry and missions that has led me down a path that is quite new and cutting edge in our world today.  

What is "Ministry" or a "Minister":

I've been a volunteer Art Minister and leader with an Arts Ministry called VineArts at the Boise Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise, Idaho since 2005. And it's been through this experience that I've learned that at the core of who I am...I am a "Minister" and specifically, an "Art Minister". You may be asking...What is "Ministry" and what is a "Minister"?  Some of you may have heard the terms used in a Governmental setting. Others may have heard the terms used in a Church setting. The terms are typically used to describe someone's job description or a title for a group of people who are doing a specific task and might be relegated to only those who are given a specific profession. 

I use the terms a bit different. I use them more as verbs...action oriented. I use them to be inclusive (not exclusive). The easiest way I can describe "Ministry" (the way I see it) is "Mentoring". Mentoring is more than teaching a specific subject or coaching a specific skill...it's coming alongside others and caring for them in such a way that helps to bring out the best of who they are (think Mr. Miagee in The Karate Kid...he did more than teach karate, or coach self defense skills...he mentored life to Daniel). Mentoring can be accomplished in countless ways and look like just about anything.  

I’ve ministered to (mentored) people of all ages through creative activities and artistic focus within ministry (mentoring). I've curated a gallery for 6 years which allows for artists of all ages and skill levels to learn that what they create is important and worth being seen, and have led small group ministry (mentoring) to artists allowing for safe places for them to explore and pursue who they are at their core. I’ve worked side by side with other Art Ministers connecting with artists and getting to see people gain a deeper understanding of themselves as creative beings created by God. I have been and am currently also a part of a group of ecumenical Art Ministers from around the United States, Canada, and the UK who meet annually in Texas to cross pollinate and learn from each other.

I love to travel. My father was in the US Navy and so I've grown up traveling. As an adult, I have found that I have an innate desire to travel and experience other places, cultures, people in this world along with my own. I have traveled throughout the US and overseas (and have lived overseas). Throughout the years I’ve traveled around the world (sometimes for exploring and sometimes to serve and help in other countries). 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 what I am doing today.

What is "Art Ministry"? or an "Art Minister"?: 

An "Art Minister" is someone who mentors others through creativity, and oftentimes will specifically mentor Artists. It was in 2010 that I recognized how I could join art and ministry (mentoring) and missions (mentoring in places beyond what I have known) together by traveling to places where I already have connections (people I’ve met throughout the years who are already living and serving abroad to communities small and large, whether through the influence of specific churches, world wide missions organizations, business in communities, or relationship with others) to bring art as a form of ministry 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 take art and ministry around the world.

You see I really do believe that creativity is a language that transcends all other languages, all nations, cultures, and borders (all cultures throughout history have their own forms of art, music, textiles, stories, etc.). It's a language we all share...it's the language of our Creator (no matter what religion people have faith in, there is art that expresses that religion). It may look or sound a bit different depending upon where we live and who we are, and some of us might be a bit rusty at first engagement, but it's a language that we all speak. 

About the Conversation:

I believe Creativity is like a conversation. There are conversations going on all the time. Conversations with the people and the work of their hands, with people and God, with people and nature, with people and humankind, with people and self. Creativity allows me to come alongside others and enter into the conversations that are already happening with them. I love listening to the conversations (it's an honor, a sacred thing). If I'm invited into the conversations this brings about collaboration. Collaboration is an invitation to the sharing of ideas and it's a huge part of building relationship. I believe humankind is a relational people. We need each other. I believe we were created that way by a creative God who is all about relationship with us. And I believe we've been given creativity as a language to relate to each other with. When we connect into the conversation through creativity and allow for collaboration, we are helping to build community together and this helps foster relationship. And the walls become invisible between us. 

How Do I "Do" This "Traveling Art Ministry"?:

Since I started traveling for this purpose I have been able to do art and ministry in countries like Ireland, Ecuador, New Zealand, Lithuania, Scotland, Canada and throughout the USA (on and off the mainland), and I am currently in the process of planning an upcoming trip to Thailand. I have mostly traveled on my own...but have also traveled with other Art Ministers. 

Each of these trips looks different from the other as they are hand tailored to the specific country, culture, people, ecumenical relationships and needs of those I would be ministering to. Most of my work has been with adults but I have also worked with youth and children also. I’ve done anything from facilitating collaborative art projects for large and small groups, designing and implementing community art murals, leading small group therapeutic or ministerial art activities, painting live for local events, painting live for worship services, painting live/accompanying a pastor’s sermon for church services, painting live and speaking the sermon for church services, meeting with artistic groups to discuss how to implement creative art ministry, and allowing for relational ministry (however that needs to look). 

How do I fund these trips? It's all done out of my own pocket and by those who individually desire to generously gift to me. Let me be clear, I am not getting paid to do this. I get no monies from the government, churches, missions organizations, or any other official institution to take these travels. Unlike my art business, I don't require my hosts (whom I already have friendship with) to pay me for these "Art Ministry Trips". The only thing I ask is to be able to stay with them and eat with them while I'm with them). I fund these trips through relationship. It's a free gift. I give the time. I give the mentoring. I give the art. It's about relationship. Human to human. Heart to heart.

In 2012 I formed a group of 12 Pastors and Art Ministers (from different church denominations) surrounding me who serve as my "Commissioning Group". Why and What is that you ask? My "Commissioning Group" provide support, prayer, and accountability. There's a lot involved (behind the scenes) to do a trip like I do. And though I am often the sole person on these trips...they are as much a part of them as I am. My "Commissioning Group" meets with me before my trips to help me prepare. I do tons of research about the places, people, cultures, and specific needs of those I will be traveling to. My "Commissioning Group" partners with me in helping me to prepare for the trips. They message with me daily while I am out on the trips (keeping in contact and up to date on how things are going). And they debrief with me once I am back from my trips (helping me process through my experiences and what I've learned). They are my lifeline while I am out on the field and they are my soft place to land when I come back. 


Why I DO this thing called "Art Ministry":

Because I am compelled. One thing I’ve learned through what I get to do as an "Art Minister"…it’s not about me (I'm not traveling with these trips so I can gain or so I can see the world or so I can be known)...it's about relationship with others. And...(unlike creating a painting for a paying client whom I'm contracted with through my art business) it’s not really about the art either (the art is the starting point). It will always be about relationship. Heart to heart. About God’s heart for people and how connecting with other humans is an important part of ministry (mentoring). What I get to do as an "Art Minister" is to be a part of conversation in collaboration (between me and God and my hosts, and those we’re ministering to, and those who are praying and supporting and donating supplies for the activities, etc.) and it’s a privilege to be a part of it throughout this world in so many places and in so many ways.  We all get to play in some way. What I have found is that my purpose and point out there on these trips usually has so many layers it's difficult to say "this is why I am going" or "this is why I went". But I what I do know is that there is usually deep stuff taking place within all involved and my presence on the trip (however long and however it looked) was an important part of this journey we call life together. 

I am very appreciative of all of my experiences. The training I received throughout my education, along with work and volunteer experiences, was the beginning of an incredible adventure that God set before me. Today, as a "Traveling Art Minister", I love what I get to do. I get to paint on people’s lives. 

Would you like to partner with me on these Art Ministry adventures?

For those of you who might be interested in this aspect of what I do, would you want  to partner with me in prayer as I continue to listen to the conversation and enter into it through creative Traveling Art Ministry? 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're interested in individually contributing through a financial gift or art supplies to help towards a future trip...Contact me at: revelatorart@yahoo.com

I have been writing about my adventures on my Traveling Artist blogsite:

www.traveling-artist.blogspot.com

You can check out each trip page by clicking on a tab at the top of that sites homepage. 

To continue to follow my adventures, you can subscribe to that site through RSS feed or you can receive the posts in your email by entering in your email address in the box provided on the site for email subscription. 

And if you are interested in hosting me on a future Art Ministry adventure, where I can partner with you to connect through creativity with those you are already reaching in your community, please contact me.

Thank you. 

Lisa Marten

Adventures Pursued:

Scotland/UK (2000-2002)
New Zealand 2011

Lithuania 2012

Alaska 2012

Scotland 2012

Pacific Northwest 2013

*Seattle, WA

*Vancouver Canada

*Bellingham, WA

*Portland, OR

Hawaii 2014

Seattle 2014

Oregon Coast 2014

Maui 2015

Lithuania 2015

Travels with VineArts:
Ireland 2008

Ecuador (La Vina Quito) 2010

Annual Art Ministers Retreat. Laity Lodge, Texas (2010-2015)

CIVA Conference 2011

Creative Church Conference (bi-annually 2012,2014,2016)

Vineyard USA Conference 2013

Local Pursuits:

Live Painting at churches, concerts, fundraisers, and art events 

Performance Art at art events with Marten Evergreen

MORE ART TRAVELS TO COME!

I’m always open for wherever the conversation leads me.

Confirmed Travels for 2016:

• Thailand

"Mystic Lover"

24x36 mixed media on canvas.

c. 2015 Lisa Marten.

Not For Sale

This is the 4th painting in my Self Portrait Series...and depicts the Traveling Art Minister facet of Who I Am. 

a night of "communion" at envision

last night, at a local gathering for creatives of faith (called ENVISION: which meets to build community and inspire each other in who we are and what we do), i had the wonderful opportunity to share about being a traveling art minister. 

i set up the room in the round with a mock campfire in the middle. i tried to create the atmosphere of those moments we experience in intimate community around a campfire while sharing drink and food and stories and music and parts of who we are with each other. 

this is what i was going for...

okay so it actually looked more like this...

but hey it was inside during the cold of winter with around 35 people, so ya know, i improvised. 

and let me tell you the setting didn't matter at all on the quality of conversation and connection that took place amongst people while we gathered. 

we talked about what it means to minister to each other and what that can look like through creativity.  i brought up the importance of "communion" in community (connecting with others through relationship) which can look like so many things but always has the purpose of love. and we worked together on an art project as an example of that.  

the art project represented how we are all broken & hurting people with inner struggles of life. being in relationship with God guarantees us we are not alone and there is hope. being in relationship with Community allows us the safety to experience the hard work of inner healing and see it lived out daily. when we begin to trust God with our lives and start to give those areas that are hinderances, struggles, heartaches, pains over to him to partner with us for healing and growth...and when we allow him to do that within the safety of trusted fellow human beings, he is able to create some beautiful things in us and others. 

while we created, my friend & artist, Jessie Nilo played some beautiful songs for us on her guitar, continuing the mood of intimate campfire communion...

here is the result of 3 groups made up of broken people (all of us are) working on a new creation together with each other and with God...

photo taken by J Lund

i enjoyed the conversations we had with each other (whether verbally or through the art activity or just through our presence together). we are all creative (made by a creative God). what can we do with our creativity? we were all made for relationship and we were all made to minister to each other. 

thank you to all who attended this month's ENVISION meeting and for partnering and participating in the ongoing conversation that God is having with us.

if you want to learn more about ENVISION and how you can get involved, you can click here.

if you want to learn more about my art travels and how i minister throughout the world through creativity you can click here.

The Pilgrimage to Laity

The past few years I've traveled with a group of art ministry leaders from VineArts Boise to a remote location in Texas to attend the annual "Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists" held at Laity Lodge by arts pastor David Taylor. This year was my fourth consecutive year traveling to the four day retreat and like each one before it, I've come back filled and inspired and encouraged about my role as an art minister.

The pilgrimage to connect in community with other arts ministers from around the States and the world each year is not an easy one. When I say that, I mean that there is a lot of time, money, committment, and preparation involved with the decision to attend (and not just on an individual basis, but also on a team basis). Like most conferences, seminars, retreats, and other meetings where there is travel, transportation, accomodation, meals, and session times involved...there is a registration cost (this particular retreat registration includes the cost of accomodation, meals, and sessions) along with the cost of flights and car rental and any meals outside of the time at the retreat.

One reason why I'm even bringing this up is to make note that as a traveling art minister (who isn't being paid for this particular aspect of what I do and am completely reliant on my art sales through my art business) the journey to Laity Lodge each year requires trust and faith that the financial and time committment will be covered. The other reason I bring this up is that, unlike my other art ministry travels that take me solo to other countries or states where I connect through creativity by partnering with pastors, missionaries, or friends who are already reaching out to their communities in relationship, this particular trip is embarked upon with one or more arts ministers from the VineArts Ministry in Boise. So the trip is contingent on schedules and finances of the entire group going. We each pay our own registration costs but work together to fundraise for the travel expenses through the VineArts Ministry.

One creative way we do this is to make fresh salsa together as a team and sell it to raise money for the trip. The totals of sales help to determine if our trips transportation cost will be met. The salsa has always been a big hit with supporters and we spend numerous days advertising, creating, canning, and selling the homemade cilantro lime salsa (a family recipe of one of our leaders) each year. The committment to this fundraiser has become a valued experience for those leaders planning to attend Laity and even for those leaders who won't be attending but enjoy the collaboration and will ultimately gain from the collective learning that Laity provides those who do attend. 

I enjoy being able to travel to Laity with leaders from the VineArts Boise arts ministry each year, as it allows not just for an individual experience but also for a collaborative experience. The act of prepping and planning, traveling and partaking, sharing and debriefing together, allows for a richer, deeper, more meaningful experience along the way. The shared experience enhances and encourages each of us as we endeavor to minister to artists individually and collectively.

I want to also quickly mention that though this is titled "Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists" and though there certainly is emphasis on respite and renewal, this is not a vacation. It's a deliberate intimate gathering of Pastors, Ministers, Priests, Missionaries, Theologians, Scholars, Directors, Producers, Musicians, Singer/Songwriters, Artists, Poets, Writers, Dancers, Sculptors, and many other creatives and practitioners who have a commonality to care for the hearts of creatives within their communities (inside and outside of the church). People travel from all over the States and other countries representing numerous Christian denominations and organizations specifically for the opportunity to learn from each other regarding their work with creatives. It really is a very unique gathering of individuals and a very sacred time carved out for those who attend.

Each year there are different featured speakers and artists scheduled to share based on a predetermined theme or topic. In years past we've been honored by speakers like Poet Luci Shaw, Iconographer Frederica Green, Music Producer Charlie Peacock. This year the topic was "Being Caretakers of the Imagination" and the featured speakers were James Smith- Professor of Philosophy and Adjunct Professor at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. and David Taylor-pastor, artist, author of "For the Beauty of the Church". The featured artists were Artist-Jay Walker; Professor of Art at Seattle Pacific University and sculptor-Roger Feldman; Painter-Jim Janknegt. The featured musician was Director of Worship Arts, Trinity Presbyterian Bifrost Arts-Isaac Wardell.

I won't go into details here about what was shared and discussed during this particular retreat (I need to wade through my notes and the files in my head and heart first) but I do want to say that the conversations and the connections at these retreats have been and are priceless to me. They seem to naturally set the tone and theme for my year. It takes me months, even years to process all that I experience at these retreats. I've learned to allow myself the time to do this. And I've learned that what was taken in on one retreat may not make sense until another...this is the process of allowing myself to dip into the deep wells of all that I've experienced at them and drink when the time is right, in order to understand my role as an art minister.

Another cherished thing about these gatherings is the meeting of those who understand each other. I remember the first time I attended the retreat after meeting fellow art ministers from all over the world, I had felt like I had found my "tribe". Fact is, we've all been journeying together for 4-5 years now...and we're becoming a family of art ministers. And like any family we are made up of individuals who have diverse backgrounds and views, focuses and specialties, giftings and callings...but we are family...and we are all on this pilgrimage together. And I will continue to make the journey as I can.

The Creative Church Conference

The following is part of an informational email from the Director of VineArts in Boise, Idaho about The Creative Church Conference being held at Vineyard Boise July 13-15. This conference is near and dear to my heart and I want you to know about it. I'm on the leadership team for VineArts and am on the planning team for the conference. I will be co-facilitating a couple of breakout workshops and painting live a couple of times during the conference. We're looking to have the conversation with creatives, with pastors & ministers, with lay leaders, and with anyone who is open to embracing the arts within the local church. Please read on and click on the links to find out what I'm referring to...

The Creative Church Conference

July 13-15 at Vineyard Boise

Boise, Idaho

Creative: The way you are made, in your Father's image.
Church: Where two or more are gathered in Jesus' name.
Arts: Creative ways to play and express.
Ministry: Doing small (mini) things to bless others.
Conference: A time to learn and share.

If God made you creative, are you intrigued to know why? If you are a leader, do you have a heart to bless artists?

As far as we can tell, an arts ministry conference is a fairly new concept for discussing ways the visual arts, writing, poetry, film, and theater as well as dancing and music can be natural applications of worship, processing, prayer, and outreach by the local church. Many denominations and sizes of churches are registered to attend this inaugural conference in Boise, several from other states and some from outside the United States.

At The Creative Church in Boise July 13-15, Scott McElroy (author of "Finding Divine Inspiration") and Manuel Luz (author of "Imagine That") will discuss why beauty matters to God, and why art needs to matter to the Church. Rory Noland (author of "The Heart of the Artist") will gently examine some of the hazards that come with being artistic and ways to overcome those hazards. Dave Blakeslee (Pastor & Potter) will suggest ways artists and pastors can relate with each other. Our workshops will explore creative applications of ministering through the arts and practical lessons learned from mistakes. Please take these opportunities to share your knowledge with us!

Read about our speakers and the schedule.

We feel this is the beginning of something beautiful.

Think of a creative person who needs this conference, and let them know about it.

Our heart is to bless YOUR local fellowship. Our hope is to offer The Creative Church again in 2014, repeated as a biennial conference for years to come until nobody needs it anymore. May God bring the day when "the arts" and "beauty" cause people to think of the church. That time has begun. Please shape the foundations with us.

Registration is $75.
Register here.
partial scholarships are available.
For the hotel discount and free shuttle between the Boise airport, hotel, and conference, click here.

We want you here. We NEED you here.
May God bless you and the creative works of your hands.
Jessie Nilo
Director of VineArts

A Fundraising Art Show for my Creative Travels

Sunday June 17, 2012

The Woman of Steel Gallery

3640 W. Chinden, Garden City (Boise) ID, 83714

3pm sharp to 5pm

Free to Come

Semi-Formal

Catered Food & Wine

Live Jazz Music by Rex&Beverly

Live Painting&Dance by Lisa Marten&Lukas Evergreen

My paintings on display&for sale

Chance to pre-order/pre-pay for giclee prints of selected paintings

Silent Auction of a painting

Raffle drawing of the painting created live

Opportunity to help support my creative art travels

2 FULL HOURS OF ART & ENTERTAINMENT

Go Paint on People's Lives

After only being back a couple of weeks from eastern Europe...I'm heading back out on the artistic trail to continue my creative adventures. This time I'm traveling to the last frontier: the wilderness of Alaska!

I've been asked to by a college friend to come up and connect with some artists and musicians and see what kinds of creative fun we get ourselves into. So once again I'm packing my paintbrushes and with my pack on my back I'm setting out to go love people all around the world (even in the remotest places of the United States).

What an amazing adventure I'm on!!! I love love love what I get to do!!!

Keep watch at Traveling Artist for updates, stories and photos as I head north to hit the trails, and wilderness, and the tundra, and the mountains, and the waters, and the coffee houses of the wilds of Alaska and continue partnering with God and others to paint on people's lives.

everyone gets to play!

"It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."-Bilbo

3 backpacks. That's a picture of my bags packed and ready to go. The black one on the right is the one with my clothes for the trip. It will be a carry-on for my air travel and will easily ride on my back (thanks to fellow Seattle-ite and world known travel guide, Rick Steves). It has ventured to far away lands with me before and has been a trusted friend. The little one in front is the one with my journal and paints and books to be close to me as my one personal item. It's excited to accompany me, having traveled countless times to places all over this big blue marble as an extension of me. The one on the left with the red & blue coloring is the one experiencing it's first journey. It is stuffed with a huge variety of new art supplies for the purpose of "painting on people's lives". It will be checked into the cargo hold for the crossing journey. It's the one with the treasure awaiting to land and be freely given, poured out, and lavished as an offering of love. Myself and the other two backpacks will at some point return to the States to continue our creative adventures together, but this third one...it will stay in Lithuania (where I am traveling to this month)...it will get to experience it's own adventures with a new owner, for it has a different path to hike. Yes, "everyone gets to play"...even backpacks.

To follow my artistic travel and creative adventures in art ministry, go to my blogsite where I post about and document my trips: Traveling Artist

You can opt to subscribe to the feed or email updates.

Next trip: Lithuania



Save This Date: June 17, 2012: Live Painting Performance & Art Exhibit Fundraiser

Cherie Kemp Presents

A Fundraiser Celebration to Support the Creative Travels of

Abstract Expressionist Artist LISA MARTEN

You are invited to an afternoon of art & music

LIVE PAINTING PERFORMANCE & EXHIBIT

Sunday June 17, 2012

The Woman of Steel Gallery

3640 W. Chinden Blvd.

Garden City, ID 83714

begins 3pm sharp.ends at 5pm

 

"Come and enjoy and afternoon of art & music in the elegant and artistic atmosphere of The Woman of Steel Gallery owned by artist Irene Deely, for an exclusive fundraising Art Exhibit & Live Performance featuring the art of abstract expressionist artist, Lisa Marten. Hear about Lisa's upcoming creative adventures in art, travel, and ministry and get a chance to engage with her and learn how you can help support her work. Several of her mixed media abstract expressionist paintings will be on display and for sale. Along with the chance to order limited prints of some of her work, there will be an opportunity to win a painting that will be auctioned off. Experience live jazz music by Rex & Beverly, fine catering by private caterer Lauren Ianniciello, and a special live performance of painting and dance by artists Lisa Marten & Lukas Evergreen."

photography by Starry Night Media. Graphic Design by Jessie Nilo.

Painting Live...I love what I get to do!

Ya know how there are some things in life ya just really love to do that make you all happy & giddy inside when ya get to do them?...well one of the things I really love to do is be able to paint live. It just makes me happy to be able to set up my easel, paints, and canvas and gather a crowd around to interact with as I paint to music or teaching. I've been painting live for various events at various venues over the last 6 years. Sometimes I've painted live at local rock concerts and art events. Other times I've painted live at local churches during their worship services or during dramatic readings. And still other times I've painted for private parties as part of the entertainment. Whether I'm painting in a church or a concert venue, for payment or for the pure joy of it, one thing that is consistant for me...I love the collaboration process that I get to experience as the act of my painting partners with the musicians, the singers, the speakers, the crowd and God...and I get the wonderful opportunity to connect with the human spirit as I interact with people before, during, and after.

This month I have the honor of painting live at  Trinity Presbyterian Church in Boise . They contacted me when they were looking for an artist that does the sort of live painting that I do. They asked if I could come join them for a couple of Sundays as part of their morning worship services to paint something that would coincide with their current sermon series. Now having a live painter in their worship services has not been done before...so this particular church was stepping out into a whole new world of creative freedom for themselves by inviting me to join them in this way. I have to say...I love doing this sort of thing...getting the chance to utilize my talents to give glory to God and as a way of collaborating with people (other churches, other styles of worship) in creative ways to help others connect in and be drawn deeper in understanding and in experiencing worship. The best part for me is that it's never really about me. I may be the one with a spotlight on me painting, but there's always a bigger picture...there's always a deeper meaning behind it all. And for this church, the bigger picture-the deeper meaning is more about recognizing that everyone has gifts and talents and we are all important and have a place and a role in this story, we're meant to live our lives fully alive, and be who God meant us to be...and perhaps by me doing something new in their presence like painting live and creating something they can all connect in with...perhaps they too might find themselves opening up more, letting their creativity come forth in new ways, and perhaps they might be encouraged to live life fully in who they are meant to be (inside and outside of the church).

My first Sunday to paint was yesterday. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience of collaborating with everyone who was a part of their morning worship...the greeters who welcomed, the singers who sang, the musicians who played, the sound & audio visual technicians, those who prayed, those who read Scripture, the Pastor who spoke, the children, and the congregation who came to be a part of it all. Everyone had an important part. We all contributed to the worship experience. I was honored at their invitation to be a part of this with them all.

Their current sermon series is on the Seven Deadly Sins (Lust, Gluttony, Envy, Sloth, Anger, Greed, Pride). The Pastor is taking one Sunday per sin to talk about how that sin can affect us, our relationships with others, and our relationship with God. And he is sharing about how important it is to allow Christ into our lives to redeem and renew us (through His saving & forgiving blood).

"SEPARATION"

4foot by 4foot mixed media on canvas sound panel

This is the first of a 2 painting series I will do for Trinity Presbyterian in Boise. This painting represents how it can look and feel like when we are consumed by our own selfishness. The background was created with latex house paints (a base coat to add texture), acrylic paints (layers of colors added with brushes, rags, my hands), a water bottle (used to create drips & other textures), and paper (with the image of a person curled up&words typed throughout that speak of specific sins, what sin does to us, how it makes us feel, and how we can become when it takes us over). I painted it throughout the service. It formed and changed and evolved before all of our eyes over an hour and 15 minutes.

After the service was finished I had the chance to talk and interact with several of the people of Trinity Presbyterian.They all seemed so thankful and excited to have experienced me being there with them. I was giddy with joy as I got to talk with people. I really enjoyed listening to their hearts and hearing about who they were and how the painting was speaking to them in their lives. Some people let me know that they found themselves connecting with the sermon at a deeper more meaningful level as they watched the painting evolve. Some of them even confessed to me that they had hidden creative talents themselves and they were so encouraged and inspired by watching me paint that they had a new desire to express themselves through that creativity! And some of them seemed to linger in conversation with me as if it say "you get me, thank you". I sensed something shifted for those people. Something tells me that church will never be the same again.

Oh yes! It's never really about me. But I will continue to be open & willing to put myself out there in creative ways...to love on people and to see them come alive.

I love what I get to do!

I will paint the second painting in the series in 2 weeks during another Sunday morning worship service. 

2012 Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists

 VineArts Art Ministers from Boise Idaho: (b) Kathy, Dean (f) Lisa, Jessie, Sherri

five of us leaders from the VineArts Ministry at Vineyard Boise traveled from Boise, Idaho to a secluded retreat center Laity Lodge in a river canyon outside of Leaky, Texas where we joined around 50 other Art Ministers, from all over the US that represented various Christian denominations, for a 4 day time of rest, connection, learning, conversation, inspiration, creativity, and worship together.

this was my third time attending this annual retreat that focuses on not just the artist, but the art practitioner (those who have a heart to connect with, encourage, mentor, work with and understand the artist). we were given lots of free time amidst nature's beauty to refresh ourselves, lots of connection time amongst eachother to learn and be inspired, and lots of creative time to experience the talents of others and be inspired within our own talents. we enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the whole place and the generous hospitality of the center staff. we experienced the enriching teachings of author/arts pastor David Taylor, singer/songwriter/producer Charlie Peacock, dancer Sandra Organ-Solis, and artist/sculptor/gallery curator Ginger Geyer. we were treated to the beautiful music of Charlie Peacock, Elizabeth Ann Larson and Steuart Pincombe, and many other talented musicians & singers along with the glorious dancing of Sandra Organ-Solis. and we build new friendships and cultivated old ones amongst such an amazing pool of quality people who dedicate their lives to loving people (the artist, in particular).

The "Art Tribe"...those who attended the 2012 Retreat for Pastors and Ministers to Artists.

my head is still spinning with all that i experienced on this years retreat. i'm thankful for this group of people who get me and i them. i can't wait to go back next year! 

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...