Book showcasing creative Christians an instant hit
VANCOUVER, BC—In 2004, David Vandas's wife received a vision that she knew was intended for her husband. It caused him many sleepless nights, until in 2010, the dream began to take shape.
"I knew the point of it was to generate a sense of creative Christian community," says Vandas, himself a professional video and film director. "In the Vancouver area, there are a lot of different scattered pockets, groups that aren't really aware of each other.
"I did feel in prayer the Father saying, 'I want to make these ones known to the body.'"
The result is a 256-page book called We Make Stuff. It showcases the works and thoughts of 100 creative Vancouver-area Christians, including musicians, filmmakers, painters, sculptors, actors, writers, designers, chefs, and even a shipbuilder.
The coffee table-sized book went to the printers at the end of October, and will be available for purchase in time for Christmas. It has already presold about 600 copies.
"I've not encountered anything quite like it," says well-known singer-songwriter Brian Doerksen in a letter to pastors in support of the book.
"Supporting a local creative initiative like this would be so encouraging for the artists that are using their gifts to make a God-breathed difference in our world. And it will give you and your congregation a fascinating and clear window into amazingly diverse artistic journeys."
Vandas hopes the book will address the "tension" many Christian artists experience on two fronts.
"In much of the Church, there's just very little understanding or recognition or validation of these Christians who are directly affecting the culture," he says. At the same time, "their faith journey is not valued by their creative peers."
"Creative people have a different lens or filter through which they see and process life," says Regent College arts administrator Ali Cumming in an email. She was one of 15 editors who selected which artists to feature in We Make Stuff.
"In this regard, the book may help raise awareness and open doors for further conversation and education in the local church and community, or, perhaps simply be a beautiful testimony of God's grace."
That impact is being felt already. "Quite a few churches are inviting us to put on exhibits or galleries or whatever," Vandas says. And it is being talked about "in spheres that are completely non-Christian," such as the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
"I know of folks overseas (as far away as South Africa) who are not Christian, and want a copy of the book," Cumming adds.
Vandas does not rule out future volumes showcasing artists from across Canada, but says "the dots are not connecting yet." Nor is he keen at this point to expand into areas such as We Make Stuff conferences or staging exhibits in other cities.
"It's fascinating there's this demand, but sometimes it's easiest to address things when you just keep it simple," he says. "It's not that we would say no to possibilities, but it would have to come back to serving the need rather than just, what else can we do?"
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
