By Erik Peterson

If we know that discouragement is absolutely not a recipe for success, then why do we often resort to it in our art?  

We tell ourselves we aren’t good enough. We nitpick the smallest of mistakes. We say things to ourselves we would never say to a friend.

As a result, our art suffers and we suffer.  Isn’t...

by Erik Peterson

“Like all art, poems are only hints and guesses that draw our attention to something larger.” - Luci Shaw

Art is a window through which we glimpse the rays of eternity. In this way, all true and good art, whether poetry or pottery, music or mixed media, allow us to see out of our narrowness into an expansive...

by Erik Peterson

Recently Mandy and I have been re-watching all the original Star Wars movies. Every time I watch these films, I am struck by the bold vision of George Lucas.

Despite overwhelming odds (all but one studio turned down the project), and a process that took five years to finely tune and complete the script, Lucas ended up creating a...

by Erik Peterson

This is a 3-part series exploring the journey of wholeness in our lives as we follow Jesus. In Part 1 (Spiritual Life) we saw how God desires to use every aspect of our lives (mind, body, emotions, relationships, work, art, play, finances) to grow us to become more like Him. In Part 2 (Creative Work) we explored 7 essential...

by Erik Peterson

This is a 3-part series exploring the journey of wholeness in our lives as we follow Jesus. In Part 1 (Spiritual Life) we saw how God desires to use every aspect of our lives (mind, body, emotions, relationships, work, art, play, finances) to grow us to become more like Him. Here in Part 2, we’ll be exploring the...

By Erik Peterson

There is a deeply held conviction in our culture, a belief that runs so deep that we are often blind to its underlying presence. It can affect every aspect of our lives - from our art, to our work and our relationships. 

It’s the belief that we are all alone, that it’s “all up to me” when we embark...

As I sat down to write this morning, I was flummoxed.

(Flummoxed: adjective, bewildered or perplexed, as in "he became flummoxed and speechless)

It's highly unusual for an Irishman to become flummoxed. 

Having received the gift of the gab from Ireland's Blarney Stone, an Irishman always has something to say, as in "I'm Irish,...